As summer approaches, many parents are thinking about how to keep their child learning in fun and meaningful ways. One of the best places to start? Understanding how your child learns best.
At Little Mountain, we know that no two learners are the same. Some students absorb information by seeing it, others by hearing it, and many by doing it. When parents recognize and support their child’s unique learning style, it can transform how they study, read, write, and even play.
What Is a Learning Style?
A learning style is simply the way a person prefers to take in, process, and remember information. While most children benefit from a mix of approaches, they often show a clear preference for one of the following:
- Visual learners understand best through images, diagrams, charts, and written directions.
- Auditory learners absorb information by listening and often enjoy discussions, songs, or reading aloud.
- Kinesthetic learners learn by doing – hands-on activities, movement, and real-world experiences help ideas stick.
How Can I Tell What My Child’s Learning Style Is?
Try asking yourself a few simple questions:
- Does your child love drawing, organizing, or watching how-to videos? They may be visual.
- Do they talk through their ideas or enjoy listening to stories? Likely an auditory learner.
- Are they always moving, building, or touching things while they learn? That’s often a kinesthetic trait.
You can also observe how they tackle homework:
- Do they make colourful notes or diagrams?
- Do they talk through tasks or hum while working?
- Do they struggle to sit still but thrive with interactive tasks?
Ideas to Support Each Learning Style at Home
For Visual Learners:
- Use colourful charts, timelines, and graphic organizers.
- Watch educational videos together.
- Encourage them to write and decorate their own notes or flashcards.
For Auditory Learners:
- Read books aloud or listen to audiobooks.
- Ask them to explain what they’ve learned out loud.
- Use rhymes, songs, or discussion to reinforce ideas.
For Kinesthetic Learners:
- Use hands-on activities like experiments, building, or acting things out.
- Take learning outside! Nature walks, scavenger hunts, or movement-based games.
- Let them use fidget tools or take movement breaks during study time.
Use This Summer to Learn Smarter, Not Harder
Summer is a great time to experiment with different learning approaches without the pressure of tests or deadlines. Try a few ideas that match your child’s style and see what sparks their interest.
At Little Mountain, we design our lessons with different learning styles in mind. Our summer programs blend reading, writing, and hands-on activities so that every student can engage and grow.
If you’d like advice on how to support your child’s learning style this summer, we’re here to help.