A Visual Learner

My son is 5 years old and attends Kindergarten. I was told by his teacher that he is a 'visual learner'. That he is easily distracted and doesn't comprehend the school work given to him. He enjoys artwork very much and is very meticulous about it. He is now being tested for Special Education needs. I am concerned about his not grasping his homework assignments such as counting and alphabet. He can count 1,2,3 etc. verbally and verbally say his ABC's....but when handed an assignment to complete he doesn't understand how to do the work. I am at a loss as to how to help him. What exactly will the testing for Special Education show?

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

Dear Rhonda,

The results of the special educational testing will depend on the specific tests that are administered. There is a wide variation amomg school districts in relation to testing. The testing will probably give an indication of your son's overall intellectual potential, along with some specific areas of achievement. It may also investigate the possibility of a learning disability.

When the teacher mentions that your son is a visual learner, she is calling attention to his preference for acquiring information by viewing it, seeing it, as opposed to hearing the information (auditory learning). Often children show a preference for one channel of learning vs another - this is not unusual.

Remember, though, that your son is only five. He is at the beginning of his formal learning. Try not to be alarmed at his difficulties. It's early yet to know about the pace his learning will refelect as time, and maturation, proceed.

[monica]

My niece is in 8th grade and has been found to be a visual learner.  She has always struggled in school but she has always received passing grades in all her classes.  She is now struggling more than ever and seems to be losing interest in her education.  I am very worried about her because she seems to have developed very low self-esteem.  

Is there anything you can recommend that I can do to help her (study techniques).

Thank You

[Philip1815]

My daughter is now 15, she is also a 'visual' lerner, some days are better than others.

[Philip1815]

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[Philip1815]

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[Philip1815]

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