1. Anne Barnette Zalubowski February 20, 2008
Learning Styles
Anne Barnette Zalubowski
February 20, 2008

2. Learning Styles Inventory
Many times children inherit the learning styles of their parents.
Please take a few minutes to complete this inventory (blue paper) to learn your best style.
After completing the inventory – please score it (green paper).

3. Visual Learner Characteristics
Need to see it to know it – they like to see what they are learning
Have a strong sense of color and benefit from illustrations and presentations that use color
May be artistic
Are usually neat and clean
Often close their eyes to visualize or remember things
Often attracted to written or spoken language rich in imagery
Find passive surroundings ideal and prefer stimuli to be isolated from auditory and kinesthetic distraction

4. Visual Learner Characteristics
Often have difficulty with following oral directions
May over-react to sounds
May have trouble following lectures
Often misunderstand words
Take numerous detailed notes
Can get distracted without visual stimuli

5. Auditory Learner Characteristics
Need to hear it to know it
Acquire knowledge by listening or reading aloud
Remember by verbalizing lessons to themselves
Sit where they can hear but may not pay attention to demonstrations
Shouldn’t need to hear directions more than once to perform action
Frequently confided in by friends and family because of their listening skills

6. Auditory Learner Characteristics
May have difficulty with reading and writing
Often have difficulty with written directions
Often misunderstand body language and facial expressions
Hum or talk to themselves

7. Kinesthetic Learner Characteristics
Need hands on approach to know it
Often can assemble parts without reading directions
Learn better when physical activity is involved
May be very well coordinated and have athletic ability
Enjoy field trips and tasks that involve manipulating materials
Speak with their hands and with gestures
Appreciate physically expressed encouragement (ex. – pat on the back)

8. Kinesthetic Learner Characteristics
Have difficulty sitting still
Need to take frequent breaks
Can remember what was done, but have difficulty recalling what was said or seen
Find reasons to tinker or move when bored
Rely on what they can directly experience or perform – struggle with listening or visual lessons

9. Visual Learning Tips
Use graphics – charts, organizers, diagrams, illustrations
Color code notes and possessions
Ask for written directions
Use diagrams and webs for note taking
Practice visualizing or picturing words and concepts in your head
Make ‘to-do’ lists and use agenda or assignment book
Use flash cards

10. Auditory Learning Tips
Use tape recorder for lectures, brainstorming ideas, or writing
Participate in class discussions
Ask for directions to be read aloud
Repeat spelling words or information aloud to memorize
After you read something, summarize it and recite it aloud.

11. Kinesthetic Learning Tips
Do as much hands-on as possible – models, lab work, role plays, posters, etc.
Take frequent, short study breaks
Trace letters and words to learn spelling and remember facts (sand paper, play-doh, pudding)
Use the computer for projects
Memorize or drill while walking or exercising
Express abilities through dance, drama, or sports
Take notes on everything
To learn facts – write them several times and make study sheets
Associate class material with real-world things

12. Final thoughts
Many of the kinesthetic tips can be used with all elementary aged children due to lower attention spans and maturity levels
Help your children understand their learning styles and how to advocate for themselves.
Thank you!