Understanding the Different Learning Styles in Early Childhood
Learning styles are the concept that people best use their senses to perceive information in different ways. Everyone takes in information differently, depending on what learning styles they utilise most.
Educating children in an early learning program, in a way that best suits them, is integral to their development and growth. By understanding the different learning styles, you can nurture your child as they grow and learn.
In this educational resource, we will discuss the different learning styles, what they look like, and tips for each. We will also look at some examples of learning styles utilised in Aspire's centres.
Simply, learning styles are different methods of understanding or learning new information. They are the way that someone understands, takes in, remembers and expresses information.
There are many different theories that aim to account for variances in individuals’ learning. Many sociologists have put forward theories or ways to explain the ways in which people learn. Some theories report on learning styles having over twenty different characteristics that affect learners. The most popular learning style method, VARK, was developed by educational theorist Neil Flemming.
The easiest way to imagine it is to think about how you would construct a piece of flat-pack furniture. Some people can put it together just by reading the included instructions, others need to have someone physically show them how to put the pieces together. Other people would find it best to learn by listening to someone describe how to put it together and ask questions at the end, whereas watching an instructional video would be best for someone else.
Recognising the importance of applying different learning styles to benefit early childhood education is key to their successful development. This is because every child will learn differently from each other.
Children will retain information and develop a wider understanding of the world if information has meaning. If it is presented in a way that meets their learning style, it is more likely that they will remember the information.
Because of its presence in our lives, plenty of research has been undertaken in terms of understanding how people learn. Learning Styles: A Review of Theory, Application, and Best Practices (F. Romanelli, E. Bird, M. Ryan, 2009) is a research review that describes different learning style instruments. It also discusses the use of learning style theory in various concentrations, with a focus on pharmacy students. It concludes that “Limited research correlating learning styles to learning outcomes has hampered the application of learning style theory to actual classroom settings.” As research in this area continues to grow, educators are encouraged to make a concerted effort to teach in a multi-style approach. This allows the greatest amount of students to be reached through the teaching and challenges students to grow as learners.
Another set of research published by the Scholars Journal of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences examined children’s learning styles in early childhood education. Examining Children’s Learning Styles: a Focus on the Teaching and Learning of Science at Early Childhood Development (ECD) Level provides a conceptual framework by looking at the different types of learning styles. It further examines the role and implications of these learning styles to how teachers have to cater for individual differences in the development of children at Early Childhood Development level.
The paper also found that different learning styles can be found in children at an ECD level. It further focuses on the different methods that are used by teachers in recognition of different learning styles in children.
There are some criticisms when it comes to discussing the concept of learning styles. The most common is the wide array of different learning style theories, considerations and classifications that are used.
In Learning Styles in Education: A Critique, Jackie Gudnason critiques the lack of empirical data to support its use. “Misconceptions surrounding the effectiveness of learning-styles-based instruction are a disservice to students and educators, with the limited resources and funding available in education.” Gudnason states in their paper.
Visual learners grasp and retain information more effectively when it is presented visually. They prefer reading and looking over listening, have strong spatial awareness, and recall visual details easily. To support young visual learners, incorporate visual aids such as bright pictures, colours, and other pictorial media. Big room displays on the walls are another great method. Encourage drawing, use educational videos and storybooks, and highlight key information with colours. Activities and tools like flashcards, mind maps, and interactive educational software cater well to visual learners, making learning more engaging and effective.
Auditory learners, even from a young age, grasp and retain information most effectively through sound. They like to listen to stories and instructions rather than looking at pictures. They often excel in verbal communication, and remember details from songs, rhymes, and conversations. To support auditory learners in early childhood, incorporate auditory aids such as recordings, songs, and verbal instructions. Encourage them to participate in group discussions, repeat new words and instructions aloud, and use fun mnemonic devices. Resources and activities such as audiobooks, interactive apps, and verbal games cater well to young auditory learners. This makes learning both engaging and effective in early childhood settings.
Kinaesthetic learners learn new information best through physical activities and hands-on experiences. These learners prefer engaging directly with the material, often using movement and active participation to understand concepts. Characteristics of kinaesthetic learners include a tendency to fidget, a preference for taking part in activities, and an aptitude for tasks that involve physical coordination. To support kinaesthetic learners, incorporate activities that involve movement and hands-on interaction. Encourage them to participate in experiments, role-playing, and physical activities related to the lesson. By giving kinaesthetic learners the opportunity to physically take part in learning, they retain information more securely. Effective activities and tools for kinaesthetic learners include using manipulatives for math, engaging in science experiments, incorporating physical games into lessons, and using educational toys.
