Different Minds, Different Paths: A Parent’s Guide to Learning Styles

Every child has a natural way of absorbing and processing information. When we expect all children to learn using the same method, some of them feel left behind — even though they are completely capable of understanding the concept. 

This is where the concept of learning styles becomes incredibly helpful. 

When we, as parents, understand how our child learns best: 

✔ we can support them more effectively at home 
✔ homework time becomes less stressful 
✔ the child becomes more confident and motivated 
✔ learning becomes enjoyable again! 

So, let’s dive deeper into what learning styles are and how discovering your child’s style can change their learning journey for the better. 

What is a Learning Style?

Think of learning like receiving a message. The message can arrive through what we see, what we hear, or what we do. Each child has a preferred way of receiving and processing that message — and that preferred way is what we call a learning style. 

A learning style is: 

• The natural method a child uses to take in new information 
• The way they make sense of what they are learning 
• How they remember and apply that knowledge later 

Children are constantly learning — inside and outside school. But how they learn best is influenced by: 

• Their personality 
• Interests 
• Brain development 
• Environment 
• Even past learning experiences 

You may have noticed that your child: 

• Remembers movie scenes better than textbook lines 
• Understands a math problem only after you explain it aloud 
• Can’t sit still and needs to use their hands while learning 

These aren’t habits to “correct” — they are valuable clues to your child’s learning style. 

Why Learning Styles Matter 

When a child is taught in a way that aligns with how their brain prefers to learn: 

• Learning feels more natural and enjoyable 
• They retain information longer 
• They stay motivated and curious 
• Their confidence in their abilities grows 

On the other hand, when teaching clashes with their learning style: 

• They may appear distracted or “not paying attention” 
• They lose interest faster 
• Their performance may not reflect their true potential 

It’s not that the child can’t learn — it’s that the method doesn’t match their strengths. 

Your Child’s Learning Style is a Gift 

Every learning style comes with its own set of strengths: 

• Visual learners are great observers and planners 
• Auditory learners are strong communicators 
• Kinesthetic learners are practical problem-solvers 

When parents understand these strengths, they can: 

• Guide learning in a way that feels easier to the child 
• Reduce daily struggles over homework 
• Build a more supportive and encouraging environment 

In short, discovering your child’s learning style is like unlocking their unique pathway to success — academically and beyond. 

Different Learning Styles: What Should Parents Know? 

Children may be in the same classroom, learning the same lesson… but each one’s brain may be processing the information in a completely different way! Understanding different learning styles helps us adapt teaching so every child can learn with confidence. 

While there are multiple learning style models, the most widely recognised framework highlights three primary learning styles: 

1 Visual Learners 

“If I can see it, I can learn it better.” 

Visual learners understand and remember information best when it is presented in a visual format. They rely on images to make sense of things and often have a strong photographic memory. 

Characteristics of Visual Learners 

• Pay attention to details in pictures, charts and diagrams 
• Prefer reading instructions instead of hearing them 
• Think in images and often daydream or visualize ideas 
• Love using colours, drawings, and highlighters 
• Organised — keep tidy notebooks and like clean spaces 

Where They Shine 

• Mathematics (graphs, geometry, patterns) 
• Science diagrams and labelled charts 
• Art, design, puzzles 

What They May Struggle With 

• Long verbal instructions 
• Lectures without visual support