8 Types of Learning Styles – To Help Your Child Learn Better

Every child is unique. Does your little one learn better through visualizing concepts or by creating a melody out of the most boring lessons? Do they like working in groups or do they work better alone?

Everyone has different learning preferences. Some children have a visual learning style while others may have auditory or verbal learning preferences. Theory of Multiple Intelligences claims that each individual falls into one of the eight types of learning styles. 

Here are 8 Types of Learning Styles to help you recognize which learning style works better for your child. 

1. Visual Learning (Spatial)
2. Aural Learning (Auditory)
3. Verbal Learning (Linguistic)
4. Physical Learning (Kinesthetic)
5. Logical Learning (Mathematical)
6. Social Learning (Interpersonal)
7. Solitary Learning (Intrapersonal)
8. Naturalistic Learning

Now let’s go through each of these styles in details

Visual Learning (Spatial)

Visual learning requires the use of visual aid including charts, graphs, images, and diagrams, etc to facilitate the learning process. Visual learners learn better through visualizing.

Visual learning might be the best method for your child if:

• They prefer movies over books.
• They like engaging in activities like coloring and drawing.
• They learn better through images, maps and charts.
• They have trouble focusing on text-heavy study material.

You can help your little visual learner make the learning process fun by:

• Incorporating images and charts into the study material.
• Replacing the text with images (if possible).
• Using multi color highlighters.
• Avoiding text-heavy sources of information.
• Utilizing creative learning material instead. 

Visual learners grow up to become great Artists and Architects.

Aural Learning (Auditory)

If your child responds better to speech and sound then he may be an aural learner. Aural learning constitutes utilizing auditory aid like music, rhythms or speech to help with the learning process. Aural learners are often musicians or performers. 

Your child might be an aural learner if:

• They are skilled at oral presentations or debates.
• They learn better through talking out loud.
• They find it easy to learn by creating patterns or rhythms.
• They easily learn or discern melody or tones.

You can make learning easier and fun for your young aural learner by converting the study material into jingles or melodies. 

Aural learners grow up to be fantastic Musicians.

Verbal Learning (Linguistic)

Verbal learners are usually avid readers or writers. Verbal learners retain information through listening, memorization, reading and writing. If it sounds like your child, then he may be a verbal learner. 

Here are some other clues that your child might be a verbal learner:

• They love listening to stories.
• They are excellent story-tellers or they have great verbal expressions.
• They love to read and write.
• They have excellent wit or humor.
• Great at explaining complicated concepts.
• They find it easy to learn a new language.

You can help your child learn better by:

• Explaining something to them verbally.
• Ask them to write what they are learning a few times.
• Ask them to reiterate whatever they have learned.

Verbal learners tend to become excellent Writers, Lawyers and Teachers when they grow up.

Physical Learning (Kinesthetic)

Physical learners learn better through practical experience. Physical learners are great at body movement and are excellent performers. Your child might be a physical learner if he likes to get hands-on experience of whatever he is learning.

Physical learners tend to:

• Be excellent dancers or performers.
• Be good at sports.
• Have a great motor memory; they learn better by performing an action rather than reading or hearing.
• Have high energy levels.
• Have tremendous physical control and coordination.

Your child can learn better by:

• Performing whatever they have learned.
• Drawing or role-playing.
• Walking or running.
• Engaging in any other physical activity to clear their mind.

Physical learners grow up to be magnificent Actors, Sculptors and Dancers.

Logical Learning (Mathematical)

Does your child often ask you “Why”? Do they want to know the logical reasoning behind everything? Then your child may be a logical learner. Logical learners are great at mathematics and they enjoy brain teasing exercises in their free time.

Logical learners love to:

• Solve complex problems.
• Find patterns in everything they do.
• Enjoy sudoku or chess in their free time.
• Conduct science experiments.
• Think about numbers and statistics rather than reading or writing.
• Spend time on computer related activities.

Your logical learner can learn better by:

• Analyzing the problems.
• Understanding the reasoning and logic behind something.
• Organizing their important study material into neat notes and lists.

Logical learners grow up to be brilliant Scientists, Mathematicians and Engineers.

Social Learning (Interpersonal)

Social learning constitutes learning through group activities and interacting with peers. Social learners learn better through understanding and relating to others. Social learners perform best in group projects.

Your little one might be a social learner if:

• They love to communicate with others.
• They require validation from their teachers.
• They enjoy group activities.
• They are good at resolving conflicts.
• They are great at co-curricular activities.
• They have many friends and get along with everyone.

Social learners learn better through:

• Participating in group projects.
• Learning in groups.
• Group study sessions.

Social learners turn out to be excellent Psychologists, Therapists and Counselors as they are great at comprehending the emotions and desires of others.

Solitary Learning (Intrapersonal)

Does your child like to be on his own? Do they enjoy their own company and learn better on their own? If yes, then your child may be a solitary learner. Solitary learners prefer to work alone and are highly self-motivated.

Solitary learners tend to: