Learning Styles Explained (In a Way That Actually Makes Sense)

You’ve probably heard about learning styles before — maybe on a school report, from a teacher, or in a podcast where someone mentions being a “visual learner.” But what does that actually mean?

More importantly: what does it mean for your child?

Let’s break it down properly — no jargon, no overcomplicated theory. Just real, useful insight to help you understand how your child learns best, and how that can make life a whole lot easier at home and in school.

What Are Learning Styles?

Put simply, a learning style is a person’s preferred way of processing and engaging with information. It doesn’t mean your child can only learn in one way — it just means there’s a certain method that feels more natural or effective to them.

At Unify, we use the well-established VARK model, which stands for:

• Visual – Learns best with images, diagrams, mind maps, colour
• Auditory – Absorbs information through listening, discussions, and spoken instructions
• Reading/Writing – Prefers working with written words, notes, lists, and text-based resources
• Kinaesthetic – Thrives with hands-on activities, movement, and physical engagement

Your child might strongly lean toward one of these, or be a blend of two — and it can shift slightly over time.

Common Misunderstandings About Learning Styles

Let’s clear a few things up:

❌ My child can only learn one way
Not true. While children tend to have preferences, mixing it up is still valuable. A kinaesthetic learner might benefit from movement-based tasks — but they’ll still need to read, write, and listen at school. Variety strengthens flexibility.

❌ Learning styles are just labels
They’re not. They’re tools to help you observe, understand, and adapt. You’re not putting your child in a box — you’re giving them a starting point that feels natural to them.

❌ There’s no science behind it
While the debate continues around “matching” teaching to styles in the classroom, learning preferences remain a useful insight into how people naturally engage with content. What matters most is using this understanding as part of a flexible, supportive approach.

What Each Style Might Look Like at Home

🔹 Visual learners

• Like colour-coded notes, diagrams, charts
• Remember pictures better than words
• Get distracted by lots of text

🔹 Auditory learners

• Prefer being told instructions
• Like songs, podcasts, or talking it through
• Enjoy explaining things aloud

🔹 Reading/Writing learners

• Naturally take notes or write to understand
• Prefer written instructions
• Often love books and research

🔹 Kinaesthetic learners

• Need to move, act out, or build to grasp concepts
• Thrive with experiments and practical tasks
• Struggle with sitting still for too long

Why This Is a Game-Changer for Parents

Knowing your child’s learning style gives you something every parent wants: a clearer way to help.

You’ll know why your child gets frustrated with certain types of homework
You can suggest study strategies that actually suit them
You can better communicate with their teacher about what works
You’ll reduce stress at home — for them and for you

It also gives your child a sense of control over their own learning. That self-awareness builds confidence and independence — especially important in the teen years.

The Unify Learning Styles Assessment

We’ve designed simple, engaging assessments for both:
Kids aged 6–12
Teens aged 13–18

The questions are age-appropriate and easy to follow. Once completed, you’ll get a personalised summary that explains your child’s learning preference and how to use that information right away — at home, in school, and in life.

We recommend taking it three times a year to see how their preferences evolve.

Final Thought

Every child can learn — but not every child learns the same way. And that’s okay.
Learning styles don’t box your child in — they unlock your ability to support them better.

Take the Unify Learning Style Assessment today — and start understanding how your child (or teen) learns best.

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