Child-led discovery opens our eyes to more than the subjects that interest our young learners. It helps us to uncover how our children learn! Every child is unique, and recognizing their individual learning style can help you provide the most supportive and engaging environment for their growth.

At Children’s Discovery Center, we prioritize a nurturing approach that recognizes the unique needs of every learner, from infant care to preschool and STEAM kindergarten. But to tailor these experiences, we must first understand our student’s learning styles.

What Are Learning Styles?

Learning styles refer to the different ways in which we absorb, process and retain information. The most commonly recognized learning styles in early childhood development include:

1. Visual Learning (Spatial Learning)

Visual learners learn best by seeing and observing. These children are typically drawn to pictures, diagrams and written instructions. They can often recall details they’ve seen in books or images and may be more attentive to colors, shapes and patterns.

How to support visual learners:

• Use pictures, drawings, and charts to help them understand new concepts.
• Encourage them to draw, color, or create art that connects with their learning.
• Display educational posters and flashcards that reinforce their lessons visually.

2. Auditory Learning

Auditory learners absorb information best through listening. They often respond well to verbal instructions, songs and stories. These children enjoy hearing about new ideas and concepts and often excel in environments where conversation and verbal interaction play a significant role.

How to support auditory learners:

• Read stories aloud, sing songs and engage them in verbal discussions.
• Use music and rhymes to reinforce learning, especially in STEAM learning activities.
• Encourage them to repeat instructions or summarize lessons aloud to reinforce comprehension.

3. Tactile Learning (Physical Learning)

Tactile or kinesthetic learners thrive on movement and hands-on activities. These children learn best when physically engaging with materials, touching objects or participating in physical play. They often have high energy and may have difficulty sitting still for long periods.

How to support tactile learners:

• Offer hands-on experiences such as building with blocks, experimenting with water play or engaging in outdoor activities.
• Incorporate physical activities like dancing, running or jumping into their learning routine.
• Include activities like sorting objects, building with blocks or playing with sensory materials.

4. Interpersonal Learning (Social Learning)

Interpersonal learners thrive in group settings. They enjoy working with others, engaging in social activities and learning through collaboration. These children are often highly empathetic and develop strong communication skills through social interactions.

How to support interpersonal learners:

• Encourage group activities like collaborative play, team projects and group problem-solving tasks.
• Provide opportunities for social interactions through cooperative playdates or group learning projects.
• Foster teamwork during STEAM learning activities, such as group engineering challenges or collaborative art projects.

5. Intrapersonal Learning (Solitary Learning)

Intrapersonal learners prefer to work alone and reflect on their thoughts and experiences. These children are introspective, self-motivated and independent. They enjoy activities that allow them to think critically and work at their own pace.

How to support intrapersonal learners:

• Provide quiet time for independent activities such as reading, journaling or drawing.
• Offer them space to explore new topics on their own, allowing them to engage with ideas without the pressure of group settings.
• Allow them to engage in individual STEAM learning experiments or artistic activities that let them explore.

6. Logical (Mathematical) Learning

Logical learners excel at reasoning, patterns and problem-solving. They are often drawn to activities that involve numbers, logic and structured thinking. These children enjoy puzzles, games and challenges that require critical thinking and analytical skills.

How to support logical learners:

• Provide puzzles, games and activities that involve numbers, patterns and sequences.
• Engage them in activities such as building with Legos, sorting objects or solving math-based problems.
• Encourage problem-solving activities in STEAM learning, where they can apply their logical thinking skills to build, experiment and create solutions.

7. Naturalistic Learning

Naturalistic learners are connected to nature and thrive when exploring the natural world. These children are often fascinated by animals, plants and the environment. They learn best when exploring outdoor settings or engaging in nature-related activities.

How to support naturalistic learners:

• Take nature walks, explore parks, or encourage gardening and outdoor activities.
• Incorporate nature-related lessons into your curriculum, discussing plants, animals and environmental science.
• Offer STEAM learning experiences that include studying ecosystems, observing wildlife or conducting simple outdoor science experiments.

How to Identify Your Child’s Learning Style

Understanding your child’s preferred learning style can take some observation and experimentation. Start by paying attention to how they react to different activities, what excites them the most and how they approach problem-solving. Some ways to identify your child’s learning style include the following:

• Observe play and interaction. How do they engage in activities? Do they prefer reading, singing, building or exploring outdoors?

• Offer a variety of activities. Introduce activities that cater to different learning styles, such as hands-on experiments, music or storytelling, and see which ones they respond to the most.

• Ask questions. As your child grows, you can ask them what they enjoy and how they like to learn.

The Role of Early Child Care and Education Centers

Early childhood education centers, like Children’s Discovery Center, are pivotal in identifying and supporting young children’s diverse learning styles. These formative years are critical in shaping how children process information, and childcare providers are uniquely positioned to help nurture and develop their individual learning preferences.

A well-rounded early childhood education center creates a dynamic learning environment where all children can explore, experiment and grow. Educators use a variety of teaching methods and tools to engage children and address their unique learning styles, including: 

• Individualized Attention: Teachers can observe and identify how children learn best, whether visually, auditorily or through physical activity. By recognizing and responding to these styles, educators can offer more personalized learning experiences that ensure each child feels seen and understood.
  
• Diverse Learning Opportunities: A quality early child development center integrates a wide range of activities into the curriculum that cater to various learning styles. This might include hands-on STEAM learning projects, storytelling and music sessions for auditory learners, or outdoor exploration for naturalistic learners.
  
• Encouraging Social and Emotional Development: Early childhood education settings provide invaluable opportunities for interpersonal learners to practice social skills through group work, playtime and collaborative projects. These interactions help children develop important emotional regulation and communication skills.
  
• Promoting Creativity and Exploration: For children who prefer tactile or logical learning, early childhood education centers foster creativity and critical thinking through building blocks, puzzles, art projects and interactive games that stimulate the mind and body.
  
• Providing a Safe and Nurturing Space: Whether a child is introverted or extroverted, the classroom environment must be adaptable to each child’s needs. Classrooms, like our Toledo-area Discovery Centers, provide a safe space for children to explore and engage with their environment at their own pace, which is key to developing confidence and independence.
  

At Children’s Discovery Center, we ensure that all learning styles are nurtured through our Reggio Emilia-inspired curriculum. Through individualized care and a commitment to creative, hands-on and collaborative learning, we create an environment where each child can thrive and develop a love for learning that will last a lifetime.

Give your child a head start!

From infant care to preschool, every lesson today helps build your child’s future success. Contact us today to speak with our certified educators and learn more about our Reggio Emilia-inspired teaching philosophy. Schedule a visit to one of our five Toledo-area early education and childcare centers.