Use this simple learning style worksheet to help identify your child’s learning preferences and support them at home and in school. Circle or check the statements that feel most true for your child, then review the suggested support strategies.
1. Visual Learner
My child learns best by seeing
A visual learner…
- Prefers charts, diagrams, or videos
- Remembers faces more easily than names
- Likes to color-code or organize visually
- Enjoys drawing or using imagery in projects
Support strategies for visual learners:
- Use color-coded folders and flashcards
- Create visual schedules and mind maps
- Provide highlighters and sticky notes for organizing thoughts
2. Auditory Learner
My child learns best by hearing
An auditory learner…
- Remembers information from lectures or read-alouds
- Enjoys music, rhythms, and wordplay
- Talks through problems to understand them
- Often hums or talks to themselves when learning
Support strategies for auditory learners:
- Use audiobooks or podcasts for reading
- Recite facts aloud or in rhythm
- Encourage group discussions or verbal processing
3. Kinesthetic Learner
My child learns best by doing
A kinesthetic learner…
- Enjoys hands-on activities and experiments
- Has trouble sitting still for long periods
- Learns well through movement or role-play
- Builds or creates to understand new ideas
Support strategies for kinesthetic learners:
- Use hands-on learning tools like blocks or models
- Take active breaks while studying
- Use gestures or movement-based games for memorization
Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences (Check All That Apply)
Some kids’ learning styles can’t be broken into a single neat category. They may use different approaches for different skills or subjects. Check all that apply below. Then, look for ways to build confidence and bolster learning through approaches that make use of your child’s strengths.
- Linguistic (Word-Smart) – Loves reading and writing
- Logical-Mathematical (Number-Smart) – Great with puzzles and problem-solving
- Visual-Spatial (Picture-Smart) – Thinks in images, enjoys art
- Bodily-Kinesthetic (Body-Smart) – Learns through physical movement
- Musical (Sound-Smart) – Notices patterns in music or sound
- Interpersonal (People-Smart) – Good at communication and teamwork
- Intrapersonal (Self-Smart) – Reflective and independent
- Naturalistic (Nature-Smart) – Curious about plants, animals, and the environment
Final Reflection: Using Your Child’s Learning Style
What does your child’s learning style tell you about how to best support them this school year?
Use these insights when setting up family routines, meeting with teachers, or choosing extracurriculars. Find ways to play to your child’s strengths, while giving them chances to challenge themselves and explore new ways of interacting with the world.
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JENNIFER BRYERTON, Ma Ed., is the Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of CharlottesvilleFamily, which she co-founded to provide a trusted, family-centered resource for the Charlottesville community. With a Master’s degree in Education, Jennifer began her career in teaching, where her dedication to experiential learning and community engagement became evident. That background in education and her zeal for marketing and digital engagement infuses her work for parents with a unique perspective. Her vision and leadership have led CharlottesvilleFamily Life & Home Magazine to win numerous awards for editorial excellence and community involvement.
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