The 3 Language Learning Styles (Free Quiz)

‘Learning styles’ is a term that refers to different ways in which human beings learn, process, and retain information. There are three main types of learning styles:

Visual (learn through seeing)

Auditory (learn through hearing)

Kinesthetic (learn through doing and moving)

While the majority of children use each of these styles, they often favor one above the others. Understanding your child’s preferred learning style isn’t just about enhancing their current education—it’s about setting them up for a lifetime of learning.

Determining Your Child’s Language Learning Style

Child's Learning Style Quiz

'Learning Styles' is a term that refers to different ways in which human beings learn, process, and retain information. Though we use all of the learning styles, we tend to be stronger in and prefer one above the others. Discovering your child's preferred learning style will help you know how to teach them better you as well as assist them in developing the lesser used styles. 

1 / 7

If you are teaching about geography, your child would learn best by:

Creating a map out of playdough or construction paper.

Reading an atlas or looking at the internet for photos.

Watching a video or talking with you about the lesson.

2 / 7

You are teaching new vocabulary words about the topic, ‘family.’ Does your child:

Ask to see photos of your family?

Want to sing a song about family?

Act out different family member roles?

3 / 7

You are reading a story. What is your child doing?

Listening intently.

Being really wiggly.

Pointing at the pictures.

4 / 7

When in a group with other children, your child…

Observes what other children are doing and copies them.

Talks a lot and tells a lot of stories, real and imaginary.

Wants to play an active game, like tag or hide and go seek, or connect over a toy.

5 / 7

When doing an art project with your child, they….

Concentrate more on the art materials (paint, glue, paper,...) rather than focusing on the outcome of the art.

Are easily distracted by background noises.

Put a lot of time and effort into how the project looks.

6 / 7

When your child is not sure how to spell a word, what are they most likely to do?

Trace the letters out in the air (finger spelling).

Write it down to see if it looks right.

Spell it out loud to hear if it sounds right.

7 / 7

Which statement best represents your child?

They can often repeat back what I have said and are very aware of verbal tones and cues.

My child likes to get their hands on everything and seems to have trouble sitting still for long periods of time.

My child can read my body language and facial expressions well and likes to see charts, visuals, and images during lessons.

Get Quiz Results

To determine your child’s language learning style, speak with family members and your child’s teacher to determine what objects and activities your child gravitates towards. Ask yourself questions such as:

What types of toys does she prefer? 

Does she prefer quiet activities or lots of movement?

Does he like to read books and draw pictures?

Does he prefer to be shown how to do something rather than being told verbally?

Does she prefer to work with others or alone?

Does she like to move and participate in more active activities?

Is he drawn to numbers and patterns?

Over time, you will start to see patterns and preferences in your child. This will enable you to lean into what they naturally excel in, while helping them to develop the areas they are weaker in. 

How to Teach Language to…

1. Visual Learners

Roughly 65 percent of the population are visual learners. People with this learning style tend to learn best by using images, pictures, colors, maps and other kinds of visual media. Not only are external images helpful for them, but they’re also able to visualize things in their mind. If they don’t “see” it, they’re not able to fully comprehend it. Teach language to a visual learner by writing vocabulary words (and little doodles if you can) on a whiteboard, showing them children’s tv episodes or YouTube videos in the target language, and playing games that focus on the visuals (such as a ‘match the tiles’ game). 

Learn more here: How to Teach a Visual Learner – Language Learning

2. Auditory Learners

Approximately 30 percent of the population are auditory learners. They store information by the way it sounds, and have an easier time understanding spoken instructions than written ones. Teach language to an auditory learner by encouraging active listening and providing opportunities for discussion. For example, if you are teaching your child Spanish and just finished a lesson about countries in Central and South America, ask your child what country they want to visit and why. Another strategy to teach auditory learners is to incorporate sounds and audios into lessons. 

Learn more here: How to Teach an Auditory Learner – Language Learning

3. Kinesthetic Learners

According to statistics, only 5 percent of the population are kinesthetic learners. A kinesthetic learner is someone who prefers to be an ‘active participant’ rather than passive observer when learning. They love to use hands-on learning that allows them to interact with the environment around them. Teach language to a kinesthetic learner by using props while teaching and incorporating movement into lessons. Want to learn vocabulary about animals? Do a puppet show in the target language about going to the zoo. Want to teach about musical instruments? A dance party is a good way to go. Don’t forget, taking frequent breaks and playing outside will do wonders for a kinesthetic learner who will typically need more breaks than the other types of learners. 

Learn more here: How to Teach a Kinesthetic Learner – Language Learning

Don’t neglect the other styles of learning!

While it’s important to understand and play to the strengths of your child’s preferred learning style, children will actually learn best through multisensory learning when all the sensory modes (visual, auditory, kinesthetic) are engaged.

Did you know that Cultural Bytes incorporates all three types of learning (visual, auditory, and kinesthetic) in our In Person and Online Classes? Don’t wait another day to sign your child up and find out what the fun is all about. 

We play games like balloon toss (Kinesthetic).

We color and draw almost every day (Visual).

We play music and language games (Auditory).