Present new material through pictures, slide shows, videos and diagrams. When you are presenting new concepts, design your lessons with enough material to engage the visual-spatial learner. Introduce new topics by showing models, objects or diagrams with labels. A visual-spatial learner will understand information best when he has an example he can see. Many children with visual-spatial learning styles also engage more when they are offered video or graphic content in lessons.
Encourage students to organize materials and take notes by using pictures, symbols or even color coding. Visual-spatial learners rely heavily on seeing, so they'll have an easier time remembering systems or information if it is marked in a specific color or recorded with words and pictures. If a child is learning new vocabulary, for example, he may have better recall if the definitions for the words are drawn in pictures as well as written in words. Color coding notes, papers and binders helps these children stay organized because they make strong connections between visual cues and information.
Avoid relying heavily on spoken direction or instruction. Make sure to use visual prompts when you are giving directions or reviewing classroom rules. Write directions out and use pictures to explain the steps. Use visual cues as you discuss directions verbally. For example, classroom rules can be posted next to images that symbolize each rule such as "no fighting" or "silence." These visual tools will engage visual-spatial learners and ensure that they remember key directions or guidelines.
Use assessment tools that integrate visual-spatial skills. Add visually-based questions when you design tests or quizzes. For example, a vocabulary test can incorporate pictures of the words being tested or a geography test can include a map that must be labeled with information. Using visually-based test questions allows a teacher to accurately assess the visual-spatial learner's comprehension of the material.
Encourage visual-spatial learners to strengthen other learning strategies. While children with visual-spatial styles will be very well-versed with imagery, they should be encourage to work on any areas of weakness they may have. A child who struggles with auditory learning, for example, should be encourage to practice and hone her listening skills. Teachers and parents should help children feel positive about using their learning strengths as well as improving their areas of weakness.