Every child is unique, and so is the way they learn! As a homeschooling parent, discovering your child’s learning style can make a huge difference in their education. It helps you teach in a way that makes learning easier, more enjoyable, and more effective.
There are three main learning styles: visual, auditory, and kinesthetic. While many children use a mix of these, most will have one dominant style. In this guide, we’ll explore each learning style, how to identify them, and the best ways to support them in your homeschool.
What Are the 3 Main Learning Styles?
Visual Learners
Visual learners understand and remember information best when they see it. They rely on pictures, charts, diagrams, and written instructions to absorb new concepts.
Common traits of visual learners:
They enjoy reading and looking at illustrations.
They prefer watching demonstrations rather than listening to explanations.
They like color-coded notes, maps, and diagrams.
They often have strong spelling and memory skills but may struggle with oral instructions.
Ways to support visual learners in homeschooling:
Use colorful charts, diagrams, and mind maps.
Provide books with illustrations and engaging visuals.
Encourage note-taking, highlighting, and writing things down.
Show educational videos and allow them to watch demonstrations.
Use a whiteboard to illustrate ideas.
Auditory Learners
Auditory learners process information best through hearing and speaking. They enjoy listening, discussing, and repeating information aloud to reinforce their learning.
Common traits of auditory learners:
They remember spoken instructions well.
They enjoy storytelling, music, and group discussions.
They prefer hearing explanations rather than reading them.
They may talk to themselves while learning or repeat information out loud.
Ways to support auditory learners in homeschooling:
Read lessons aloud or use audiobooks.
Have discussions about what they’re learning.
Encourage them to explain concepts back to you.
Use songs, chants, or rhymes to help them remember information.
Allow them to use voice-to-text software for writing assignments.
Kinesthetic Learners
Kinesthetic learners, also known as tactile learners, learn best through hands-on activities. They need movement, physical interaction, and real-world experiences to grasp new concepts.
Common traits of kinesthetic learners:
They enjoy hands-on activities like experiments, crafts, and building projects.
They struggle with sitting still for long periods.
They learn better by doing rather than watching or listening.
They often excel in sports, dance, or activities that require movement.
Ways to support kinesthetic learners in homeschooling:
Incorporate hands-on experiments, crafts, and projects.
Allow movement breaks and flexible seating.
Use physical objects like blocks, beads, or puzzles to teach math and spelling.
Take learning outside with nature walks, scavenger hunts, or field trips.
Use role-playing or dramatization to bring lessons to life.
How to Identify Your Child’s Learning Style
It’s important to remember that many children use a combination of learning styles, but they usually have one that is strongest.
Here are some ways to discover your child’s learning style:
Observe Their Preferences – Pay attention to how your child naturally engages with learning. Do they prefer books, music, or hands-on activities?
Try Different Teaching Methods – Introduce visual, auditory, and kinesthetic activities and see which ones they enjoy most.
Ask Them Questions – Older kids can often tell you how they like to learn. Ask them what helps them remember things best.
Use Our Learning Style Quiz – See below for our quiz to help you identify your child's dominant learning style.
Teaching a Mix of Learning Styles in Your Homeschool
Many homeschooling families have multiple children, each with a different learning style. How can you balance their needs? Here are some helpful strategies:
Use a Blended Approach: Even if your child is primarily a visual learner, adding hands-on activities or verbal discussions can help reinforce learning.
Allow Flexibility: Let your children learn in the way that works best for them. Some may prefer quiet reading time, while others need to move around.
Encourage Independence: As children grow, teach them how to adapt their learning style to different situations. This skill will benefit them in higher education and beyond.
Mix Up Teaching Methods: Rotate between reading, discussions, hands-on activities, and videos to keep learning engaging for all styles.
Critical Key to Success
Understanding your child’s learning style is one of the most powerful ways to make homeschooling successful. When you tailor lessons to fit how they naturally learn, they retain information better and enjoy the process more.
Remember, learning styles aren’t rigid rules—every child is unique, and their learning preferences may evolve over time. The key is to create a flexible, supportive homeschool environment where they can thrive.
By embracing different learning styles, you’ll build confidence in your homeschool and help your child develop a lifelong love for learning!
Check out our quiz below to learn more about your child's learning style.