8 Ways Children Learn
Children are so inquisitive. Have you noticed that they not only likes to touch the plants, but they like to smell them, count their leaves, pick them and sing songs about them? There are so many things children learn while investigating their surroundings. Ever come across a child who seems to be very smart, but doesn’t want to sit down and trace his ABC’s? Worksheets and drawings are out of the picture, but he/she will run around a cornfield till midnight if you let them?
There are hundreds of ways of learning! How do you find the most beneficial way that the child learns? Howard Gardner, a University Professor, developed a theory of “multiple intelligences” where he categorised all the ways that children learn in different areas.
8 Ways Children Learn:
1. Linguistic – “Word Smart” – Children learn best through listening, reading, writing and literature. You can find these kids engrossed in books, flipping through print-outs/worksheets and listening to audio-books.
2. Logical-Mathematical – “Numbers/Reasoning Smart” – These children learn best through solving problems and mechanics. You can find these kids building anything out of …. anything!
3. Spatial – “Picture Smart” – Kids with this learning style learn through pictures, art, and 3-D materials. You can find these children looking at photos of buildings, signs and searching ”Where’s Waldo” puzzles.
4. Bodily-Kinesthetic – “Movement Smart” – These children learn through obstacle courses and dancing. You can find these kids playing sports, climbing the jungle gym and always on the move.
5. Musical – “Rhythms and Songs Smart” – Children who learn through music dancing and singing. You can find these kids playing musical instruments, singing familiar songs, learning a variety of dances and creating living art of their own.
6. Interpersonal – “People Smart” – These kids learn through discussions and projects. These children are “leaders of the group”, organizing and directing their friends to get a job done.
7. Intrapersonal – “Self Smart” – Children with this learning style learn through self-expression. You can find them drawing pictures, creating art, journaling and spending time in calm places.
8. Naturalist – “Outdoor/Nature Smart”- These kids learn best from being outdoors. They love hiking through the parks, burying their feet in the sand, watching a caterpillar up close and covering their little bodies in mud!