Our VSL's (visual-spatial learners) often do better in a holistic learning environment. Why? These people need to know why they are learning what they are learning. A VSL will often ask, "Why do I need to know this?" If the answer provided doesn't add up to true importance to them then little to no learning will take place. BUT if you engage these students in a holistic approach or a whole brain approach you will have much more success. Unit studies often work well for these children as long as all subjects connect. Spelling words and math need to tie into learning as a whole rather than subject by subject. For instance, the school I have been teaching at for past few years uses an approach very similar to this holistic learning. The main subject is history and history is very hands on and exciting. Because the VSL's can visualize battles and picture events through stories or videos, these children will see the importance of reading, writing, and some language arts as long as they relate to the big picture. This is a hard task to conquer for those in charge of planning as well as the teacher trying to make it happen. But it is important to work towards this goal of holistic learning if we want to see success from our VSL's. Too many, and I mean most, never live up to their full potential. If you have a VSL then you need to try to find a school environment that strives to educate holistically. Homeschool is a great option for them as long as the parents are willing to put in the effort to make it work for their child and this can be difficult when the parent doesn't understand the mind of the learner. If your child is in a school that is not teaching holistically and you can't homeschool there are things that can be done to aid in their success. I will post more about that later. For now, dig deeper into understanding where the child is coming from. The things they see and understand will astound you!
Thanks for reading,
Traci
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