Traits of Visual Learners and Learning Strategy

It may not be an easy task to determine if your child belong to visual learners. I have gone through it myself. I read up many materials and after several observations on my son before I know his visual learning preference.

Basically, visual learners learn best from seeing information. Here are the characteristics and how you can deliver information in the most preferred method according to your child.

Learn by watching others

It was an interesting experience for me. My son's music teacher wanted the children to sing with simple action such as nodding the head, swinging the arms and clapping the hands. I noticed my son could not get his eyes off the teacher as he follows through the action from his teacher. Even after many attempts, he was unable to follow through if the teacher was not there to show the actions.

This is a child whom I have to teach by example - watch what I do. Give visual cues in addition to verbal direction or instruction.

Use images to remember

It is easier for such kids to remember when things are written down or with visual learning aids. My son was playing with a compass and he asked me what does the S stand for. I told him S-O-U-T-H as I verbally spell it out to him. After repeating several times, he got so frustrated that he asked me to spell it out on a piece of paper. Then he was satisfied after looking at the word.

Visual learners learn word by picturing the way a word looks. I made the discovery when my son can recognize Chinese characters easily. He is able to pick up Mandarin faster compared to English due to this ability. I am glad to know his strength in language learning.

Enjoy drawings, pictures and color-oriented

Educational toys such as jigsaw puzzles, mazes and board games are great learning tools for them. You will be surprised when the child starts telling you some details of the pictures on the puzzles, board games or books. Visual kids tend to notice details too.

Easily distracted by noise. Prefer face-to-face conversation

Do make eye contact and engage face-to-face conversation with your child. He will listen to you better with his preferred mode of communication. For several times, my son pulled my face in front of him to make eye contact with me as he speaks to me while I was trying to multi-task by listening to him as I read newspapers.

Have you noticed any of these visual learner's characteristics in your child? Take your time to observe your kid during your daily interaction with him. Like me, you may find out soon.

Teaching Math to Visual Learners

While coaching my son on math problem solving, I discovered an effective method to help him learn math problem solving. In view, that he learn better by interpreting pictures, I try explaining math problem and solving it by drawing pictures to him. He is able to comprehend the math problem and at the same time, he enjoys working on the math worksheet.

Look at what he has done to the worksheet himself. I think it is great that he found a method, which works well for him.

At times, mathematics concept may be abstract for kids to understand. We can use teaching aids such as math manipulatives to help kids see the concrete ideas. It will make it easier for them to learn math.

Learn Synonym and Antonym by Matching Word

Usually, children learn word from sound. Instead of sound, I get my son to learn his list of synonym and antonym based on sight. Let him list down each word on a small piece of paper. Mix up all the small pieces of paper with word on it. Get him to match the set of words on the floor. Challenge him to have a perfect score or involve the sister to determine who the winner on this word matching game is.

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