Learning Styles Explored

by | Aug 29, 2025 | Tailored Learning

One of the biggest blessings of homeschooling is the chance to really see your child—what makes them tick, how they process information, and the unique way they approach the world. While there are many philosophies (and plenty of excellent books!) that dive deep into learning styles, this post will give you a practical overview of the three basic types most often talked about: visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learners.

The truth is, most of us are a blend of these styles. But usually, one rises to the top as a child’s primary way of learning. When we, as homeschool moms, lean into that strength, we can make learning smoother, less frustrating, and—most importantly—more enjoyable.

The Visual Learner

These are the kids who need to see it to get it.

  • They thrive with worksheets, diagrams, maps, and color-coded notes.

  • They enjoy charts, graphs, and even doodling out concepts.

  • They often “see” words and pictures in their mind, almost like a movie reel playing inside their heads.

If your child loves sketching while you read aloud, highlights everything in their notebook, or insists on watching someone else do it before trying it themselves—they’re likely a visual learner.

Pro tip: Break up lessons with visual cues—post-it notes, whiteboards, or even short videos. The more they can see it, the better it sticks.

The Auditory Learner

These kids live in the world of sound. They may not even realize they’re learning, because it feels so natural to just listen.

  • They absorb information through conversations, lectures, and—yes—overhearing you from two rooms away.

  • They may sing everything, memorize song lyrics instantly, or love audiobooks.

  • They’re often verbal processors, needing to talk it out to understand it.

If you’ve got one of these, don’t fight it. Let them talk, narrate, and explain. Sometimes the best gift you can give is simply listening while they work through ideas out loud.

Pro tip: Try read-alouds, memory songs, podcasts, or recording lessons for replay.

The Kinesthetic Learner

Oh, the movers and doers. These kids are hands-on, action-first learners.

  • They need to move to think.

  • They learn best while doing it alongside you.

  • They struggle to sit still for long periods, but when you combine movement with learning, they’ll retain it.

These kids can be the most challenging to teach—because they require us to be flexible, creative, and sometimes in motion ourselves. But the reward is huge: when they’re allowed to learn in their way, they thrive.

Pro tip: Turn math into hopscotch, history into role-play, and spelling into a scavenger hunt. Clipboards, playdough, and even standing while working can transform their day.

Why This Matters

The beauty of homeschooling is that you’re not locked into a one-size-fits-all classroom model. You see your child day in and day out. You notice when they tune out, when they light up, and when something “clicks.” That’s the kind of insight most teachers never get.

Yes, we’re all a mix of learning styles—but knowing your child’s primary style can unlock so much joy and freedom in your homeschool.

Want to Dig Deeper?

Here are a few resources to help you explore learning styles further:

Over to You

How does your child learn best? Have you noticed their learning style shaping how you homeschool? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your stories.

The Power of a Tailored Education

by | Aug 29, 2025 | Tailored Learning

What is a tailored education?

You read through the huge Rainbow Resource catalog, you’ve narrowed it down to just a handful of curriculum choices, and you place your first order. Once the curriculum arrives, you open the box with anticipation, it’s like Christmas. The first few days of homeschool are bumpy, but you’re learning just like your kids. A month goes by, but the curriculum is either too much for your kid or the suggested activities are not easy to implement or it moves too fast or too slow. It just doesn’t fit right.

This is the beginning of a tailored education. You use your curriculum as a tool and you create an education that fits your family’s lifestyle and your child’s learning styles and challenges.

Accomodate Unique Needs

The power of a tailored education lies in its ability to recognize and accommodate the unique needs, learning styles, interests, and abilities of each student. Some key advantages that demonstrate the power of tailored education are personalized learning, maximized potential, improved engagement, ability to address learning challenges, enhanced problem-solving skills, flexibility, reduced stress, individualized goals and lifelong love of learning.

Personalize the Learning Experience

Tailored education allows parents to personalize the learning experience for each child. This means that lessons, pace, and content can be adapted to match a student’s individual abilities and interests, fostering a deeper understanding and engagement with the material. Help your child reach their full potential by allowing them to focus on their strengths and work on their weaknesses at their own pace. This personalized approach can lead to higher levels of achievement and self-confidence.

Motivate your Child

When education is tailored to a student’s interests and preferences, they are more likely to be engaged and motivated. This can lead to a love for learning and a greater willingness to explore new topics and skills. A tailored education is particularly powerful for students with learning challenges or special needs. It allows for the implementation of specific strategies and accommodations that can help these students succeed academically and socially.

Critical Thinking & Problem Solving

This approach to education often involves encouraging students to think critically and solve problems independently. This promotes the development of important life skills that go beyond the book work. You are free to be more flexible in terms of scheduling and adapting to a student’s unique circumstances, such as health issues or extracurricular commitments. Students who experience tailored education may experience less stress and anxiety associated with standardized testing, rigid curricula, and peer pressure. They can learn in a more supportive and comfortable environment.

Individualized Goals

Students who receive a tailored education are more likely to remember and retain what they’ve learned because the material is presented in a way that resonates with them. This allows students to set and work toward individualized goals, which can lead to a sense of accomplishment and self-efficacy. Perhaps one of the most significant powers of tailored education is the potential to instill a lifelong love of learning. When students have positive educational experiences that cater to their unique needs, they are more likely to continue seeking knowledge and personal growth throughout their lives.

In summary, the power of tailored education is its ability to provide a more effective and meaningful learning experience for students, helping them reach their full potential, fostering a love for learning, and preparing them for success in their academic and personal lives.