Every young learner has distinct capabilities and skills. This makes them identify their own set of weaknesses and strengths.

Young learners learn and retain information differently so, as a teacher, you should provide them with the learning style they prefer.

A learning style defines how a young learner:

1. receives information
2. organises it
3. construes it
4. retains it

This does not mean that a learner can only have one learning style - they may have various styles that overlap as well, which is known as multimodal learning. Good educators are well-versed in these learning styles and recognize their students' learning styles from the very start (kindergarten or primary school). This recognition helps your children leverage their strengths and they can retain information in the best way possible.

The original learning model was known as VARK and it focuses on four learning styles:

• V- visual
• A- auditory
• R- reading/writing, and
• K- kinesthetics.

10 types of learnings for young learners are explored.

1. Visual (Spatial) Learning

Visual learners are also known as spatial learners, they require visual cues like:

• Images
• Charts
• Graphs and diagrams

In this type of learning, young learners respond best to mind maps and colours. They rely on their visual memory to remember and recollect information for extended periods of time. The majority of visual learners like to make doodles and use planners. These learners are extremely observant with a good attention span and prefer visual directions.

Here is how teachers can engage spatial learners:

• Include diagrams, maps and imagery

• Use technology in the classes like teaching on projectors

• Use colour coding methods

• Encourage flowcharts and mind maps

2. Auditory Learning

As the name suggests, in this learning method young learners retain information by listening to information or saying it aloud. Such learners are auditory learners and are quick to realise when someone's pitch, tone or any other voice attribute changes. They typically prefer to discuss things and participate in debates and converse about topics to remember them.

A common trait of auditory learners is that they are easy to distract. To engage auditory learners teachers can:

• Use varying tones and pitches while narrating a story
• Encourage group discussions, class presentations and debates

3. Verbal (Read/Write) Learning

Verbal learners are traditional learners who use multiple resources to learn. These learners learn best when they read texts or write them down. They typically enjoy a comprehensive vocabulary and use tongue twisters, acronyms and rhymes.

Here is how teachers can captivate the attention of verbal learners:

• Include mnemonics when teaching (song, acronym, rhyme, phrase)
• Introduce scripts and word games

4. Physical or Kinesthetics Learning

Physical learners learn best when exposed to hands-on experience. These young learners don't like to listen to lectures or attend conventional classes. They prefer physical interaction with nature and like doing things by themselves. Their common traits are restlessness. They are energetic, outgoing and like getting their hands "dirty".

Some ways to enthral physical learners include:

• Use flashcards
• Provide them with learning breaks as they might find it hard to retain information
• Draw things to help them understand better

5. Logical and Mathematical Learning

Logical or mathematical learners are more inclined towards categorising information into groups. This way, they learn better. They have a flair for recognizing sequences and patterns quickly. They even have a knack for understanding numbers, equations, and relationships and like to use logic and structure for concepts. In such learners, mathematics comes naturally.

Methods to engage logical learners:

• Introduce statistics to subjects beyond mathematics
• Classify concepts into categories or groups and generate cause-effect relationships

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6. Musical Learning

For most students, music is distracting but, for musical learners, it is a preferred method to learn. Musical learners have a tendency to focus better when they are surrounded by rhythm, beats and music. They are logical in their learning approach as they find relationships and patterns between different sounds. These learners grow up to become instrumentalists or musicians.

It is easy to engage musical learners through the following:

• Promoting podcasts
• Encouraging soft background music

7. Naturalist Learners

Naturalists are young learners who learn best through practical experiences and experimentation. They are keen observers and notice the world around them. They love nature and learn best when immersed in natural surroundings around animals, plants and other outdoorsy things.

You can compare these young learners to kinaesthetic learners as they appreciate visual learning.

Ways to engross naturalistic learners include:

• Conduct lessons outdoors and take them on field trips
• Promote drawing, photographing and give project work that involves natural surroundings.

8. Linguistic Learners

Linguistic learners are the amalgamation of verbal and auditory learners. They engage with knowledge best when they read, write, and hear. These learners either rely on traditional methods of learning, like reading and writing or can even listen to information.

Here are some ways educators can involve linguistic learners:

• Read aloud to them and encourage them to read it back to you
• Include written assignments and projects
• Avoid using a monotonous voice and refrain from too many diagrams

9. Social or Interpersonal Learners

Interpersonal learners are social and learn best when with others or in groups. They are known to be good leaders and impart good advice to people who come to seek it. Social learners are usually sensitive and empathetic and exhibit extraordinary leadership, communication and problem-solving skills.

A method to engage social learners in your classroom:

• Encourage group projects and role-playing

10. Intrapersonal or Solitary Learners

As the name suggests, these learners are the complete opposite of social learners and learn best when they study alone. They choose solitude while studying and are introspective and independent by nature. They prefer being with their own thoughts and steer clear of external interference. These 'quiet kids' often end up doing well even though they are not super interactive during class. Solitary learning can fall in line with other learning styles.

Here is how teachers can engage solitary learners:

• Check on them every now and then
• Designate quiet areas and individual contributor projects.

To conclude, all students should not be assigned to the same learning category. If one young learner is not performing well, it may be because their learning style is included in the teaching mix. Leading schools use a multimodal approach to imparting education which is a healthy combination of multiple learning styles.

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