As always at the beginning of the year we come up with resolutions or enter into agreements individually or with family and friends to be the best we can be or make attempts for changes in our life styles. Some sayings I have heard since the beginning of the year are “More in 2024” and “Our life will soar in 2024.” Nonetheless, our children and youth always need our support and advocacy in their new year of academics, and social emotional support.
This month we want to focus and began to think about students’ learning styles and children’s love languages. Having the knowledge of your children’s learning styles and love languages helps you to be in touch with their needs and wants. Learning preferences help with study habits, improves the way we learn and educate ourselves on senses. Learning styles are usually characterized by visual, auditory, and kinesthetic. Individuals who learn with vision learn by using their eyes, pictures, charts, and color-coded notes. The auditory learner uses the ears, listening, reading out loud and recording notes. Kinesthetic learners use their hands to learn, using all senses, feel and touch.
On the other hand, the 5 Love Languages consist of social and emotional ways our children connect to us and others. The 5 Love Languages are Acts of Service, Words of Affirmation, Quality Time, Gifts, and Physical Touch. Children and youth benefit from how they receive love and how they give love to and from their parents or caregivers. Acts of service is expressed by receiving service from others such as cleaning, cooking, etc. Words of affirmation can be written notes or post-its communicating love. Quality time is spending meaningful time with loved ones. Receiving gifts are usually surprise gifts not just on birthdays or holidays. Lastly, physical touch are pats on the back, hugs, and kisses.
In conclusion to continue seeking out the learning styles and love languages of our children and youth we remain invested in their social emotional well-being. Being aware of the many characteristics of our children and youth lives assures them that we are interested in every aspect of their lives.
Learning and Loving Always,
Dr. Virginia Jones, Ed.D., LCSW
Maranatha Outreach Center, Board President