All children learn in different ways. Some are more auditory or kinesthetic type learners while others tend to be more visual and need to “see” concepts or ideas.
So, how do we teach to different learners? We use what is called Multisensory instruction. Multisensory instruction means that the kids have to see it (visual), hear it (auditory), touch it (tactile), and do it (kinesthetic).
Using all of the child’s senses when teaching, activates the different parts of the brain. This helps the information that they are learning “stick.”
In today’s post, I am going to focus on the Visual Learner and give you activities and strategies to teach your visual learner.
“Who is the Visual Learner?”
This is the child who sits in the front of the classroom and soaks up everything they see.
This child prefers reading about the information versus hearing about it. This child also likes using pictures, images, charts, and graphics for learning.
A visual learner is really good at using maps and finding their way around! Wow, talk about a perfect sense of direction.
The visual learner likes drawing, doodling, making posters, and using colors to think rather than using words.
The visual learner likes to draw and paint.
Visual learners learn best by using images, pictures, colors, computers, and any other visual media to help them learn. They will frequently say “show me” when they want to learn something new.
“How Do You Teach a Visual Learner?”
1. Make Your Home a Visual Dictionary
Label everything in your house including all furniture, stairs, doors, etc. Now there is written language everywhere for your child to create a mental picture of the word and connect it with the object.
You can do it together with your child – they can write the words on the index cards (with your assistance) and tape it to the object. Fun and engaging!
2. Teach with Visual Games and Activities
When teaching a concept or lesson use lots of fun games and activities that include visual aids. Keeping the activities multisensory really helps those difficult concepts stick.
Here are some multisensory reading games for you that will work with any concept you are teaching:
3. Let Your Child Draw
Many visual learners are amazing artists. To help them with learning, you can let your visual learner create visual pictures of what they learn.
For example, when reading a story you can have them draw a picture of the story and then summarize the key points for you while explaining their drawing.
A visual learner can also create drawings to remember the main facts about a story. You can also have your child draw their vocabulary or spelling words with a picture to remember it better. This child needs to be really well stocked up with art supplies.
4. Use Flashcards
Visual learners need to see something in front of them at all times.
If you tell this child something they will not learn it until it is written down. Flashcards work really well for these kids because they present the information as an image. These flashcards can be used for repetition and to improve memorization skills.
5. Make Lists
Visual learners love making lists. It doesn’t even matter what the list is about they just like writing it.
You can have your child write an inventory of items in a room, such as books, toys, sports items, etc. You can also have your child make a monthly, weekly, or yearly “to do” list. The point of this activity is to practice writing and keeping it fun and engaging.
In Summary
Visual learners learn best when they are drawing, building, inventing, and creating. This is how they process almost all information.
They love books and using pictures and text to get information. They are very engaged in learning when using colors and diagrams and learn best from reading, videos, demonstrations, and teacher handouts.
Using multisensory teaching strategies will benefit the visual learner the most. If you enjoyed reading this post you might also enjoy reading:
Please don’t leave without checking out the PRIDE Reading Program. The PRIDE Reading Program is an Orton-Gillingham curriculum that is used by teachers, tutors, and homeschooling parents worldwide with great success.
