Mismatched Learning Styles
Have you ever felt like no matter how hard you try, certain lessons don’t seem to “click” with your child? It can be one of the most frustrating parts of homeschooling. You’ve prepared the lesson, gathered the materials, and followed the instructions to a T, yet your child is frustrated, distracted, or just plain uninterested. Sound familiar?
You might be dealing with a learning style mismatch. The good news? This isn’t a failure—it’s an opportunity to understand your child better and make your homeschool work for them.
What Are Learning Styles?
Learning styles refer to the ways individuals prefer to process and engage with information, and they are individual to each child. So, as a homeschool mom (or dad), we need to look at each of our children and determine their learning style.
There are many theories out there, and one of the most commonly used models identifies four primary styles:
Visual Learners: Thrive to see information through diagrams, charts, and videos.
Auditory Learners: Learn best by hearing and discussing concepts.
Kinesthetic Learners: Engage through hands-on activities and movement.
Reading/Writing Learners: Prefer text-based learning, including reading and writing tasks.
Most people use a mix of these styles, but they often have one or two dominant preferences. For kids, discovering their learning style can be a game-changer for their engagement and success.
Signs of a Learning Style Mismatch
How do you know if a learning style mismatch is disrupting your homeschool? Here are a few telltale signs:
Your child struggles to understand concepts despite repeated explanations.
They seem frustrated, bored, or disengaged during lessons.
They frequently complain about certain activities or subjects.
For example, if your child tunes out during read-alouds but lights up when you bring out manipulatives or visual aids, they might be more kinesthetic or visual. Recognizing these cues is the first step to making meaningful adjustments.
As a side note, some of these can also be signs of a learning disability or something more than needing to present the lesson to your child differently. If you are starting to see signs that may indicate something more than a learning style mismatch, please listen to those intuitions and reach out for more help. There are resources available to homeschool families that can assist our children (and us!) in their education journey.
How to Identify Your Child’s Learning Style
Pinpointing your child’s learning style doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are a few ways to start:
Observe: Watch how they naturally interact with the world. Do they love drawing? Talking? Building?
Experiment: Try teaching the same concept in different ways (e.g., show a diagram, tell a story, or use a hands-on activity) and see what resonates.
Take a Quiz: Many online assessments can help you and your child explore their preferences. Make it a fun family activity!
Remember, this process is ongoing. Kids grow and change, and their learning preferences might evolve over time.
Adapting to Your Child’s Learning Style
Once you’ve identified your child’s learning style, the fun begins: tailoring lessons to fit their needs. Here are some practical tips for each type:
Visual Learners:
Use charts, diagrams, and infographics.
Incorporate videos and colorful presentations.
Encourage them to draw or create mind maps.
Auditory Learners:
Focus on read-alouds and discussions.
Use songs, rhymes, or audiobooks to teach concepts.
Let them explain ideas out loud to reinforce understanding.
Kinesthetic Learners:
Include hands-on activities like experiments or crafts.
Use movement-based learning (e.g., acting out a story).
Offer frequent breaks and opportunities for physical activity.
Reading/Writing Learners:
Provide plenty of books, workbooks, and writing opportunities.
Encourage journaling or note-taking.
Assign written reports or essays to explore topics in depth.
Balancing Multiple Learning Styles
If you have more than one child, you might find yourself juggling different learning styles. Here are some strategies to make it work:
Rotate teaching methods to address various preferences.
Look for activities that combine styles (e.g., a science experiment with a written reflection).
Encourage independent work tailored to each child’s strengths while focusing on group activities for shared subjects.
When the Curriculum Doesn’t Fit
Not every curriculum is designed with diverse learning styles in mind, and that’s okay! Here’s how to bridge the gap:
Modify Materials: Add visuals, hands-on activities, or discussions as needed.
Supplement: Use additional resources, like educational games, apps, or library books, to enhance the experience.
Consider Switching: If a curriculum consistently causes stress, it might be worth exploring alternatives that better align with your child’s needs.
The Role of Patience and Flexibility
Adjusting for learning styles isn’t a one-and-done fix. It’s a process of trial and error, and that’s perfectly normal. What works this year might not work next year, and what worked for one child might not for another. Be patient with yourself and your kids as you figure out what works best.
As you make adjustments, remind your kids (and yourself) that learning is about progress, not perfection. Celebrate the small wins and focus on fostering curiosity and resilience. It’s okay to make mistakes—that’s how we grow.
Resources for Further Exploration
If you’re looking for more tools to help with learning styles, here are some recommendations:
Books on learning styles and educational strategies.
Online quizzes to identify learning preferences.
Local or online homeschool communities for support and ideas.
A learning style mismatch isn’t a roadblock—it’s a roadmap. By taking the time to understand your child’s preferences and making thoughtful adjustments, you can transform frustrating lessons into meaningful learning experiences.
And remember, you’re not in this alone. At Homeschooling Walla Walla, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Share your experiences, ask questions, and connect with other families who get it.
Together, we can make homeschooling not just manageable but joyful.
Feeling inspired? Start small by observing your child during the next lesson. Notice how they respond and try incorporating one new strategy. And if you’re ready to dive deeper into creating a homeschool that works for your family, join our Homeschool Insiders membership. You’ll gain access to resources, expert advice, and a community of parents ready to cheer you on.