LEARNING STYLES Learning styles are the ways in which children take in new information and process for

later use. Some children take in more information visually while other take information through tactile. There are three main types of learning styles: visual, auditory, and kinaesthetic (or physical). Sometimes students use a combination of two or more of these learning styles. 1. Visual learner 1.1 Characteristics of visual learners 1.2 How to work with visual learners 2. Auditory learner 2.1 Characteristics of auditory learners 2.2 How to work with auditory learners 3. Kinaesthetic learner 3.1 Characteristics of kinaesthetic learners 3.2 How to work with kinaesthetic learners There is a link between learning styles and Professor Howard Gardners theory of Multiple Intelligences. According to Prof. Gardners there are eight intelligences: 1. Linguistic intelligence 2. Logical and Mathematical intelligence 3. Musical intelligence 4. Bodily Kinaesthetic intelligence 5. Spatial intelligence 6. Interpersonal intelligence 7. Intrapersonal intelligence 8. Naturalistic intelligence

1. VISUAL LEARNERS They learn best by watching and visual learner is someone who needs to see it to know it. A visual learner may have: - Have a strong sense of colour and be very colour-oriented. - Need to look at the person hes talking to in order to keep focused. - Write things down as a way of remembering. - Use his hands when he talks - Overreact to sounds or be easily distracted by noise - Hold images in his head. A visual learner can literally see the passage from a page in a book in his minds eye. 1.1 Characteristics: Visual learners usually: Like to read. Are good spellers. Memorize things by seeing them on paper. Are organized. Would rather watch, than talk or do. Have good handwriting. Notice details. Remember faces better than names. Have trouble following verbal directions. Are easily distracted by noise. Doodle on their paper. 1.2 How to work with visual learners. There are many ways to cater to a visual learners strengths. - When you can, write it down for her, or have her write it especially directions. - I will use illustrations, charts, diagrams, and slides to reinforce learning.

- To use colourful flashcards, pictures, charts is very effective. - I talk them face-to-face. they need eye contact. - I will use colour pens, and colour chalks. They are allow to make some activities with colour markers and highlighters. If he/she writes letters in colour, he/she is more likely to visualize the words and learn them. - I will use colour code notes, toys, and other possessions. - I will provide a quiet classroom when reading time. Here are some strategies that can help visual learners succeed in school. Practice reading by: Putting each letter on a card and have students arrange words. Putting words on cards and have students arrange into sentences. Putting sentences on paper strips to teach sequencing and paragraphing. Showing the visual patterns in words (i.e., word families) Practice other subjects by: Using visuals to teach lessons, including pictures, graphics, images, charts, outlines, story maps, and diagrams When giving verbal directions, write down key words or phrases and use visuals Demonstrate what you want your child to do. Use dry erase boards with colored markers. Use color cues, framing and symbols to highlight key information. Encourage your child to write down and highlight key information. Encourage the use of flashcards when memorizing (i.e., math facts). Provide visual activities, including maps, videos, models, puzzles, matching activities, computers, and word searches

2. AUDITORY LEARNER He/she is best described as someone who has to hear it to hold it. A child is most likely an auditory learner if he/she: - Likes to tell stories and jokes - Often talks to himself as he is tackling a new task - Has difficulty following written directions - Has trouble with writing - Does not read body language or facial expressions well - Studies best in groups with other students - Is very social - Asks lots of questions - Hums quite a bit - Is noisier or louder than most children - Likes to narrate his own actions 2.1 Characteristics: Auditory Learners Usually: Enjoy talking. Talk aloud to themselves. Like explaining things to others. Remember names. Recognize variations in a persons tone of voice. Understand concepts better by talking about them. Are distracted by background noise. Have difficulty following written directions. Read slowly. Have difficulty being quiet for extended periods of time. Like being read to.

Memorize things by repeating them aloud. Enjoy music. Whisper the words on the page as they read. Hum or sing often. Like being around other people. Enjoy the performing arts. If your child is an auditory learner, she will probably benefit from traditional learning techniques, as most classrooms revolve around a teacher verbally giving lessons to a group of students. 2.2 How to work with auditory learner. There are many ways to work with an auditory learners strengths. - When your child is little, read aloud to her. When shes able to read alone, encourage her to read aloud either to another person or quietly to herself. Encourage her to follow the text with her index finger while she is reading. - Your child may need to hear directions to process and learn them. Clearly explain new concepts and tasks to your child. - Help your child form a study group with kids from her class. Hearing her peers ideas bouncing around will allow her to come up with her own. - Purchase a small handheld tape or digital recorder for your child to record test questions. Having a parent or friend read questions aloud will also help. Here's a List of Strategies to Help Auditory Learners Succeed in School: Teach reading by having your child: Use the phonetic approach. Use rhyming word games. Read aloud, even when reading independently.

Use auditory materials to teach lessons, including: Video CD Books on tape Melodies, rhythms and beats to reinforce information Have your child: Answer questions orally. Give oral reports. Repeat facts aloud with their eyes closed. Use repetition to memorize. Recite information aloud when theyre studying (i.e., facts, spelling words). Use tape recorders to record and play back lessons. Participate in small and large group discussions before working independently. Study in groups.

3. KINAESTHETIC LEARNERS They need to be engaged to get it. If you observe the following traits in your child over time, it could be indicative of a kinaesthetic learning style. 3.1 Characteristics of kinaesthetic learners : Kinesthetic Learners Usually: Physical learners generally need to: Move around a lot Touch, feel and handle things Like to touch people theyre talking to Tap their pencil or foot while doing schoolwork Enjoy physical activities Take frequent breaks when studying Do not spend a lot of time reading Have difficulty spelling correctly Like to solve problems by physically working through them Like to try new things Are coordinated and agile Are considered hyperactive Express their feelings physically (i.e., hugging, hitting) Move their hands when they talk Dress for comfort, instead of style Lay on the floor or bed when studying Enjoy touching things Have difficulty sitting still for extended periods of time Excel in athletics and the performing arts

3.2 How to work with kinaesthetic learners Strategies to Help Kinaesthetic Learners Succeed: Provide your child with hands-on learning tools, including: Abacus (manual math tool with horizontal rods and moveable beads) Modeling clay Number lines Models Sandpaper and carpet to trace letters, shapes, and numbers Drawing materials Puzzles Wooden numbers and letters Globes and maps Blocks and cubes Felt boards Computers Geoboards with rubber bands (a square board with vertical and horizontal lines created by pegs used to teach shapes and geometric concepts) Provide your child with hands-on learning opportunities, including: Experiments Field trips Role playing Projects Games There are many ways to work with kinaesthetic strengths. -Talk up auditions for the school play. The dramatic arts can be a wonderful outlet for kinaesthetic learners.

- Encourage exploring outside the classroom. - Encourage him to take notes, draw diagrams, and make models. - Repetitive physical activity is key.