As the school year begins, families across Central Virginia are returning to structured routines, after-school activities, and—of course—homework. But not all students engage with learning in the same way. Some children thrive with verbal instructions, while others need to see a visual or physically act something out to grasp it. Recognizing and honoring your child’s learning style is one of the most powerful ways to help them feel confident and successful in the classroom.
This blog offers an introduction to the most common learning styles in children, along with tips grounded in Howard Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences. Understanding these differences helps parents support their child’s academic journey with more empathy—and often less frustration.
What Are Learning Styles?
Learning styles are a framework for understanding how people take in and process new information. The most widely recognized learning preferences include:
- Visual learners – Prefer to see what they are learning
- Auditory learners – Prefer to hear or talk through ideas
- Kinesthetic learners – Prefer to move and physically engage with material
These styles aren’t rigid categories—most children are a blend—but understanding your child’s dominant tendencies can make learning at home and school more efficient and joyful.
Introducing Howard Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences
In the 1980s, psychologist Howard Gardner expanded the idea of learning styles by introducing the Theory of Multiple Intelligences. Gardner’s work reframed intelligence as a diverse set of strengths rather than a single IQ number. He proposed that there are eight distinct ways people demonstrate intelligence:
1. Linguistic (Word-Smart)
Children with linguistic intelligence love words. They enjoy reading, writing, storytelling, and often have a large vocabulary.
Try: Daily journaling, spelling games, or storytelling prompts.
2. Logical-Mathematical (Number-Smart)
These learners are skilled at reasoning, logic, and problem-solving. They love numbers, patterns, puzzles, and scientific thinking.
Try: Strategy games, math challenges, or coding apps.
3. Visual-Spatial (Picture-Smart)
These students think in images and enjoy drawing, designing, or visualizing concepts. They may build complex creations with blocks or prefer charts and maps.
Try: Graphic organizers, building sets, or visual project boards.
4. Bodily-Kinesthetic (Body-Smart)
Hands-on learners who learn best through movement and touch. They may love sports, dancing, acting, or using tools.
Try: Role-playing, building models, or learning on the go.
5. Musical (Sound-Smart)
Musical learners are sensitive to sound, rhythm, and melody. They might hum while working, sing instructions to themselves, or be drawn to instruments.
Try: Educational songs, musical instruments, or rhyming memorization.
Explore our learning style snapshot to get a better sense of how your child learns best and what strategies you can use to support them.
6. Interpersonal (People-Smart)
Social learners who thrive in group settings. They easily pick up on others’ emotions and enjoy collaboration.
Try: Group study, interviews, or team projects.
7. Intrapersonal (Self-Smart)
Reflective and independent learners who are deeply aware of their thoughts and feelings. They prefer solo work and meaningful goal-setting.
Try: Independent research, journaling, or personal goal trackers.
8. Naturalistic (Nature-Smart)
These students love the outdoors, animals, plants, and patterns in nature. They enjoy categorizing and exploring real-world systems.
Try: Nature walks, gardening, or science kits focused on ecosystems. Find a hike here.
CharlottesvilleFamily Tip: Many local enrichment programs—such as art classes, music studios, and nature-based schools—are ideal environments for hands-on and multi-sensory learners.
How to Support Different Learning Styles at Home
Here are a few school support tips tailored to each major learning style:
For Visual Learners
- Use color-coded folders and visual planners
- Draw diagrams or create visual stories
- Hang anchor charts or learning posters in study spaces
For Auditory Learners
- Read aloud together and discuss the material
- Use podcasts or songs to teach concepts
- Encourage verbal repetition and group study
For Kinesthetic Learners
- Break up study time with physical movement
- Use tactile tools like clay, beads, or manipulatives
- Act out stories or role-play historical events
How to Identify Your Child’s Learning Strengths
Still not sure how your child learns best? Try observing them in different learning situations:
- Do they draw while listening? They might be a visual learner.
- Do they hum while working? They might be an auditory learner.
- Do they learn better after a walk? They might be a kinesthetic learner.
- Do they prefer working alone or in groups? They might be a social learner.
When to Explore Additional Support
If your child continues to struggle despite learning accommodations at home, consider reaching out to their teacher or exploring local academic evaluations. Charlottesville offers a wide range of tutoring centers and programs tailored to different types of learners, including those who are gifted, twice-exceptional, or neurodiverse.
Listen to Jen share her insights on balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship, the evolution of her parenting style, and lessons learned from Dutch parenting on the Balanced as a Mother Podcast.
The conversation covers practical strategies for managing the back-to-school shift, teaching kids independence, and maintaining self-compassion.
The Balanced as a Mother Podcast is for ambitious women who are building businesses, raising kids, and leading with grit, grace, and a little bit of humor. Here, we know that balance isn’t perfect—it’s a badass juggling act.
Final Thoughts
Helping your child succeed academically isn’t about fitting them into a mold—it’s about recognizing their unique learning language. Whether they’re a nature-loving observer, a music-loving dreamer, or a logic-loving problem-solver, every child deserves a learning environment that makes them feel seen, understood, and capable.
By tuning into how your child learns best and advocating for them at school and at home, you’re doing more than supporting school success—you’re nurturing a lifelong love of learning.
Find everything you need to know about schools for Cville families. Get to know your options, including public schools in Charlottesville City and Albemarle County, Catholic education, private schools, Montessori programs, and the International School.
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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.
Beyond her professional role, Jennifer treasures opportunities to share gardening, arts, nature and travel experiences with her husband and their four children and never turns down a board game challenge. Jennifer’s blend of education expertise, entrepreneurial spirit, commitment to family and enthusiasm for local community-building continues to shape CharlottesvilleFamily, making it a cherished resource for families in the area since 1998.