Recently on World Insect Day, Aspire Bendigo – Kennington taught their kinder children about where honey comes from. The children were lucky enough to put their taste buds to work, not by eating insects, but by taste-testing different kinds of honey. This further cemented their knowledge of honey making, and how different bees and flowers can make differently flavoured honey. By providing these opportunities, educators can create an engaging and dynamic learning environment that caters to the strengths of kinaesthetic learners.
Tactile learners grasp and retain information best through hands-on activities and touch. Because of this, they prefer engaging directly with the material often using touch and manipulation to understand concepts. These learners thrive in environments where they can participate in activities such as building models, conducting experiments, or pulling things apart and putting them back together. To support tactile learners, incorporate hands-on activities and physical tasks into the learning process. Encourage them to engage in experiments, role-playing, and using tactile tools like Lego sets. Examples of effective activities and tools include using clay or playdoh for modelling, participating in science experiments, using educational toys, and engaging in interactive simulations. By providing these opportunities, educators can create a dynamic and engaging learning environment. This will cater to the strengths of young tactile learners.
Whilst a part of the VARK learning styles, most children in early education don’t have the ability to read and write yet. It is still important to learn about this common learning style as they move into primary school.
Presenting information through text and written activities helps reading and writing learners thrive in early childhood education. These young learners show a preference for engaging with material by reading books, scribbling notes, or drawing and labelling pictures. They often enjoy story time, have an interest in letters and words, and benefit from activities that involve reading and writing. To support these learners, provide plenty of opportunities for reading and writing exercises. Encourage them to participate in practicing their letters, drawing and labelling pictures, and creating simple stories. Tools and activities such as picture books, alphabet cards, writing/scribble journals, and interactive whiteboards can greatly enhance their learning experience. By incorporating these elements into the learning environment, educators can effectively support and nurture the development of reading and writing skills in young children.
At Aspire Pakenham the four-year-old Kindergarten children have been matching shapes with real-life objects. During this engaging countdown activity, the children circled or coloured in the object that matched the shape shown. Marking down the correct answer is a great way for reading/writing learners to consolidate their memory.
Understanding learning styles is crucial in early childhood education as it helps tailor teaching strategies to meet each child's needs.
Observing children’s learning preferences involves paying close attention to how they interact with different types of activities and materials. For example, some children might prefer visual aids like pictures and charts, while others might engage more with hands-on activities or listening to stories. Educators can identify these preferences by noting which activities children gravitate towards and how they best retain information. By understanding these preferences, teachers can create more effective and personalised learning experiences that cater to the strengths of each child.
Using a variety of instructional methods is essential to engage all learners and ensure no child is left behind. Incorporating a mix of visual, auditory, reading/writing, and kinaesthetic activities can make learning more inclusive and dynamic. For instance, Aspire Clyde North recently undertook an enquiry project about farms. Their lessons on farm animals included reading books, showing pictures, singing farm-themed songs, and visiting a local farm. Encouraging flexibility and adaptability in learning means allowing children to explore different ways of engaging with content and finding what works best for them. This approach not only supports diverse learning styles but also fosters a growth mindset, helping children build resilience and become adaptable learners in the long run.
In early childhood education, tailored educational approaches offer significant benefits that positively impact children's learning experiences. By catering to individual learning styles and preferences, educators enhance engagement and retention of information. When lessons align with how children best absorb and process information, whether through visual aids, hands-on activities, or storytelling, it fosters a deeper connection to the material. This bespoke approach not only makes learning more enjoyable but also increases children's motivation to explore and understand new concepts. As a result, they are more likely to retain knowledge over time, as it is presented in a way that resonates with their unique learning style.
Moreover, tailored educational approaches in early childhood education contribute to enhanced confidence and motivation among children. When they experience success and understanding in activities that cater to their strengths, it boosts their self-esteem and encourages them to actively participate in learning activities. This positive reinforcement creates a supportive environment where children feel valued for their individual abilities and are more willing to take on challenges.
Beyond immediate academic gains, these tailored approaches also promote overall development by nurturing critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and creativity. By laying a strong foundation for lifelong learning, children are equipped with the skills and confidence needed to embrace continuous growth and exploration throughout their educational journey and beyond.
Understanding the different learning styles in early childhood education is crucial for fostering effective and personalised teaching strategies. By recognising and catering to visual, auditory, reading/writing, kinaesthetic and tactile learners, educators can create a dynamic and engaging learning environment that enhances each child's development. Tailored educational approaches not only improve information retention and engagement, but also boost children's confidence and motivation. As children experience success in activities of their preferred learning styles, they build a foundation for learning, thinking, and creativity. This sets the stage for continued growth and exploration throughout their educational journey.
To learn more about Aspire Early Education & Kindergarten, enquire now at your nearest Aspire centre!
