WHAT’S YOUR CHILD’S LEARNING STYLE AND HOW TO MAKE IT WORK
FOR YOUR CHILD’S SUCCESS!

Research has shown that while we have preferences in our learning style, the more senses we can engage, the more effectively we “learn” and retain the information. Lets review the three basic learning styles. Most of us are a combination of these styles but usually have at least one style that is the most comfortable for us to use.

Auditory Learner

This person learns best by listening or hearing the information. This learner is usually very strong verbally. He/she likes to talk out the information. This learner listens well and processes the information by hearing. Therefore, he/she learns more by reading out loud. To prepare for a test, this student does well when he/she tapes the study sheets and listens to these tapes at least 2 or 3 times. Use index cards with the vocabulary word on one side and the definition on the other. Read and repeat the information. Have someone ask for the definition and also ask for the vocabulary word. Before this learner reads a chapter, he/she should review the titles, introduction, subtopics, key terms and conclusion/summary. Do this review out loud. Now he/she increases the ability to stay focused because of being more familiar with what is being read.

VISUAL LEARNER

This person learns best by seeing. This learner does best by seeing a demonstration. He/she has intense concentration and has the ability to visually imagine information. This learner can visualize faces but forgets names. He/she will write things down and take detailed notes, doodle. find things to watch. look around and study their environment, quiet, do not talk at length, become impatient when extensive listening is involved and learn best by studying alone.
When studying, this learner should write things down. Taking notes in class helps this learner to remember things better. Compare notes with a classmate who is also a good note taker. Use index cards to write down the words, definitions and also a picture of the definition. Ask the teacher to repeat misunderstood information. Highlight information on study sheets. Preview chapters in books by looking at titles, introductions, subtopics, key terms and conclusions/summaries. Pay attention to graphs, pictures and charts. When listening to a lecture, always look at the speaker to help maintain attention. Summarize important information but don’t try to write verbatim what is being said. Study alone. Study in a quiet place with no interruptions. Practice visualizing important information. Use flashcards to isolate and mentally “see” facts and their order.

TACTILE LEARNER

This learner does best by doing. They need direct involvement by touching, building and constructing items. “Hands-on” is the most effective for them. They typically fidget when reading and remember best what was done not what was seen or heard. Images are accompanied by movement. They find reasons to move by gesturing or jumping. They do not listen well. They try things out by touching, feeling and manipulating. They need frequent breaks when studying. Tactile learners have more success when they can move in class but not disturb the class. For example, they can cross their legs, bounce their foot on the floor, roll a pencil between their fingers, squeeze a large rubber eraser (don’t throw it) or doodle on a piece of paper. At home, after writing vocabulary words on an index card, walk around the room while reciting them. Take frequent notes and write important facts several times while studying. They can act out words or events they have to remember while studying at home. This learner does well with using note taking techniques like mapping, concept trees or time lines. They should use a highlight pen to emphasize information. They can study in different positions: for example, lying on the bed on the back or stomach, stand up, walk, etc. Take frequent, short breaks. Use an egg timer to limit the break. They can write key terms in the air with their finger or on the carpet with their finger. Make drawings of important information. Get “involved” in the learning.

AS THE PARENT

Be sure to sign up for Edline in our Main Office at Roosevelt Middle School. Get a list of teachers’ Voice Mail numbers and Homework phone numbers from the Main Office too. Review your child’s Agenda Book with your child. Note Dress Code expectations, school calendar, phone numbers and web sites offered to parents. Please note that our Media Center has designated computers for parental use and staff ready to assist you. Parent Conferences with teachers may be set up through your child’s Team Leader (one of his/her academic teachers).

We look forward to working with you this school year!