Why Homeschool Learning Styles Matter (And Why Yours and Your Child’s Might Be Different)

When you’re homeschooling, curriculum is important. Schedules matter. But before you spend hours planning lessons or clicking “add to cart,” there’s something even more important to consider:

How does your child learn? And how do you learn?

Because here’s the truth: homeschooling works best when you understand both.

What Are Homeschool Learning Styles?

Learning styles describe how a person naturally absorbs, processes, and retains information. They’re not rigid categories, but they give you insight into what clicks for your child—and for you.

Most people fall into one or more of these general learning styles:

• Visual learners learn best by seeing: charts, pictures, videos, color-coded notes, diagrams.

• Auditory learners absorb through hearing: read-alouds, lectures, podcasts, songs.

• Kinesthetic learners need movement and touch: hands-on activities, experiments, role play.

• Reading/Writing learners thrive on words: books, journaling, taking notes, written instructions.

  
  

You might see a blend of two or more, but usually there’s a dominant preference—especially in kids.

Why Your Child’s Learning Style Comes First

As the parent, you’re the teacher. But your child is the learner.And in homeschooling, the learner is the priority.

You can be the most organized, enthusiastic, well-read homeschool parent out there—but if your child isn’t learning in a way that works for them, the results will be frustrating for both of you.

For example:

• If your child is a kinesthetic learner, but your teaching style is lecture-based and workbook-heavy, they may shut down quickly.

• If your child is a visual learner, but you explain everything out loud without showing them, they’ll likely lose focus.

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It’s not about whether you’re doing it “right”—it’s about whether it’s working for them.

Your child’s learning style should shape the way you teach, the materials you choose, and how flexible you are in your approach.

But Don’t Ignore Your Own Style

That said, you matter too. Your learning style influences how you naturally teach, gather information, and structure your homeschool. For example:

• A visual parent might love planning with charts and color-coded spreadsheets.

• A kinesthetic parent may prefer hands-on, project-based activities.

• An auditory parent might enjoy read-alouds and group discussion.

Knowing your style can help you see your default approach—but here’s where it gets real:

You might need to stretch yourself.Because more often than not, your child’s style won’t match yours.

And that’s okay. In fact, it’s normal.

This is where intentional homeschooling comes in—where you, the adult, make thoughtful adjustments so your child can thrive.

You don’t have to change who you are. But understanding the differences between how you and your child learn allows you to build bridges. You can still use your strengths to support their needs.

For example:

• If you’re a visual learner and your child is kinesthetic, you might create visual guides for yourself to stay organized—while designing hands-on activities for your child to learn the content.

• If you’re an auditory learner and your child isn’t, try pairing verbal instruction with visual aids or physical tools.

  
  

This awareness creates a smoother homeschool experience—and a more respectful, connected relationship.

How to Figure Out Your Learning Styles

Start by observing. Ask yourself and your child:

• What helps information stick?

• Do they love being read to or prefer watching videos?

• Do they fidget constantly while listening?

• Do they ask for demonstrations or want to try it themselves?

• Do you prefer learning by reading, hearing, or doing?

  
  

Using Learning Styles to Guide Your Curriculum Choices

Once you understand both your child’s and your own learning styles, you can evaluate curriculum through a new lens:

• Does it offer audio, visual, or hands-on components?

• Can you adapt it to meet your child’s needs?

• Will it stretch you in ways that are doable—not overwhelming?

• Can you use your strengths to better support your child?

  
  

You don’t have to find the perfect curriculum. You just need something that works well enough for your child to engage with it—and for you to implement it with confidence.

Homeschooling is about connection.When you take the time to understand how your child learns—and how you teach—you’re not just choosing curriculum.You’re building a path for real learning to happen.