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 his areas of strength. For example, if your child does best when he can “see” what is being asked of him, he 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 his learning profile. Thus, you can encourage this same visual child to look for mathematical patterns, or ask him 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.
Scientist/Mathematician:
Scientist/Mathematician children tend to be strong in reasoning, number, and critical thinking. Your child is likely able to recognize abstract patterns and follow (or put forth!) complex logical arguments. Your child likely learns most easily through determining patterns and relationships, by classifying and grouping information, and through scientific problem solving.
Thinking through problems, analyzing results, and formulating hypotheses have become increasingly interesting to your child. Your Scientist/Mathematician most likely loves games that involve problem solving or incorporating codes, calculations, or measurement. While numbers and patterns may be your child’s forte, he is also likely good at inferring, reasoning, and creating projects or “inventions.” Conversationally, your child may tend toward debate or argument to convince you of his point of view.
Your child is able to find order in complex situations, manipulate variables, and identify cause and effect. He likely shows increasing interest in experiments, both formal and informal. He often likes to find connections between seemingly unrelated events. If he cannot find the connection on his own, he is likely to ask many “why” questions about how things work, yet will often seek to discover the answers independently.
For some activities and resources that will benefit your Scientist/Mathematician, click here.
