Using Learning Styles in the Homeschool

How to Choose the Right Homeschool Curriculum

May 1, 2009 Renee Ruby

Determining a student's learning style and integrating it into the homeschool can greatly improve a student's ability to learn.

Choosing the right curriculum for homeschooling is one of the biggest and certainly most important challenges a home educator has to make. As homeschooling grows, so does the variety of available curricula. Ideally going to a homeschool convention where curricula can be held and mulled through is the best way to find the right curriculum for one's needs. In lieu of that, research can be done online at the many homeschool websites and online bookstores.

Before taking the giant leap into the ocean of curricula, there are a few things one can do to help refine the search. One of the most important things is to establish the learning style of the student. Just knowing this one thing can greatly reduce the stress and frustration of finding an appropriate curriculum.

There are Three Basic Learning Styles

Visual: The visual learning style is one in which the student needs to see the teacher to help grasp the material. He or she does best with illustrated texts and pictorials. The visual learning style student will also prefer to take notes detailed in ways he understands and remembers. Flashcards, videos, transparencies and online tours of the subject matter are extremely helpful.

Auditory: The auditory learning style is one in which the student learns best by listening. The tone of voice and inflections help them learn. These students learn best when the material is read to them or by reading out loud. A tape recorder is also helpful.

Tactile/Kinesthetic Learners: The tactile or kinesthetic learner is a hands-on learner. He learns best by touching, moving and doing. These children are the ones most likely to be diagnosed with ADHD or other hyperactivity and attention deficit disorders. [education.com] They tend to be restless always needing to do something active.

Integrating Learning Styles in the Homeschool

Because the home educator can customize a student's learning experience according to his or her learning style, the student has a better chance of retaining and using the material.

Tactile/Kinesthetic Learners: When teaching a student with a tactile learning style playing games like charades or Twister, helping make a craft or with creative chores, hiking, participating in team sports or learning sign language together are great ways to spur learning. Playing games that use body language for expression of feelings is also a great tool to help the hands-on student. Look for curriculum that encourages hands-on learning and activities especially in science and social studies.

Auditory Learners: Auditory learners need to hear content to remember it. Things like musical games, reading out loud or being read to, watching videos and educational programming and taking up a musical instrument are great ways to encourage auditory learners. Search for curriculum that has verbal associations such as educational software, videos and books on tape.

Visual Learners: Visual learners are best encouraged with visual activities like stocking up with art supplies, creating paintings, drawings, sculptures, and models; help to arrange furniture or decorate a room; using maps to navigate locally or on trips and encouraging hobbies and activities such as photography and art. Look for curriculum on the artistic side and used diagrams and drawing to help explain concepts.

Most students will fall heavily under one learning style but have aspects of one other or all styles as well. Because of this, sometimes the home educator will need to try more than one method. Identifying learning styles and integrating them into the homeschool curricula can only enhance the student's learning experience and aid the home educator.

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Homeschooling