Learning Styles: How Does Your Child Learn Best?

When it comes to learning, the ‘how’ is just as important as the ‘what’. Understanding a child’s individual learning style is a great way to help them better understand the world around them and achieve learning outcomes. Learning styles refer to the different ways in which we learn, process, and retain information. There are four main types of learning styles:

• Visual 
• Auditory
• Tactile
• Kinesthetic

Every child learns a bit differently, whether this be by touching, doing, moving, seeing, or hearing. That’s why it’s important to understand the different types of learning styles. As your child grows, you can begin to recognise your child’s preferred learning style and encourage them to learn in their own way. 

The visual learning style

Visual learners learn through seeing. This is the most common learning style, with approximately 65% of the population being visual learners. Children who are visual learners tend to have a well-developed imagination and like to observe body language and facial expressions. They are interested in arts and crafts activities, and you can often find them engrossed in drawing. Visual learners are responsive to physical demonstrations, diagrams, picture books, and videos. Too much movement, action, or display in a classroom can be overwhelming and may distract them from learning. 

The auditory learning style

Auditory learners learn through listening. Children who are auditory learners process information by participating in group discussions, talking, and singing. They learn best by hearing information, whether this be through music, reading aloud, or listening to someone speak. When teaching auditory learners, it is important to use clear and expressive language and encourage them to ask questions. It may also be beneficial to ask them to repeat information or instructions back to you to make sure they understand. However, too much noise can distract them from learning, and they may learn best in a quiet environment. 

The tactile learning style

Tactile learners learn through touching. Children who are tactile learners enjoy project-based learning activities that allow them to use their hands, including finger painting and puzzles. They thrive when they can participate in learning activities that involve different materials and objects. This can include playdough, slime, or chalk. Tactile learners also benefit from using tools such as scissors and tape. Their environment easily distracts them, and their attention tends to follow their hands. 

The kinesthetic learning style

Kinesthetic learners learn through doing. The more physically connected they are to a learning experience, the better they will understand it. Children who are kinesthetic learners use a high level of motor skills when learning. They call on all of their senses, and like to act out events. Kinesthetic learners absorb information through physical sensations, moving, fun games, sensory exploration lessons, and hands-on activities. They must do it to learn it and may find it difficult to sit still for long periods of time.

Supporting your child’s learning style

By understanding how a child learns, we can improve how we teach and the effectiveness of our Program. It is important to note that a child may have more than one learning style. Many children have a primary learning style as well as a secondary learning style, and they can also change over time.

The Reggio Emilia Approach is designed to support the range of learning styles of our children. It’s all about collaboration between children, educators, and families to create a dynamic learning environment and foster curiosity. Our curriculum is not fixed, but flexible to cater for the interests that our children express. In this sense, our children learn about things that interest them in a way that suits their preferred learning style. Every day, we offer a variety of activities and experiences that support different learners. This is embodied by the Reggio 5; extracurricular enrichment activities that enhance our Program. These are:

• Reggio Arts

Reggio Arts explores a range of crafts, styles, and techniques, including drawing, painting, and building. Children learn how to observe and translate their thoughts into something creative. Reggio Arts supports visual, tactile, and kinesthetic learners. 

• Reggio Fitness

Reggio Fitness encourages children to participate in physical activity, develop motor and coordination skills, and recognise the importance of healthy eating habits. Activities include dancing, yoga, soccer, martial arts, and sports skills. Reggio Fitness enables visual and kinesthetic learners to thrive. 

• Reggio Music

Reggio Music helps a child’s body and mind to work together and encourages self-expression. We offer a variety of musical activities, including singing, dancing, and playing instruments. Reggio Music supports the learning of auditory and kinesthetic learners. 

• Reggio Language

Reggio Language supports the rapid growth in the language centres of a child’s brain during early childhood years. French is taught as a part of the curriculum at Reggio Emilia early learning centres. Reggio Language appeals to visual and auditory learners. 

• Reggio Earth

Reggio Earth encourages children to participate in sustainable practices and learn about the environment around them. Activities include gardening, connecting with animals, and crafting with natural materials. Reggio Earth is great for visual, auditory, tactile, and kinesthetic learners. 

By offering a variety of activities each day, we encourage children with different learning styles to participate and improve their engagement. We also encourage children to try something new by exposing them to experiences they may not typically seek out. 

As adults, we can help children better understand the world around them. A child will retain more information and develop a better understanding of their environment if information is meaningful and presented in a way that supports their individual learning style. From engaging multi-sensory activities to visual aids, Reggio Emilia purposefully incorporates all learning styles into our Program and provides each child with the resources they need to learn and thrive. To learn more about how Reggio Emilia supports the learning experiences of our children, reach out to us on 02 9891 2222 or via email at mail@reggioemilia.com.au.