Visual-Spatial Learners

by Alexandra Shires Golon

Are you looking for ways to differentiate your instruction to meet the needs of gifted visual-spatial learners? You've found it in Visual-Spatial Understanding the Learning Style Preference of Bright But Disengaged Students (2nd ed.). Visual-spatial learners are students who show advanced abilities with computers, maps, construction toys, and puzzles. The techniques outlined within these pages help all learners succeed―regardless of preferred learning style. Based on the most current understanding of the brain's hemispheric functions, the author provides a number of strategies and lesson plan ideas to help make your classroom a successful learning environment for all learners. These strategies address preparing students to succeed on timed tests; easing the pain of handwriting; teaching spelling using imagery; incorporating mnemonics, rhyme, and other tricks that engage the right hemisphere of the brain; helping students stay focused and on track; getting―and keeping―students organized; and much more!

Genres: Education, Nonfiction

220 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2008

Reviews

[Bruce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Visual-spatial Learners can be used by parents, teachers, and anyone else who works with teaching and raising children. It begins with sharing the current knowledge of what visual-spatial learning means, and gives some advice on how to determine if the child is visual-spatial, or not. What is most valuable to me is the practical advice given for learning spelling words, taking notes, being organized and learning new facts. These ideas come from years of teaching experience and the author does a good job spelling them out. It's one thing to point out a problem--that's not hard. The challenge is how to find ways to solve the problems in a positive and fun way. This author does exactly that. I highly recommend this book.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from a give away on Library Thing. The first thing to note, is that Golon's primary audience are educators. This isn't me (at least in the 'traditional sense'), but I was a visual-spatial learner and have kids that are on that end of the spectrum as well. Mostly Golon offers strategies which could be applied in the classroom (or other contexts, like home) to help kids learn. These strategies are more visual and kinesthetic than the typical auditory learning (e.g. lecture style) you find in a classroom, though many teachers employ these sorts of strategies all the time and it has been some of the stuff that has worked best for my kids.

[Kathleen Gonzales · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book validated much of what I have found to be true in my years of teaching kindergarten. It was nice to see the research backing up practices which I have found to be helpful with all of my students. I would recommend this book to parents as well as educators. I found the VSL quiz to help identify visual-spatial learners to be very useful, and the strategies suggested to be reasonable and effective.

[Wajid · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book but wish they were more advice for adults as well but the book is geared at children with that learning style in the first place. I enjoyed the book a lot either as it helped discover myself. I freaked out many times because every time I got to a chapter it was like the author was speaking to me or describing me. I stopped to wonder sometimes how does she know that? Does that mean I am not alone? Well I answered those on my own with the blazing truth exposed right before my reading eyes.

[Janice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good and helpful. Unlike so many other books of this nature which don't offer any suggestions, this one has a few good ones. Many things Montessori does, but good as a reinforcement.

Made me think about the differences in kids in my classroom and how they do their work and take notes. Spurs me to make more lessons interactive.

[Donnelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely relevant, practical advice for dealing with a visual-spatial learner.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is excellent for helping parents and teachers work with their right-brained children in a way that helps them learn better.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I have seen that gives actual teaching suggestions to reach these learners. Highly Recommended.