Different children approach learning in different ways: some learn best by reading or listening, some by reasoning, some by seeing or creating images, and others by manipulating. By discovering more about your child’s learning profile, you can help your child approach a more difficult topic by building off her areas of strength. For example, if your child does best when she can “see” what is being asked of her, she can leverage mind maps or other visuals to learn. Similarly, you can foster less utilized ways of learning by approaching an area of mastery through a less favored aspect of her learning profile. Thus, you can encourage this same visual child to look for mathematical patterns, or ask her to write a story by way of a graphic novel. Now that you have completed the survey, take a look at your child’s dominant way of approaching learning.
Writer/Storyteller
Your child fits many of the traits of a Writer/Storyteller. Your child tends to love words, books, and ideas. She may be an avid storyteller, have a strong vocabulary, and may be good at formulating verbal arguments. Your child likely learns best through reading, taking notes, listening to information, and engaging in active discussions. Stories, rhymes, and poetry delight the Writer/Storyteller, and she often has very good recall of names and events.
The shift to middle school often marks a shift to more comprehensive projects and in-depth demonstrations of understanding. Happily, your child likely has the skills and interests to adjust to these increased expectations successfully. Your Writer/Storyteller likely learns the complex rules of grammar quickly and is able to explain, relate, discuss, and expand on ideas in both written and oral form.
Often, your child loves to talk and can be a strong leader of a group. She uses language to remember and clarify her thoughts and can use a journal to reflect on her experiences. Support your child’s natural proclivities by giving her activities that extend her vocabulary, such as crossword puzzles or online games. Give your child increased public speaking opportunities in school by encouraging projects that build off her strength (e.g., mock interviews or talk shows, book reviews, thesis formation presentations, newspaper reports, poems, etc.). Extend her skill with the metaphoric or expressive use of language.
For some activities and resources that will benefit your Writer/Storyteller, click here.
