Auditorily, visually, and kinesthetically are the three main ways in
which to intake information. Auditory learners prefer to be read to, to read
aloud and to repeat information over and over again. Auditory learners will
learn best with audio books, singing math and geography songs, and reciting
verses out loud. As much as possible, aim to provide books on tape (CDs, MP3s,
etc.) and to encourage verbal repetition.
Visual learners need to
see it to understand it. They usually love reading, and understand more easily
with graphs, charts, and pictures. Provide lots of quality reading material and
don’t be frustrated if this child doesn’t want to be read to as much after she
learns how to read herself. This is the easiest style to accommodate, because
much curricula is visually oriented.
The little wigglers
really can’t help themselves; they’re most likely kinesthetic learners. They
may be required to sit still in Mrs. Smith’s first grade classroom, but in our
homeschools, let them wiggle. I have found that to require absolute stillness
from kinesthetic learners is a recipe for disaster. Sure, they may sit perfectly
still for five minutes, but they won’t be able to concentrate on anything else;
all of their energy will be directed towards not fidgeting. By allowing some
movement, we free up their minds to intake academic information. Some
not-too-intrusive ideas are allowing a little squishy ball to hold and squeeze,
standing for a while, sitting on an exercise ball instead of a chair, and
allowing movements (such as making up a cheer for a Bible verse). Their
concrete nature means that they’ll need manipulatives for math. Most children
start off being kinesthetic learners, but many outgrow the need to touch and/or
move in order to learn as they get older.
No comments:
Post a Comment