Does your child need quiet homework or study time? Is your child attracted to colors, a great speller or thinks for awhile before commenting on information? These are traits of a person who prefers a visual learning a style.

Visual learners learn by seeing things.  In the classroom they benefit from:

• Using charts, outlines, time-lines, textbooks, PowerPoint presentations of information
• Note taking, make lists, writing information and highlighting main points
• Limiting visual distractions from windows or classmates by seating near the front of the room
• Writing down multiple step verbal directions
• Asking for clarification of verbal information given in class
• Making and using flashcards to learn facts and definitions
• Assessing knowledge through diagramming, making a list, or showing a process (Best types of tests for them require these skills.)

Homework Hints for Visual Learners:

• Find a location for homework that is away from T.V., other children,  views out of windows and other visual distractions.
• Schedule 5 minute breaks from homework every 20 to 30 minutes.
• Use colorful pens and paper.
• Use flashcards for math facts or definitions.
• Use a calculator to check math homework problems.
• Outline and use different colored highlights to categorize information.
• Practice communicating knowledge in writing and then read it out loud.
• Write in a journal to note what has been learned daily in class.

The visual learning style has the most members. Keep in touch with what works best for your student. Tutor Doctor can help to discover and work with your student’s learning style. Contact us at 636-357-4500 or check out our website at www.tutordoctorstl.com.

Maureen Murray-Barthelme

Occasionally, it is difficult to determine the learning style with which a child is most successful.   Perhaps, implementing techniques for success are not increasing learning and comprehension in a student. When this is evident, professionals first rule out a physical cause for the learning problem. This is in the form of eye exams, hearing exams and a general physical examination.  The next step is to assess the student with appropriate tools to evaluate their strengths and weaknesses in learning style and determine if a learning disability (LD) exists. LD is a neurological disorder that affects the brain’s ability to receive, process, store, and respond to information.

When a student is diagnosed with a learning disability it must be remembered that more than a difference or difficulty with learning is present. However, the diagnosis of a learning disability provides helpful information for the student, educator and parent. There are techniques and coping skills that will build the learning style that is low and therefore, give the student more success in learning.  The diagnosis also gives clues to the way the student learns best, and therefore, techniques and subject areas that highlight that learning style may be implemented to build self-esteem and confidence in learning. Learning coping skills and life skills will benefit and impact the development of LD students.

Tutor Doctor knows how to put coping tools in you LD student’s back pocket.

Call us today at 636-357-4500 for a free consultation.