Learning styles influence our whole lives. They not only determine the senses through which we primarily perceive the world; they also influence how we express ourselves. Pay attention to how your child expresses themselves. This can be the first indication of your child’s learning style.

• Children who are auditory learners express themselves mostly through words. They understand verbal instructions the best, enjoy talking and sometimes rattle on endlessly. In addition, auditory learners listen attentively and prefer to read aloud instead of quietly to themselves.
• Children who are visual learners tend to express themselves with facial expressions. Even at a young age, they’re skilled at using their faces and expressions to communicate with other people. People who are visual learners also pay attention to the faces of other people, too.
• Children who are kinaesthetic learners use their hands to express themselves. They can often hardly keep their hands still and like to touch anything and everything – both people and objects. Kinaesthetic learners also often imitate the movements of other people (such as hand gestures or walking styles).

Learning styles are often reflected in interests. What does your child like in particular? Can you match up their hobbies with a learning style?

• Auditory learners often show a great interest in music and sounds. For example, they can remember song lyrics easily while it may be difficult for them to remember content from a book they’ve read. They like games and activities with music, and they love music class in school. In addition, children who are auditory learners can be easily distracted by noises.
• Visual learners are often interested in reading and television. And what’s the common denominator in both activities? Visual stimulation! Photographs and interesting objects can also fascinate visual-oriented children. They often have an extensive vocabulary (due to their increased reading time) and a large, active imagination.
• Kinaesthetic learners love physical activity. From swimming and running to football or basketball, sport and art are often these children’s favourite subjects – both subjects keep their hands busy! Reading is seldom liked by these children. Kinaesthetic kids need exercise and movement, and don’t like to sit still for long.

Every person uses their strengths to solve problems. Therefore, watch closely what your child does when faced with a tricky task.

• Auditory learners like to thoroughly discuss problems and possible solutions. You can often hear them murmuring to themselves when they’re doing homework or reading.
• Visual learners watch things very closely. They quickly notice when something doesn’t fit. Visual learners like to use graphics, tables or posters to solve problems, and tend to rely on visual learning materials (for example: flash cards or notes).
• Kinaesthetic learners try to solve problems with their hands. They might count on their fingers during math exercises or use a pen or pencil while reading. Learning aids which can be touched and moved can make it easier for kinaesthetic learners to solve problems.

Make careful assumptions based on genetics. Of course, there are plenty of exceptions and you shouldn’t generalise – that being said, you can keep the following tendencies in mind.

• Girls tend to be more auditory learners. Even as babies, they register sounds better than boys. Girls learn to speak earlier (because they listen more intensely) and also begin to read earlier. On the other hand, boys are more visually attentive and often grasp spatial concepts, grammar and mathematics faster.
• Learning styles are genetically hereditary. Most children have the same learning style as Mum or Dad – and often a mixture of both parents‘ learning styles. If both parents have the same learning style, your child will most likely have that one, too.

Tip: Speak with teachers and others who are regularly in contact with your child. It doesn’t matter how much time you spend with your child: sometimes other people will notice other tendencies and hints about a particular learning style. Child care professionals, preschool teachers or paediatricians can possibly give you a new point of view about your child’s learning style.

Recognising your child’s learning style is not terribly difficult. You just have to take the time to observe your children closely. As soon as you can determine a particular learning style, you should adjust your teaching style to match their learning style – whether while helping with homework or when teaching them something at home. But don’t forget: never restrict your child to one single learning style. The development of other learning styles is also important!