Learning Styles

2009-09-10T17:17:00.000-07:00

Have you noticed that your child excels in some subjects, but struggles in others? Maybe you hear the phrase "This is boring" or your child can't wait to work on his/her favorite subject? Probably the "boring" subjects are not being presented in your child's learning style. It is much easier and more fun to study when you understand the subject in your own learning style. Understanding your child's style will help you to personalize his/her study time and methods.

Teaching to your child's learning style will bring amazing results that are well worth the effort. The possibilities are limitless! Use your imagination, encourage your child's input, and have fun learning!

Test to determine learning style (It is very important to take the immediate or first reactions.)

Verbally ask your child to tell you what they think when you say the word "dog"
Depending on the age level of your child, they may picture a dog in their head or picture the shape of the word "dog" (up on the first letter, even in the middle, below on the third word). If this is their reaction - they are most likely a visual learner.
If your child repeats the word "dog" back to you, sounds it out "d-o-g" or makes a dog noise, they are most likely an auditory learner.
If you child visualizes a dog in motion or acts out a dog in motion, they are most likely a kinesthetic learner.

Learning Styles:

may enjoy art and drawing
may enjoy puzzles and mazes
takes numerous detailed notes
is usually "neat and clean"
often closes their eyes to visualize/remember something
likes to see what they are learning
may be attracted to written or spoken language that is rich in imagery
works best in a passive surrounding (minimal to no auditory or kinesthetic distractions)

TEACHING METHODS:

use visual materials such as pictures, charts, maps, graphs, flash cards, etc. The child needs a clear view of you when you are speaking so he can see body language and facial expression
use bright color to highlight points in text
encourage your child to illustrate her ideas as a picture or brainstorming bubble before writing them down
have your child write a story and illustrate it
use multi-media (e.g. computers, videos, and virtual field trips)
provide a quiet place for your child to study that is free from verbal disturbances
have your child read illustrated books
have your child visualize information as a picture to help memorization
draw symbols or pictures
visually highlight key words and pictures
use "to do" lists and written notes for organizing their day
print off their activities for the day and allow them to check off what is completed
use the closed captions on the TV so that the student can see the words as well as hear them

The Auditory Learner: Learning through listening! These students learn best through verbal discussions, lectures, listening to what others have to say, and talking things out. They interpret the underlying meanings of speech through listening to the pitch, speed, and tone of voice, as well as other nuances. To this student, written information has little meaning until it is heard. They benefit the most from reading and hearing text aloud. They

remember facts when presented in a poem, song or melody
it where they can hear, but don't necessarily pay attention to what is happening in front of them
hum or talk to themselves when they are bored
acquire knowledge when reading aloud
like to tell stories and jokes

TEACHING METHODS:

have student repeat directions/information back to the learning coach
read aloud together
encourage student to read aloud when they are studying so they can "hear" the instructions
write out a sequence of steps to solve then read the steps out loud
encourage the use of books on tape
use inflection when reading & speaking to your child, as they interpret the underlying meaning of words through tone of voice, pitch and speed
encourage your child to discuss and debate
ask your child to give speeches and presentations
create musical jingles to aid memorization
create mnemonics to aid memorization
allow your child to discuss ideas verbally
have your child dictate to someone while they write down his thoughts
use verbal analogies, and story telling to demonstrate your point

Kinesthetic (physical) learners: With the physical learner teaching to your child's learning style will bring amazing results that are well worth the effort. The possibilities are limitless! Use your imagination, encourage your child's input, and have fun learning! This child

learns best through movement and physical manipulation
likes to find out how things work and wants to touch, feel and experience what they are asked to learn
may have a short attention span
prefers to be moving to learn
shows you things rather than telling you about them
takes frequent breaks
speaks with their hands and gestures
communicates by touching
enjoys acting, drama, theater

TEACHING METHODS:

use hands-on activities such as science/math labs as a reward
create dramatic reproductions of historical events
encourage educational field trips/outings
allow the use of manipulative in any/all applicable subjects
physically touch your child a lot to assist in keeping focus
allow for fidget toys while working
allow frequent study breaks Encourage your child to move around to learn new things (e.g. recite while playing basket ball, read while on a treadmill, draw or color to learn a new concept)
let your child work at a standing position
allow her to chew gum while studying
use bright colors to highlight reading material
let your child decorate his work space with pictures/posters
allow your child to listen to music while studying
Encourage your child to skim through reading material to get a rough idea what it is about before reading it in detail

Are homeschoolers safe from bullies?

2009-07-10T04:36:00.000-07:00

The answer is no, but the way it is handled is completely different then traditionaly schooled children. The parents of homeschoolers are there and the problem is dealt with immediately in a loving way. To read more.

"The investments we make today will pay great dividends tomorrow."

2009-06-09T19:44:00.000-07:00

CONGRATULATIONS Homeschool Graduates of 2009!

Tampa Bay Graduating Class of 2009!

Great Falls Graduating Class of 2009!

Who do your want influencing your children?

2009-06-09T19:40:00.000-07:00

When your children are in public school all day you don’t have the opportunity to decide the people who influence their lives, but when your child attends home school you have the entire say in the later. Find out what one mother has to say on the topic.

What Are The Homeschool Statistics?

2009-06-09T19:31:00.000-07:00

In 2007 there were 1.5 million homeschool students in the United State. That’s about 2.9 percent of children ages 5 to 17 nationwide.

This Issue Brief provides estimates of the number and percentage of home schooled students in the United States in 2007 and compares these estimates to those from 1999 and 2003. Estimates of homeschooling in 2007 are based on data from the Parent and Family Involvement in Education Survey (PFI) of the 2007 National Household Education Surveys Program (NHES).
To read the complete home school report.

I Will Survive

2009-06-09T19:09:00.000-07:00

I'm still a newbie home school parent. "When do you become a veteran?" My son and I have just SURVIVED second grade and ouur first year of homeschool. Yes, I do mean "survived". Most days were a battle, but was the home school experience worth it? "You bet it was and I'm going to do it again next year and....

I'm sure that most of you have seen this, but it is soooo motivational on our home school bad days!

Our Homeschool Experiences

Learning Styles

Are homeschoolers safe from bullies?

"The investments we make today will pay great dividends tomorrow."

Who do your want influencing your children?

What Are The Homeschool Statistics?

I Will Survive