How Your Child’s Learning Style Can Impact Study Habits
In order for your child to be successful in school, he or she must do the homework and
projects that are assigned, as well as study for all tests and exams, especially in middle
and high school. The information being taught during these years is the foundation for
academic studies your child may have in college, and may use on the job later in life.
Once your child turns into a teenager, you probably have already been able to determine
his or her individual learning style. To help your child study and learn the material being
presented to them, you should think about their learning style, and help them build their
study habits around that style.
Some children can’t study effectively unless the room is completely silent, while others
procrastinate until the last minute, and then rush to finish their work. In part, both of
these quirks or habits are based upon your child’s individual learning style. Some
children actually seem to study and do better work when they feel pressure, so they do
put off everything until the last minute, but in some cases, it works best for them. If your
child can’t concentrate with a lot of background noise, then you should make certain that
you provide him or her with a quiet, distraction-free study area somewhere in your home.
Some people learn better when they can actually see something in the form of a diagram,
picture, symbol, or chart. In general, these children will be the ones that prefer to
highlight their notes, or even doodle while they read or study for a test. They will often
read and take notes on what they are reading, which helps them to better learn and
memorize the information, getting them a higher score on the test. If this is your child’s
learning style, then you should make certain they have what they need, highlighters, extra
paper, pens, etc.
In contrast, some people learn better from hearing the information presented, rather than
seeing it. If you catch your child studying aloud, then don’t think they are talking to
themselves, this may just be the way they study best. Your child may even do better if
you actually read the lesson to him, and then ask review questions at the end. While it
may seem odd to read to a child who already knows how to read, this may be what it
takes to help your child be an academic success, if he or she has this learning style.
Others learn by doing. No matter how many times they read a text, or take notes on a
text, they won’t ever fully understand it until they take a hands-on approach. Whatever
learning style your child has, don’t try to change it, just work to accommodate his needs
to the best of your potential. By helping your child incorporate his or her own individual
learning style into their studies, you will help them truly become a success, both now, and
in their future endeavors!
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