What Is Teaching by Learning Style in Homeschooling?
Teaching by learning style means recognizing that kids absorb information differently—some thrive with visuals, others through sound, and many by moving or doing. When you match your teaching method to your child’s learning style, education shifts from stressful to joyful.
Whether your child struggles with workbooks or tunes out during read-alouds, understanding their unique learning styles might be the game-changer your homeschool needs.
The Game-Changer: Teaching by Learning Style
The Game-Changer: Teaching by Learning StyleInstead of pushing through methods that weren’t working, I paused and paid close attention to how my kids naturally learn. What lit them up? What helped information really stick?
That’s when I started teaching by learning style. I added:
- Math manipulatives
- Hands-on games
- Catchy songs tied to core concepts
The change was immediate. Not only did they grasp ideas faster—they actually enjoyed learning.
What Are Learning Styles?
At the heart of teaching by learning style is understanding that kids (and adults!) absorb information differently.
Here are the three primary learning styles:
- Visual Learners – Thrive with images, charts, diagrams, and videos
- Auditory Learners – Learn best through listening, discussions, and storytelling
- Kinesthetic Learners – Need to move, build, and interact physically
Some children blend these styles, and observation becomes your superpower.
Why Does Teaching by Learning Style Work?
- Less resistance to lessons
- More engagement and faster understanding
- Easier adaptation of curriculum and activities
- Boosts confidence and connection
Example: When I swapped worksheets for math manipulatives, my kinesthetic learner went from overwhelmed to excited.
What Are the 3 Main Learning Styles?
What Are the 3 Main Learning Styles?Learning Style | How They Learn Best | Examples |
|---|---|---|
Visual | Seeing charts, diagrams, images, videos | Flashcards, illustrated books |
Auditory | Hearing discussions, music, storytelling | Read-alouds, catchy songs |
Kinesthetic | Moving, touching, building | Experiments, games, manipulatives |
Many kids use a blend of styles. Observing what excites them during play and learning will guide you.
How Did Learning Styles Change Our Homeschool?
How Did Learning Styles Change Our Homeschool?Before: Workbook-heavy routines led to stress and disengagement
After: I added movement-based math games, songs, and visual tools
Result: My kids didn’t just memorize—they understood
All About Reading helped my tactile learner thrive where standard phonics fell flat.
That mindset also transformed our reading approach. When I noticed how tactile activities made my daughter come alive, we switched to All About Reading. It met her kinesthetic needs beautifully and built her confidence, step by step. You can read about that journey here-
From Tears to Triumph: Our All About Reading Journey.
Quick Quiz: What’s Your Child’s Learning Style?
Quick Quiz: What’s Your Child’s Learning Style?Answer these to find out what fits your child best:
- How do they prefer to learn something new?
- A. Watch a demo B. Hear instructions C. Try it hands-on
- During storytime they…
- A. Focus on pictures B. Love dramatic voices C. Act out the story
- They solve problems by…
- A. Drawing B. Talking it through C. Using physical objects
- They remember by…
- A. Seeing/writing B. Singing/speaking C. Doing/moving
Mostly A’s → Visual
Mostly B’s → Auditory
Mostly C’s → Kinesthetic
Curriculum Picks by Learning Style
Curriculum Picks by Learning StyleWhether you’re just starting or refining your homeschool, these tools make teaching by learning style simple and effective:
Visual Learners
Auditory Learners
Kinesthetic Learners
Why Logic of English Made Reading Finally Click
When phonics felt like a guessing game, we needed a fresh start. Logic of English gave us just that—with tools that actually fit how each of our kids learn.
Visual learners love the color-coded charts and spelling patterns Auditory learners thrive on phonogram chants and dictation practice Kinesthetic learners stay engaged through handwriting strokes and movement-based games Logical thinkers—including autistic learners—benefit from the clear rules and consistent structure
For our logical autistic learner, it was a game-changer. The predictable patterns, rule-based explanations, and step-by-step approach helped reading feel less chaotic and more like solving a puzzle—and that’s when the confidence started to grow.
If your homeschool needs phonics with clarity, flexibility, and a little joy… Logic of English might be the shift you’ve been waiting for.
My Favorite Resources for Teaching by Learning Style
- These awesome linking math cubes that double as construction toys!
- This fun human body kit where you get to poke around on your insides!
- A magnetic U.S. map, this has been so fun for learning the states, and the kids love quizzing each other with it.
- These basic kid sized white boards have been amazing for showing concepts.
- This math white board is a great visual number line that kids can use to do their math problems on.
- We’ve had this human body busy book for years and my kids still love playing with it.
- This pancake game was a hit for a long time at our house; it helps teach coordination and number pattern.
- We’ve loved this hands-on book about learning to identify emotions and how we can work through them.
- The Fidget Game is so fun for learning sight words!
- The Fly Swatter Game is also a hoot for identifying site words.
- And if you have a number block fun, these games are a great way to reinforce what is learned in the show: Race to Pattern Palace, Balance Activity Set, and Counting Puzzle Set.
Curriculum That Honors Learning Styles
If your child thrives with hands-on projects, storytelling, or visual structure, Pandia Press offers history and science programs that feel like they were made for learning style–based homeschooling.
Their History Quest series includes narrative read-alouds, map work, and “Hygge History” weeks—perfect for visual and auditory learners who love cozy, story-driven lessons. And their Real Science Odyssey guides are packed with experiments and journaling prompts that kinesthetic learners adore.
Explore Pandia Press Curriculum
Final Thoughts: Teaching That Clicks
Final Thoughts: Teaching That ClicksIf your homeschool feels stuck, don’t push harder—pause and pivot.
Ask: How does my child absorb joyfully? Then lean into that.
Teaching by learning style changed everything for us. And if you’re ready for even more play-based ideas, check out:
Hands-On Learning at Home: 7 Play-Based Activities Kids Love
