Matching Teaching and Learning Styles

In any classroom, there will be students who easily understand and comprehend everything a teacher is communicating. There are also students who struggle to follow the teacher’s instructions. There was a time when this inability to understand the teacher was misinterpreted as as learning disability. The truth is that in these cases it is more likely that the teaching style of the instructor doesn’t match the students learning style. While one teacher cannot adapt their teaching style to meet the learning styles of everyone, In the homeschool environment adapting is much easier. The first thing a homeschool parent must do … Continue reading

A Primary Lesson that Addresses Different Types of Learners

In previous articles, I detailed some ideas for teaching each type of the following learner: auditory, visual, and kinesthetic. I also discussed how it is important for teachers to address each of these learners in their lessons. For this reason, my next two articles will describe two lessons that reaches all three types of learners. This article will be geared toward a primary grade level while the next article will focus more on a middle school class level. During the Christmas holiday season, my class reads the Gingerbread Man. We sequence the people or animals that the Gingerbread Man passes … Continue reading

Teaching Kinesthetic Learners

Teaching kinesthetic learners can be very trying for some teachers. Many teachers are still stuck in the thought that students should sit perfectly still and listen. Any movement indicates to the teacher that the student is not listening and learning. However, teaching kinesthetic learners can be very fun. Lessons that involvement movement and activity is usually enjoyed by all students and the teacher alike. While kinesthetic students actually need the movement to enhance their lesson, most other types of learners of students will find the activities interesting and entertaining. When planning a lesson for kinesthetic students involve as much physical … Continue reading

Teaching Visual Learners

Teaching in itself can be a big undertaking. However when considering that you have the needs of a class of twenty or more students to fulfill may be overwhelming. Many teachers feel that planning lessons to meet the needs of everyone is a large job to handle. While intensive planning for some of these students may be, creating a diverse lesson does not have to be hard. Simply changing and adjusting a few of your teaching strategies can reach many more learners than one would expect. When considering the visual learners in your classroom, plan as many visual aides as … Continue reading

Teaching Auditory Learners

As stated in a previous article, there are three major types of student learners. It is the duty of the teacher to plan and prepare for all three types. Teachers have much to consider when planning a lesson. At times it can be difficult to find the time or energy to address every learning type in every lesson that you plan. However, there are simple things that you can do to help reach and meet the needs of all of the learners in your class. As we discussed earlier, auditory learners learn best by listening to others and communicating with … Continue reading

Characteristics of Auditory Learners

Previously, I discussed the importance of planning lessons to meet the needs of the three major types of learners: auditory, visual, and kinesthetic. In my next articles, I will now begin to discuss the characteristics of each of those types. I will also give ideas for helping and reaching these learners in the classroom. Auditory learners learn best by listening and communicating with others. Auditory learners do well with lectures. Older auditory learners can listen to a good speaker for hours. They often express themselves best through written and oral means of communication. This group usually contains good communicators. This … Continue reading

Planning for Different Types of Learners

The days of planning a lesson and teaching to a class as a whole are over. Teachers are now pushed to focus on each student as an individual. In the beginning, this concept can be overwhelming for teachers. However, after some practice it begins to come natural to teachers during a lesson or lesson planning. Teachers should strive to meet the needs of all of the learners in their classroom. When planning a lesson, teachers are to plan activities that will reach each and every learning type. Not everyone learns the same way. People have different ways of understanding and … Continue reading

Gardening is Great for Kids With Special Needs

There are many things about gardening that can be beneficial to children who have special needs. Parents don’t necessarily need to have a “green thumb” in order to set up a small garden for their child. Working in a garden can help kids become calm, and to develop useful skills. Gardening is a peaceful activity, which is why so many people enjoy doing it. There can be a tremendous amount of work involved with gardening, especially if the garden is a large one. The work may be hard, but it has a purpose, which tends to make people happier about … Continue reading

Education Week in Review: November 24 – November 30

Wow how time has flown! This school year is almost half over! It seems just like yesterday that my students were coming into the school for the first time. The Thanksgiving holidays are over and now schools are preparing for Christmas. Some of my article this week address how children celebrate Christmas at school. Check below for other topics. Saturday, November 24 Characteristics of Auditory Learners Some children learn best by listening to others. This article describes how an auditory learner learns best. Sunday, November 25 Santa Shop at School In this article I discuss the Santa Shop that my … Continue reading

Homeschool Curriculum Glossary Index

After spending the better portion of two months making a homeschool curriculum glossary, I thought an index page was in order. Click on the curriculum you are interested in and you will be taken to the page that contains the description for it. 10 Days of Multiplication A Basic History of the United States A Beka A Child’s History of the World A Child’s Story of America A Reason for Handwriting A Reason for Science A Reason for Spelling About Three Preschool Workbooks Accelerated Achievement Accelerated Christian Education Activity Math Add em Up Alpha Omega Lifepacs AmblesideOnline American Girl Books … Continue reading