Homeschooling can be a difficult task but couple that with difficulties teaching to your children and you can run into major roadblocks.  If your child is having problems ‘getting’ what you’re trying to teach then consider taking a different road to the same destination.  If you have not researched and studied learning styles this might be something that will help you in your search for peace in your daily lessons.

What are learning styles?  Learning styles are defined as:  different approaches to learning.  Everyone learns in a different manner and each of cannot be put into a ‘box’ but we can benefit from knowing how we learn best.  There are three categories of learning styles:  visual, auditory and Tactile/Kinesthetic and several modalities within those basic categories.

Visual learners learn best through seeing the material.  They benefit from visual displays and learn best when visual distractions are kept to a minimum.  To teach in a way they will understand you can add flip-charts or photos to your lessons.  Also, consider purchasing a whiteboard to write out math problems or spelling words for them.

Auditory learners do best when lessons are read to them or if they read their lessons aloud to themselves.  They are easily distracted by noise and sudden audible distractions.  Try to keep their environment quiet while they are studying.  Also, consider purchasing (or checking-out) books on tape and have them follow along in the written text for reading assignments.

Tacticile/Kinestic learners are hands-on learners.  They are the ‘touchy, feely’ kids who learn best by interacting with their lessons.  These children will benefit from math manipulitives and letter blocks.   When the child can put things together with their hands then it will ‘click’ in their minds.  These children might find it hard to sit-still during lessons so get them involved and let them express their creativity with their hands.

There are many books you can read that will help you to learn more about learning styles and how to best utilize your child’s strengths in a way they will learn best.  One of my favorites is The Way They Learn by Cynthia Ulrich Tobias  as well as the companion book Every Child Can Succeed: Making the Most of Your Child's Learning Style.  Cathy Duffy released the book 100 Top Picks For Homeschool Curriculum: Choosing The Right Curriculum And Approach For Your Child's Learning Style that will help with choosing curriculum catering to your Childs learning style. 

You can also use the internet to research and learn more about learning styles as well.  I found several helpful websites:

http://www.ldpride.net/

http://www.chaminade.org/inspire/learnstl.htm

http://www.d.umn.edu/student/loon/acad/strat/lrnsty.html

http://www.learningstyles.net/

This will minimize frustration during learning time between you and your child and make learning and teaching fun.  If you’re frustrated with how your homeschooling is going take time to do some research and learn more about learning styles.