I always receive many notes and comments from those who are just in the process of either just getting started in homeschooling their kids or at least seriously considering it.
One of the most important aspects of educating children (and this case… your own children) is gaining an understanding of how each child learns and what their personal learning style really is.
From a teaching/teacher perspective it can be easy to get frustrated by not getting the results you would like to from your child. You think you are doing a good job of explaining, communicating, and teaching your child but it just doesn’t seem to be getting along so well.
And sometimes this teaching trap can be set by the fact that your previous child did just great with these wonderful teaching techniques you previously employed. What can possibly be wrong? Is it time to get professional help or some other type of evaluation done? Maybe not just yet.
You see it’s important to understand what type of learner your child is. How do they prefer to learn? Are they visual learners? Are they more observant when they learn, or are they more active and jump right in? Are they more audio type of learners?
If you are just starting out with your kids, take the time to observe just how they learn. This definitely includes during their play times.
During early childhood children are so naturally curious with the wonderment of the entire world around them, you can really gain an understanding of how your child learns best and what learning style they are most comfortable with.
Take notes, lots of them. Don’t get yourself locking into a teaching style that is most comfortable with you. It’s not about your comfort level. It’s about your child’s success. Try different approaches, but always journal and take notes about what is working and what is not for each child. They are different you know!
Now that have planted this learning style seed in you, when you are with your kids and before you begin your quest in teaching them, take the time to gain an understanding of just how the learn and perceive. It is extremely important for your success in teaching and homeschooling them.
Believe me; if you have already well started teaching your children and think your results could be better, or the learning path more efficient, or you are just beginning to consider teaching your preschool or toddler aged kids, take a step back and understand just how they learn and what their personal learning style is.
You’ll be glad you did!
