Helping Your Child Thrive in the Classroom: What Teachers Should Know About Their Style

We often focus on what our children learn at school — phonics, fractions, spelling tests. But how they learn is just as important. And when teachers understand a child’s learning and personality style, it can completely change the way that child experiences the classroom.

If your child has ever come home saying “The teacher doesn’t get me,” or if they’ve started to lose confidence despite working hard, it may be time to start a new kind of conversation — one that’s less about grades, and more about style.

Why style matters at school

Every child walks into the classroom with a different set of needs. Some are bold and outspoken. Others need time to warm up. Some love group work. Others dread being put on the spot.

Learning styles (Visual, Auditory, Reading-Writing, Kinaesthetic) and personality styles (Dominant, Influential, Supportive, Cautious) shape how a child:

• Takes in information
• Asks for help
• Handles pressure
• Builds confidence

When a child’s environment aligns with their natural preferences, they feel understood. When it doesn’t, they may seem “difficult,” “disengaged,” or simply invisible.

What should teachers know?

The goal isn’t to make a teacher change their entire approach. It’s to give them insight into what makes your child tick — and how to bring out their best without unnecessary friction.

Here’s what to share, based on your child’s style.

Learning Styles in the Classroom

Visual learners

• Need diagrams, colour-coding, and visual cues
• May struggle with verbal-only explanations
• Prefer written instructions paired with images

Share this: “They really benefit from seeing things laid out visually. Diagrams or graphic organisers help them understand faster.”

Auditory learners

• Learn best through discussion or hearing explanations
• Remember spoken instructions but may skip over written ones
• Often enjoy reading aloud or verbal revision

Share this: “If they can talk it through or hear it explained, it really sticks.”

Reading-Writing learners

• Thrive with written notes, lists, and textbooks
• Like to take notes and revise through rewriting
• May be more independent in how they learn

Share this: “They love having written information and time to process it on their own.”

Kinaesthetic learners

• Learn through movement and hands-on activities
• Struggle to sit still or focus during long lectures
• May benefit from acting things out or using physical tools

Share this: “They focus better when they’re doing something active, even just standing while working.”

Personality Styles in the Classroom

Dominant style

• Likes autonomy, challenges, and fast results
• May resist rigid rules or micro-management
• Can become disengaged if the pace is too slow

Share this: “They like having clear goals and some freedom in how to get there.”

Influential style

• Social, enthusiastic, and expressive
• Can get distracted easily
• Thrives in interactive or group settings

Share this: “They do really well with encouragement and energy — and love to share ideas.”

Supportive style

• Calm, steady, and emotionally aware
• Avoids conflict or change
• May need reassurance in new environments

Share this: “They’re sensitive to tone and pace — gentle encouragement goes a long way.”

Cautious style

• Likes clarity, structure, and time to think
• Struggles with pressure or ambiguity
• May not speak up unless they’re sure

Share this: “They do best when things are clearly explained and expectations are consistent.”

Final Thought

You know your child best. When you share their learning and personality style with their teacher, you’re not making a demand — you’re offering insight. And that insight can make all the difference in helping your child feel seen, supported, and successful at school.

👉 Not sure of your child’s style yet?
Take the Unify Learning & Personality Style Assessments to get clear, personalised insights you can share with your child’s teacher.

‍