How To Help Your Child Learn

Just as every snowflake is unique, so is every child. The way that your child learns depends a number of different factors, which combined together, create his unique learning style. By helping your child discover how he learns the best, you will set him up for life time success in learning, and reduce the frustrations that come through trying to learn in a way that does not use his particular strengths and to him seems uncomfortable.

Every parent has been through the school system and hopefully discovered ways that facilitated a style of learning that worked for them. However it is a fallacy to presume that a parent's style is necessarily going to be the best way for their child, in fact it could have a detrimental effect to insist that they learn in that way.

For example the traditionally accepted environment to do homework is to sit at a desk in a quiet spot to help concentration. However this is only likely to help learning for a percentage of students. If this is not a comfortable way of learning for a child it can actually inhibit the flow of ideas and create a learning vacuum where the mind becomes a blank. Some may need to spread out on the floor, sit cross-legged on the bed or even in front of the TV to find an environment where their best learning can take place. Some students need music or background noise, food or drink and to feel comfortable before real learning can take place. Some remember best when they can move about or learn by doing, some need to visualize or see pictures, write or read the information for themselves, and others need to hear the information and speak it back in order to remember it. Using a combination of two of these modes may work best for some students.

Another important factor that comes in play is the way a child perceives and orders information in their mind. The conventional method is for information to be structured in a logical step by step process, which leads in a linear form from the beginning to its logical end. This method works for many students, however some may have learning styles which in take information and put it into meaningful bits or chunks, which are stored in the mind in a more random way. Such a student will reach the desired result, but will not use a sequential logical format in the learning process.

There are two main ways the brain makes sense of the information it receives, and although we all use both ways there will be a leaning towards one way or the other. The first way can be termed the 'analytical style'. The analytical style has a preference to focus on the details, and fit them together to make sense of information. The 'global style' however needs to see the bigger picture and fit in the information within it so it makes sense in the wider scope of things. A global style sees all the parts are related to each other to make up the big picture, but may have difficulty in separating the parts within the bigger picture. The analytical style has no problem focusing in on the parts, but may have difficulty seeing the bigger picture and how the details fit together in the wider sense. An example of this can be seen in the approach to doing a jigsaw. The analytical style preference will focus in the jigsaw pieces and how they fit together.

A person operating strongly in this style may fit together several sections before looking at the picture to see where they go. The global style, on the other hand will probably do the edges pieces first, and frequently refer to the picture to see where a piece would go.

By observing your child in natural normal situations you will be able to pick up clues as to the innate strategies he/she uses to understand the world, to concentrate, and remember. By giving your child opportunities to try a variety of methods of learning you can help them discover and encourage their unique style of learning. The earlier a child discovers what works best for them, the more success and self confidence will be attached to their learning experiences in life. As a parent you are in an ideal position to help them in the process of discovery.

Barbara White, a former Principal and teacher, is now president of Beyond Better Development. As a speaker and author, Barbara brings her experience and expertise in personality and learning styles to improve learning, communication skills and relationships. Subscribe to the complimentary Growing Beyond Better newsletter

---

Choosing the Perfect Jogging Stroller

When choosing the perfect jogging stroller, a very important question... Read More

How Many Sex Offenders Live On Your Block?

For any parent, learning that a convicted sex offender lives... Read More

Parenting Your Teenager: The 4 Ds of Time with Family

How would you like to have more time? Of course... Read More

Teaching Your Child Safety

Q. What is the best way to teach safety awareness... Read More

For School Success, Dont Coddle Your Kids

Parents want their children to succeed in school. However, sometimes... Read More

Advocating for Your Child with LD

Advocate: you've probably heard the term before. But what does... Read More

Hints on how to encourage children to read

Hints from Ruowen Wang? Keep a small basket filled with... Read More

Time Out for Adults

"Get down from the table top right now! What are... Read More

The Secret of Understanding Children

It was a day that I will forever be etched... Read More

Empty Nest Syndrome

Paula's last child had just gone off to college and... Read More

Is Your Child Becoming A Praise Junkie?

Do you praise your child when he fulfils a basic... Read More

Character Education

Every parent wants their child to develop positive character traits.... Read More

Childrens Discipline: How To Resolve Divorce Parenting Differences?

Did you know that inconsistency on matters of discipline gives... Read More

Americas Public School System --- Brutal and Spartan

The public school system in America has become a dismal... Read More

The ADD Child: Challenging Parents, Teachers and Friends

The ADD child exhibits a series of behaviors that are... Read More

3 Rules to Making TeensTechnology Work For You

Isn't the technology of today is amazing?! Between the speed... Read More

Time To Connect With Your Teen

While on a recent trip to the grocery store, I... Read More

Picky Eater Kid Nutritional Guidelines

Although many children are picky eaters at some stage in... Read More

Parental Involvement in Learning

Whether children attend public or private schools, they benefit when... Read More

Social Engineering via Robotic Toddlers

Is there a way to build a robot to help... Read More

Raising Strong Daughters

When my daughter was born, I must admit there was... Read More

Best Investment

Every week I write something about the stock market -... Read More

Educational Toys - How Do Parents Choose The Best Toys For Their Child

The choices are mind numbing. Walk into any toy store... Read More

Lets Read! The Benefits of Reading to Your Children

Parents, when you help your children learn to read, you... Read More

Spare the Child, Ditch the Rod

Spare the rod, spoil the child!This philosophy's been around a... Read More

Frequently Asked Questions About Reading To Your Child

Are you worried about your child's reading habits? Perhaps you... Read More

The Courage to Be a Loving Parent

Most of us really don't like it when someone is... Read More

Breastfeed a Toddler - Why?

Is your baby approaching his or her first birthday and... Read More

Discipline on My Mind

I look out of the window as I am writing... Read More

Tackle, Tackle

I don't know how people raise daughters because I have... Read More

How To Homeschool Without Making Your Child An Outcast

If you are currently homeschooling or considering homeschooling your child,... Read More

Parenting Your Teenager: The Power Struggle

Q: My husband and I are at a loss as... Read More

Parenting: 6 Observations on Fatherhood

Just the other day my oldest son asked:"Daddy, am I... Read More