66 Engaging Learning Activities to Support Every Learning Style
- sproutingmindsss
- Jun 10
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 18
Everyone learns and retains information differently—and that includes your own children and each of your students. What works well for one learner might not work at all for another. That’s why understanding how a child learns is just as important as what they learn.
One of your children might thrive when they can move around and explore through hands-on tasks, while another may absorb information best through reading quietly or listening to a story. The same is true in the classroom: each student brings their own learning style to the table.
Knowing each learner’s preferred style—whether it's auditory, kinesthetic, visual, or reading/writing—not only helps us tailor our instruction, but also empowers students to become more confident, independent learners. When students are taught in ways that align with how they naturally learn best, they’re more likely to stay engaged, retain information, and enjoy the learning process.
In addition to these four main types of learning styles, there are also important variations to consider. Some students prefer learning alone, while others thrive in group settings. Some concentrate better in silence, while others need background noise or music. By intentionally incorporating a variety of learning activities, we can ensure that every learner is seen, valued, and supported.
🎧 Auditory Learners
Auditory learners absorb information best through listening and speaking. They enjoy discussions, verbal explanations, and sounds that reinforce learning. These students thrive when they can hear, say, or explain what they are learning.
Try these activities:
Audiobooks – Listening to narrated stories or texts helps them engage with content.
Debates – Encourages active listening, verbal reasoning, and persuasive speaking.
Discussions – Provides opportunities to process ideas through conversation.
Lectures – Well-structured talks help these learners absorb detailed information.
Mnemonics (acronyms, phrases) – Sound-based memory tools that stick in the mind.
Podcasts – Great for listening to expert opinions or stories related to lesson topics.
Read-Alouds – Hearing text read fluently helps with comprehension and engagement.
Poetry – Rhythmic and expressive language stimulates auditory processing.
Songs – Turning lessons into songs makes facts easier to remember.
Teach others – Explaining aloud reinforces the speaker’s own understanding.
Text-to-speech tools – Assistive tech that supports auditory learners reading text.
Turn & talks – Short, structured peer conversations enhance verbal processing.
Use different pitches – Varying tone and intonation can help emphasize key points.
Verbal instructions – Clear spoken directions cater to auditory preferences.
Voice recording platforms – Students can record themselves explaining concepts.
🏃♀️ Kinesthetic Learners
Kinesthetic learners, also known as tactile learners, learn best by doing. They prefer movement, hands-on tasks, and physical experiences to understand concepts.
Try these activities:
Body movement – Integrate walking, clapping, or gestures during lessons.
Experiments – Hands-on scientific exploration that brings concepts to life.
Field trips – Real-world learning in new, engaging environments.
Gestures – Using physical motions to emphasize or represent ideas.
Hands-on learning/doing – Building, touching, or manipulating materials.
Interactive models – Constructing or exploring physical models of concepts.
Interactive apps – Engaging with touchscreen tools and simulations.
Interactive whiteboards – Let students manipulate objects on a digital board.
Manipulatives – Tools like cubes, counters, or fraction tiles for math and beyond.
Outdoor experiences – Learning through nature walks, observations, or games.
Performing tasks – Doing real or simulated tasks like measuring, cooking, or assembling.
Projects – Long-term assignments that involve crafting, creating, or building.
Role-playing – Students act out historical events, character interactions, or scenarios.
Touching & feeling – Texture-based learning with fabrics, models, or art supplies.
Trial and error – Hands-on experimentation that lets students learn by discovery.
👀 Visual Learners
Visual learners, also known as spatial learners, comprehend information best when they see it. They benefit from images, colors, diagrams, and organization of space.
Try these activities:
Animations – Moving visuals that illustrate complex ideas clearly.
Classify & categorize – Sorting activities that help visualize relationships.
Charts & graphs – Display data visually to show patterns or comparisons.
Color-coding – Use different colors to highlight or organize information.
Concept map visuals – Diagrams showing relationships between ideas.
Diagrams – Step-by-step visual breakdowns of processes or concepts.
Flashcards – Quick visual prompts to reinforce vocabulary or facts.
Flow charts – Visualize sequences and decision-making processes.
Google Slides – Presentation tools that provide visual scaffolding.
Graphic organizers – Tools like Venn diagrams or T-charts to structure thinking.
Highlighting – Emphasize key ideas with bright colors.
Infographics – Visual summaries of data or facts in a creative layout.
Interactive whiteboards – Draw, display, and organize content in real-time.
Maps – Visual tools for geography, history, or conceptual connections.
Mind mapping – Radial diagrams that connect central and related ideas.
Outlines – Structured frameworks to visualize lesson content.
Pictures – Images that reinforce vocabulary or concepts.
Posters – Student- or teacher-created visuals summarizing key ideas.
PowerPoints – Organized visual presentations to accompany instruction.
Props – Physical or visual tools that illustrate abstract ideas.
Story maps – Visual breakdowns of narrative elements like plot and character.
Videos – Visual storytelling or demonstrations to enhance comprehension.
Virtual field trips – Online explorations of real places or concepts.
Visual aids – Charts, diagrams, objects, or anything visually supportive.
📝 Reading/Writing Learners
Reading/writing learners excel when interacting with text—through both reading and writing. They benefit from reading detailed explanations, taking notes, and writing summaries or reflections.
Try these activities:
Book clubs – Encourages deep reading and written or verbal responses (may apply more to older students).
Dictionaries – Using reference tools to clarify and expand vocabulary.
Discussion/chat forums – Typed conversations where learners process ideas through writing.
Doodling – Drawing while reading or writing to enhance memory.
Drawing a concept map – Creating written and visual representations of concepts.
Journaling – Personal reflection and processing through regular writing.
Literature circles – Small group discussions based on student-assigned roles.
Note-taking – Writing key information helps commit it to memory (may apply more to older students).
Reading books & texts – Primary method of gathering and analyzing content.
Reading step-by-step instructions – Preferred method for learning how to do something.
Sketching – Combining visuals with labels or annotations to clarify learning.
Word games – Written puzzles that strengthen vocabulary and spelling.
Final Thoughts
No two students learn exactly the same way. By intentionally integrating a mix of auditory, kinesthetic, visual, and reading/writing activities, you’ll reach a wider range of learners—and keep things fresh and engaging for everyone. Learning becomes more effective (and enjoyable!) when students can connect with content in the way that works best for them.
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