Visual Learning Style for Kids- Everything You Need to Know

Bo Bennett said, “Visualization is Daydreaming with Purpose.” Visual Learners like best to look at the big picture. This Visual or Spatial Learning style is one of 4 from Neil Fleming’s VARK Learning Style Model. The other 3 learning models are Auditory, Reading, and Kinesthetic. Visual Learners process the things they learn in graphics and illustrations. They are usually excellent at puzzles. If you haven’t already taken The Learning Style for Kids quiz to see which learning style your kiddo fits try it out here. Visual Learning Style for Kids is everything you need to know to help your visual learner be the best they can be.

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What is a Visual Learner?

Visual and Spatial Learners are all about that big picture. For example, if you are giving them directions to a location they would find their way easier with a Map rather than spoken or written directions. They learn best with visuals and are usually very aware of their surroundings. The visual learning student will memorize the alphabet chart and use the visualization even when it’s not right in front of them.

These kids tend to grow up to be artists, chefs, engineers, architects, etc.

If your kiddo doesn’t fit the Visual Learning style when you take the quiz it doesn’t mean they can’t benefit from using these techniques to learn!

Kids who learn best in this style need their interest grabbed using illustrations, graphics, pictures, shapes, charts, and maps. These learners tend to struggle with learning when they have to listen, write, or read. Those methods put a focus on learning the parts that make the whole. The visual learner tends to work better by starting with the whole and looking at the parts.

Where and When can you Create Visual Learning Experiences for your Kid?

Parenting is all about being flexible and creative. Here are some ideas to help you teach and parent your Visual Learner. You should take these learning style ideas into consideration for your Visual Learner:

• when teaching life skills at home
• gathering learning toys and busy box supplies
• planning learning centers, small groups, and assessments
• teaching new skills and review old ones
• helping with homework and memorization

Life Skills

We have learned that the Visual Learner does not do with auditory directions alone. When You need your visual learner to help with a choice or master a self-care lesson- pictures will work best! Creating some charts that have a visual for each step all in one place can help them visualize and understand the process.

• Chore chart with visuals.
• Daily Schedule with pictures.
• To-do list in a puzzle form.
• Color coding for chores.
• Be sure they can see you when you do have to verbally explain something. Hand movements and visual clues will help with comprehension.

Here are a few examples:

Educational Skills

Visual Learners need to see the whole picture. They do not learn in parts or steps. Give them the whole picture or goal first and then break down the steps with good graphics.

• Alphabet Chart with Pictures to Associate.
• Process Charts for class procedures.
• Process Charts for skills.
• Class Map.
• Class Schedule with illustrations.
• Interactive Notebooks. Printables with words and graphics to illustrate something they are learning.
• Drawing lines to model different ways of moving.

Why Does Thinking About Your Child?s Learning Style Help with Parenting/ Teaching?

If your child leans more towards visual learning it will be more helpful for them to use some of these strategies. Knowing how our children learn can help us, parents and teachers. It can help you teach your child the correct tools to use when they are struggling. It’s always good to use the right tool- like a screwdriver for a screw and not a hammer.

Visual Learning Style for Kids- Everything You Need to Know is one in a series of 4 Posts. Keep a look out for Auditory Learning Style for Kids, Kinesthetic Learning Style for Kids, and Reading Learning Style for Kids.

Visual Learning Style Affirmations

• “The colors and shapes you use to organize this information are awesome.”
• “You are amazing at absorbing information from these graphs and charts.”
• “I like how you can map out a plan in your mind.”
• “The way you use pictures and symbols to show what you have learned is very helpful.”
• “The more you create visual organizers the smarter you get.”

Visual Learning Ideas for Busy Boxes/ Center Play

• Themed Visuals: Any time you add a visual aspect to a flashcard, 10 frames, printable, or worksheet it helps the visual learner.

• Graphic Organizers: use them to organize, letters, numbers, words, etc.

• Word and Letter Wands: Helps them visually focus on something specific they are learning or reading.

• Puzzles: This is a big-time visual tool. Puzzles can be a fun and organizational way to practice skills.

• Mazes: Navigate a maze while learning, reading, counting, etc.

• Maps: Use a map to create the big picture and have the locations on the map be the parts of the busy box. Could be a very cool part of a pirate busy box!