Talkers, Watchers, and Doers: Unlocking Your Child's Unique Learning Style

by Cheri Fuller

How does your child learn?
Your child has learning fingerprints. That is, he or she has a certain way of seeing things, of learning facts, of processing information―as unique as fingerprints. Do you know the best way to help your child learn and succeed? There are many kinds of learning styles, but children usually fall into one of these auditory, visual, or kinesthetic―in other words, talkers, watchers, or doers. Each style brings unique perspective and aptitudes. By understanding your child’s basic learning style and intelligence gifts, you can craft and tailor a learning environment to specially suit her needs. These practical suggestions and creative tips will change the way you approach your child’s education. No matter how your child learns, you can help him or her learn better and more efficiently.

Genres: Parenting, Education, Nonfiction

176 pages, Paperback

First published June 11, 2004

About the author

Cheri Fuller is a gifted speaker and award-winning author of more than forty books, including The One Year Women’s Friendship Devotional, the bestselling When Mothers Pray, and A Busy Woman’s Guide to Prayer. Her books have been translated into many languages, and her speaking ministry has provided encouragement to people throughout the U.S. and abroad. A former Oklahoma Mother of the Year, Cheri has been a frequent guest on national TV and radio programs. Her articles on family, spiritual growth, relationships, and prayer have appeared in Family Circle, Focus on the Family, Guideposts, and many other publications. Cheri holds a master’s degree in English literature and is executive director of the nonprofit organization Redeeming the Family. She and her husband, Holmes, live in Oklahoma, and have three grown children and six wonderful grandchildren. Cheri’s books, Bible studies, and other resources can be found at www.cherifuller.com along with information on her speaking topics and how to schedule Cheri for events. To find out more about the ministry, visit www.redeemingthefamily.org.

Reviews

[Melynne (mels_booknook) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book! I loved reading about the different learning styles and how to help kids with each one. Really eye opening and helpful.

[Kristine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I especially appreciated the examples of learning activities for different types of learners. Written an a very accessible way.

[Bree · Rating 5 out of 5]

perhaps buy this?

[Elizabeth Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy, quick read. Very accessible information. My favorite gleaning was the suggestion of introducing new topics in a variety of learning/teaching styles. So, 1st day, provide a hands on explanation/demonstration, 2nd day visual drawings, 3rd day textbook/worksheet. Of course, the ultimate goal being to understand best how your child/children learns and accommodate that.

[Momma Aimee · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not worth the time to read. Sadly. Talkers, Watchers, and Doers: Unlocking Your Child's Unique Learning Style (School Savvy Kids)is a very very very basic introduction to the three basic learning styles (kinetic, auditory and visual).

Honestly I can see it being useful to give to a Junior High level student as a discussion of different learning styles, the acceptance of them, and the ‘you just need to alter your approach to fit yours’ concept. However it simple offers nothing to an adult / parent.

It is a fast read, and easy read (again maybe Junior High reading level, I am sure I could have sped though it in Grade school) but there is just no meat, no substance. Many cute stories about kids that were failing every spelling test until a mom recorded their spelling words on a tape, gave them a walkman and hand them match up and down the stairs to the beat of their spelling drills; beyond that everything vas common sense and rudimentary. Ants in Their Pants http://www.amazon.com/Ants-Their-Pant... by Aerial Cross is a much better book if you are looking for suggestions on ‘altering the approach to assignments / material presentation’ especially to allow a child to get up and move, but also to make visual images and the like.

I got it off paperbackswap.com, so I did not waste the $10.39 Amazon.com is asking for it. I’ll post it back on to PBS and get a different book. That is the joy of paperbackswap.com – no guilt for the books that don’t turn out as you hope.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was first introduced to Cheri Fuller's work when I read Raising Motivated Kids; I had been searching for some advice or ideas on getting my second grader more interested in learning and school. This work follows in a similar fashion, but expounds on the idea that kids learn differently. Duh. Still, since reading this book, I am more thoughtful about how I approach my daughter when it comes to school work and even just everyday opportunities for learning. We have had ZERO crying episodes when it comes to homework since reading this book -- a coincidence? Perhaps, but before, it was nearly a daily event. I also see what a challenge it is to simultaneously engage every pupil in a classroom of 22. Just working in small groups of four kids, I had a serious watcher, an energetic doer, and two other kids who were so quiet it was hard to know if there were tuned it at all. Great info for parents, teachers, and anyone who enjoys learning about learning.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. I read it as part of a parent book club for one of my children's school. I think it is a great jump into knowing and understanding learning styles. I find myself talking to everyone I know about what I have been learning in this book--obviously I have a lot of auditory learning needs : )
It doesn't go into great depth, but is a great book for opening up the knowledge on the subject. I found it very enjoyable and easy to read--and enlightening on my own learning style and those of my children.

[Aisha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I grabbed a few great ideas for how to help my kids. Loved the flashlight idea of shining the flashlight on phonogram cards.
I think I would use the flashlight to help them practice letters, spelling words, etc. Also need a few kitchen timers for one child and more sticky notes! A few of the descriptions resonated with learning styles either my husband or I are, or we are seeing in our children. Good overviews and some concrete tips for each style.
Also an entire section on cultivating talents and giftedness.

[Juliet · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has some good practical tips on helping children learn based on their own specific learning styles- auditory, visual, or kinesthetic (or a combination of these). Who knew letting a "doer" ride an exercise bike while reading actually increases comprehension? Though it seems to be geared for parents (or teachers) of kids in upper grades or high school, I could definitely see my younger kids (and myself) in these examples.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked the suggestions for kids who learn a bit differently than they type of student public schools are typically set up for. I'm actually going to try some things with one of my sons, who is both a watcher and a doer, and see if they work. If so, I may have to change my rating to 5 stars :).

[Kelly Coyle DiNorcia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eh - I guess it's worth looking at, but definitely not a must read. I was hoping for more advice on how to manage a child's temperament in real life, but it was very heavy on how to ensure academic success and light on suggestions for making home life more harmonious. I ended up skimming most of it.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good basic introduction to three learning styles as well as ideas on how to implement that knowledge for your child's benefit. Nothing earth-shattering, but very accessible, with suggestions and examples spanning all age groups.

For more book reviews, come visit my blog, Build Enough Bookshelves.

[Deanna Sutter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just reread. Some good ideas, very basic. There's not a lot of substance beyond the three main learning styles. I think my kids have out grown my need for this.

[Launna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think the titles used are confusing, but there is some useful information here that helped me understand both myself and each of our children better.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very helpful for classroom teachers and parents. It prodded me to get out of "finish the curriculum" mode and to refocus on creating a richer experience of the content.

[Kendra Fletcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful.