Is Your Child a Visual Learner? Try Drawing It
Does your child learn best with pictures? Drawing helps visual learners understand, organize and remember. Tips for homework and studying.
Children who learn best with pictures often benefit from drawing their learning: sketching vocabulary, mapping ideas, drawing timelines and diagrams. Drawing turns abstract information into images they can see and remember.
The idea of fixed "learning styles" is debated by researchers, and most children learn through a mix of ways. But many kids clearly enjoy and benefit from visual approaches, and drawing is a powerful learning tool for everyone.
Signs your child enjoys visual learning
- Remembers pictures better than words
- Doodles constantly
- Likes diagrams and maps
- Follows visual instructions easily
Drawing for homework
- Vocabulary. Draw a picture for each word.
- Reading. Draw scenes from chapters.
- Science. Label diagrams.
- Math. Sketch word problems.
- History. Draw timelines.
A wide range of shapes to draw with
The more a child can draw, the more they can use drawing to learn. How to Draw: Cool Stuff covers monsters, aliens, robots and more, giving kids a toolbox of shapes they can use to sketch ideas quickly.
Study tips
- Make picture flashcards.
- Use color coding.
- Draw mind maps for big topics.
- Turn notes into sketchnotes (see sketchnoting for kids).
Combine with words
Pictures work best alongside words. Encourage labeling and short explanations. For more, see visual thinking.
Questions parents ask
What is a visual learner?
A term for someone who seems to learn best with pictures, diagrams and images. Most people learn through a combination of ways.
How can drawing help with homework?
Drawing vocabulary, scenes, diagrams, word problems and timelines makes information easier to understand and remember.
Are learning styles real?
Research questions fixed learning styles, but visual tools like drawing help many learners understand and remember.
More in every kind of learner, or browse all 217 posts on the blog.
Keep reading
- OT-Inspired Drawing Ideas to Try at HomeOT-inspired drawing activities you can try at home: tracing, mazes, big arm drawing and finger warm-ups. Fun ways to support fine motor skills.
- Reluctant Drawer? Start With Something SillySome kids just don't want to draw. The secret? Start with something silly. Learn how funny, gross characters win over reluctant drawers.
- My Kid Hates Art: Finding Their Way In"I hate art!" Some kids resist drawing. Here's how to find their way in, through interests, humor, challenges and building, without forcing it.
- Keeping Tweens Drawing Through Ages 9 to 12Tweens often stop drawing. Keep 9- to 12-year-olds drawing with challenging projects, cool subjects, grid drawing and creative independence.
