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!