It is important to keep in mind that all children are unique. No learning style is a perfect fit for everyone. So, while these are some characteristics that will generally apply to visual learners, it is not an exhaustive list.

Visual Learners:

• tend to learn best (not only!) by seeing.
• understand and remember information best when presented in a visual format.
• are often doodlers, note-takers, and/or list-makers.
• have a strong imagination.
• easily pick up on visual cues and tend to observe what others are doing.
• prefer pictures, charts, graphs, maps, and illustrations with colors and patterns.
• tend to use gestures or language that evokes images when speaking.

Strengths of Visual Learners:

A visual learner is often good at following written directions. They typically remember and respond better to reading information (rather than hearing it). They often have an excellent memory because they typically excel at observation. They are generally able to picture the location of a specific passage, or the entire page of a book, in their mind. Visual learners are often strong readers because they can easily visualize the story taking place. Visual learners are excellent note-takers, often writing down everything they hear to process it later. They also tend to be good planners and very organized.

Struggles of Visual Learners:

Traditionally, teaching relies heavily on information shared through lecture or verbal instruction. While this can be great for auditory learners, visual learners may struggle to understand and retain information presented primarily in an auditory format. They may require that the information be repeated in a lecture-oriented context. Visual learners also tend to have difficulty following verbal directions, especially if they include multiple steps. They often have strong imaginations and may tend to daydream, or “zone out.” Noises (outside noises, siblings, background music, etc.) can be very distracting.

Strategies to Help the Visual Learner

While teaching itself may typically seem directed at, or designed for, an auditory learner, classrooms (and homeschool rooms!) can be ideal places for a visual Learner! Here are a few tips for teaching your Visual Learner:

• Watch the Clock: Visual learners tend to be planners, but they may struggle with time management. A daily schedule, or routine with color blocks or visual depictions of time, can be helpful, both in keeping a visual learner on schedule and teaching them to manage their time.
• Picture This: Allow your child to doodle while listening to lessons, or encourage them to take notes in picture form (e.g., a comic strip or storyboard). Create or use flashcards for math facts, word families, vocabulary words, or Bible verses. Flip charts, graphic organizers, diagrams, and outlines will also help your visual learners follow the content of your lessons. Manipulatives may seem like more of a tactile/kinesthetic resource, but math manipulatives can be a great way to allow learners to see the problems. Stock your homeschool room with clocks, play money, counters, and Unifix cubes (or Legos).
  
  
  
  
• Let’s Color: Allow, or help your child, to color-code subjects for better organization and quick visual recognition. This can also help your student connect assignments with daily schedules and routines, further helping with time management. Highlighting or taking notes in a variety of colors can also help your child to see and retain important information.
• Write It Down: Write out instructions or expectations. Supplement lecture-based instructions with handouts, diagrams, or other visuals. Use a whiteboard (and plenty of colored markers!) to write down instructions, examples, or important information. Rather than assigning household chores or tasks verbally, consider a checklist (for older children) or a chart with symbols or pictures (for younger children).
  
  
  
  
• Drama Queen: Be animated, use descriptive language, and words that evoke pictures in your teaching. Visual learners may use gestures when they speak. Incorporating hand movements, gestures, or sign language can help to emphasize a point and add visual interest to a lecture. As a teacher, you may also want to work on that stand-up routine. Funny or silly mental pictures, mnemonics, or memory tricks will help visual learners to see and retain information.
  
  
  
  
• Minimize (Unnecessary) Noise: If noise is a distraction, consider investing in a pair of noise-canceling headphones or earplugs to minimize noise from the road, the neighborhood, pets, or siblings. Or, create a designated spot where your visual learner can escape to read and study in peace and quiet.
  
  
  
  
• White Space: Visual aids like alphabet cards, pictures, posters, maps, and timelines can be extremely helpful to a visual learner. But, at the same time, too much visual stimuli can be overwhelming. Incorporate areas of white space, or visual rest, both in your schoolroom and on handouts, assignments, outlines, or notes. Sometimes, even looking at the teacher (mom), can be too much visual input. Allowing a child to look away – out a window, or around the room – during a lesson does not necessarily mean he is “zoning out.” In fact, it may be helping him to listen more effectively.
  
  
  
  
• Screen Time: Computers, tablets, smartphones, websites, and video courses can all be useful tools and provide great learning opportunities for visual learners. But be selective. Just because it is shown on a screen does not mean it is designed for or helpful to visual learners.

Visual learners are great students! They have a unique perspective. They see and notice details that other types of learners often miss. And, they can help (or challenge) you to look at the world (and your lesson plans!) differently.

Read More about Learning Styles

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