As adults, we have our preferred ways of absorbing information - and so do our kids! By understanding these learning styles, we can better support their growth and relate to their daily experiences. 

The Four Learning Styles

1. Visual Learners 

• Our Kids: These children learn best through seeing and are drawn to bright colors, visual aids, and enjoy looking at books and pictures. They thrive on visual schedules, picture books, and demonstrations, often remembering what they see. 
• Adult Parallel: If you enjoy diagrams, charts, or visual instructions, you might be a visual learner too! A well-designed infographic can make complex information easier for you to digest. 

2. Auditory Learners 

• Our Kids: These children excel when they listen - they enjoy music, rhymes, and often have strong verbal skills. They benefit from verbal instructions, songs, and storytelling, often enjoying group discussions and listening to others. 
• Adult Parallel: Do you find that listening to podcasts or audiobooks helps you learn new concepts? That’s your auditory learning style at work.

3. Kinesthetic Learners 

• Our Kids: These children learn through movement and touch, often energetic and enjoying hands-on activities. They need opportunities to move and manipulate objects, with activities like building blocks, sensory play, and physical games helping them grasp new concepts. 
• Adult Parallel: If you learn best by doing—like assembling furniture or participating in workshops—you’re a kinesthetic learner with a hands-on approach to learning. 

4. Reading/Writing Learners 

• Our Kids: These children prefer working with words, both reading and writing, enjoying writing their own stories or reading books. They excel with worksheets, reading activities, and writing exercises, often preferring quiet time to explore books and practice writing. 
• Adult Parallel: If you take notes or learn best through reading manuals and writing summaries, you’re likely a reading/writing learner. You’re a book worm and proud of it!

Leveraging Learning Styles for Success 

Recent studies, such as those published in the Journal of Educational Psychology, have shown that while children may have a dominant learning style, they benefit from a multi-sensory approach. This means integrating visual, auditory, and kinesthetic elements into learning experiences enhances their overall comprehension and retention. 

Understanding your preschooler's learning style is a crucial step in supporting their educational journey. By relating it to our adult experiences, we can support a deeper connection with our kids and create an environment that caters to their unique needs. Learning is a lifelong process, and the more we understand about how our children learn, the better equipped we are to guide them on their path.