Learning Styles
We all learn differently. What works for one child does not necessarily work for another child, and certainly might not be the way that the teacher learns. Some respond well to verbal instruction, some prefer visual aids, and some have to involve their bodies in their learning. By looking at what children do well, we can hone-in on their abilities and help them learn to apply their strengths to each learning situation. There is a wealth of value and creativity in every individual.
Each person tends to favor a particular method of taking in information. This is often referred to as “Learning Style.” There are several ways to look at learning styles. One of the most common terminology is visual, auditory, social, and kinesthetic. Your Education Specialist or Academy Teacher can assist you in determining your child’s preferred learning style.
Teaching to your child’s strengths: This does not mean that you have to construct your entire curriculum around your child’s learning style. Knowledge of your student’s preferred method of learning can be used as a tool to guide your instructional strategies.
Auditory Learners: learn best by hearing
Prefers: lectures; songs and rhymes; rhythm instruments; recitation; oral discussion; brainstorming; audio-books, and reading aloud
Kinesthetic Learners: learns best by using the body and senses
Prefers: multi-sensory audio-visual aids; short, dynamic presentations; freedom to move around; whole-body physical movement; projects; games; variety in learning methods; hands-on activities
Social Learners: learn best by interacting with others
Prefers: one-on-one conversations, discussions, group participation
Visual Learners: learns best by seeing
Prefers: flash cards; visual images; matching games; pictures and diagrams; puzzles; printed material; charts, pictures, posters; video tapes; time to prepare for discussions
Brain Rules
The staff at Springs Charter Schools believe that the brain is an amazing thing! Truly understanding how the brain works and how we learn best can help students acquire and retain information more effectively. Our staff members are trained in this area and implement the “12 Brain Rules” introduced by author and biologist, John Medina. Below are the 12 rules that influence Springs Charter Schools’ classroom instruction, parent support, and school leadership.
#1 Exercise — Exercise improves brain function.
#2 Survival — The development of the brain over time affects how it works.
#3 Wiring — Every brain is different.
#4 Attention — The brain isn’t built for multi-tasking.
#5 Short Term Memory — Repeat to Remember.
#6 Long Term Memory — Remember to Repeat.
#7 Sleep — Sleep allows the brain to continue to process acquired information.
#8 Stress — Different types of stress affect the brain differently.
#9 Sensory Integration — Multi-sensory learning increases the brain’s attention.
#10 Vision — Visual information is more effective than other forms of information.
#11 Gender — Male and female brains differ in how they acquire and process information.
#12 Exploration — We learn through experience.
Information taken from Brain Rules: 12 Principles for Surviving and Thriving at Work, Home and School” by John Medina. Learn more at http://www.brainrules.net/
