Let’s face it: kids can be a handful sometimes. Sometimes they’re energetic and unfocused, while other times they’re lethargic and tuned out of the world around them. Learning styles are key to making sure your child not only succeeds in school, but also in life—and what better way to help guide their learning process than through these 5 different learning styles for kids? No matter your child’s personality or preferences, you can find the right style that will help them excel and get excited about learning!

What is your child interested in?

When it comes to finding a learning style that works best for your child, start by looking at their interests. Do they like to be up and moving around, or do they prefer to sit down and focus on one task? Are they visual learners who like pictures and diagrams, or do they prefer hands-on learning? Knowing what your child is interested in can help you find a learning style that will work best for them.

How do you know if your child understands new concepts?

There are five different ways that children can learn and process new information. Some children are visual learners and need to see things in order to understand them. Others are auditory learners and need to hear things in order to learn. Some children are kinesthetic learners and need to touch or experience things in order to understand them. Others are read/write learners and need to see things in writing in order to understand them.

Do they show interest in a particular subject?

Many times, children will show an affinity for a certain subject. If your child is constantly asking questions about how things work or is always eager to learn more about a topic they are passionate about, they may be a visual learner.

Are they detail oriented?

Do they like to take things apart and put them back together? Do they like to know how things work? If your child is detail oriented, they likely prefer a more hands-on approach to learning. Look for activities that will allow them to get their hands dirty and experiment.

Tips on how to identify your child’s learning style

There are five main learning styles for children – visual, auditory, kinesthetic, read/write, and social. To figure out which learning style is right for your child, start by observing them in different situations. Do they prefer to learn by seeing things demonstrated? Do they like to hear explanations? Do they like to be up and moving around? Do they like to read or write down information? Or do they prefer to learn in a social setting?