We know that one size doesn’t fit all when it comes to the best way for us to learn. Each child has preffered or most natural way to learn — listening, looking, social or doing. Once you figure out how your child learns best you can get creative and make learning more engaging. Sit down with your kiddo and take the quiz below.

1. If we went to the store what toy would you most likely choose?

a) Paint-by-number set

b) Play microphone

c) Hula hoop or football

d) Family project

2. If you could pick an after school class which would you pick?

a) Art or Lego classes 

b) Music lessons

c) Sports or martial arts lessons

d) Kid’s club

3. When you are bored which would you prefer to do?

a) Drawing

b) Listening to music

c) Playing outside

d) Hanging out or doing something together

4. What is your favorite family activity?

a) A movie

b) Telling family stories or jokes

c) Playing outside (tag, mini golf, soccer)

d) Creative project or cooking

(… these last few questions are for your grown up)

5. When your child is reading to themselves; they often:

a) Sit quietly, relaxed and focused

b) Read aloud or ask to be read to

c) Move about or fidget

d) Prefer reading as a family or group

6. Which of these digital activities is your child most drawn to?

a) Browsing photos

b) Listening to music

c) Playing games that get them moving

d) Facetime or online interactive games

Add up your total of a, b, c and d’s to find your results.

Mostly A’s: Learns by looking, Visual Learner

Your kiddo will appreciate information being organized in to visuls like lists, charts, graphs, and diagrams. Taking notes is a great habit to nurture. Try using different colors to add variety.

Mostly B’s: Learns by listening, Audio Learner

Taking the time to talk things out with your kiddo is the best way for them to ingest information. The internet has loads of videos you can supplement if you get stuck. Don’t skip any of the details and take pauses to check for understanding. If this is a reading exercise be sure to create opportunities to speak to key takeaways or themes.

Mostly C’s: Learns by doing, Kinesthetic Learner

Sitting for long periods of time isn’t for everybody and certainly not for this learner. Take breaks to walk around or stretch it out.

Honor your kiddos strengths and create ways for them to move their bodies while learning. Try using tactile tools to teach like drawing or blocks for working out a problem. Try using foot-voting for a pop quiz or to explore preferences.

Mostly D’s: Learns from groups, Social Learner

Block out some time to hang our with your kiddo or create opportunities to pair up in groups, because this learning styles learns best from group experiences. Observing and working with others is the best way for them to learn new things. Be mindful of not scolding this learning style for “talking too much” with their peers this is how they learn best by talking it out.

Don’t stop there! Understanding you child’s intelleginces is another great way to get to know and support them. Check out one of my favorite books by Debra Sullivan “Cultivating the Genius of Black Children”. In her book Sullivan explores the different types of intelligences and deep dives into how to explore and cultivate that in black children. A good read for all, especially educators exploring the achievement gap.