We all have different fingerprints, hand prints, and footprints. The same is true with learning styles. You may be a highly structured and well organized person. For study you want a quiet, secluded place with a desk and a straight-backed chair. Whereas your child may want to curl up on the sofa with clipboard and reading notes scattered about--with soft background music.

Laurence Martel, a specialist in learning styles, says, "Parents can help children succeed by being willing to explore different study and organizational methods and being willing to listen to their individual rhythms." "When both children and adults understand that people learn differently--and need to find their own way to organize themselves--success often follows naturally, says Thomas Emerson Hancock, a University of Portland visiting professor." The Oregonian, September 7, 1999.

"Parents should teach them (children) how to mark calendars with important dates, use to-do lists or sticky notes, seeing what works best for the child, not the adult." Nancy Mayer goes on to suggest: "A master household schedule and calendar that lists everyone's commitments." "Parents also can help students learn to schedule homework and to divide big projects into smaller tasks," says Mitzi Weinman, a Time Planning specialist. Ibid.

Some people learn best by doing things with their hands, others by reading books, and still others prefer listening. Laurence Martel provides information for parents to help them discover the learning styles of their children. Your child "may be a 'global thinker' who prefers to get the broad picture and worries less about details and structure." Ibid. You can assist best by helping your child to understand the meaning of the task. This will motivate him/her to succeed.

Some children are auditory. They prefer spoken words or music. Listening to recorded lectures will boost their learning abilities. Then there is the kinesthetic learner who absorbs information most efficiently "when acting or doing hands-on projects." He learns best by objects he or she can touch, feel, or manipulate. (This is especially true of preschool children.) Charades is a natural for this style of learning.

The print-oriented learner enjoys reading. If the problem before him is assembling a bicycle, give him a set of directions to read.

As you introduce new organizational skills and methods, you should gradually fade out of the picture so the learner can become more independent. Remain supportive, of course. You can post handmade checklists on the refrigerator and oversee their progress to help keep them on track. Obviously, there will be setbacks. But encourage and affirm their progress.

Martel uses the following test to help parents and teachers determine what time of day the child will accomplish the most efficient study: "Which of the following statements best describes you?

A. I am a morning person.

B. I am a mid morning person.

C. I am an afternoon person.

D. I am an evening person.

"Whatever time you are most alert is the best time to study. A morning person may do best getting up early and doing homework before school. Studying right after school may be difficult. A night owl may do best working after dinner. Whatever your best time of day, if you have to work during your 'down' time, get some fresh air to revive you before you start." Ibid.

Solo or Group Learning: Which statement best describes your child?

"A. I like to work alone.

B. I like to work with a partner.

C. I like to work in a group.

"How a student likes to work--alone or in groups--says a lot about how to help her become successful." Ibid.

For the learner who likes to study alone, arrange a study area with a desk, school supplies, a good light, and a book case. For the learner who likes company, these items can be placed near the kitchen.

Of course, practical considerations will apply in every home. Regularity in meals, study time, and bedtime will help the entire family. (Tests show that most children do not get adequate sleep for optimum performance. Teenagers need nine hours a night on average.) Regularity and order enhance family tranquility.

"There are different qualities of mind, and they should be made a prayerful study that they may be molded so as to accomplish the purpose God designed...Study their dispositions and temperaments, that you may know how to deal with them." Child Guidance, p. 207.