The Way They Learn by Cynthia Ulrich Tobias, M.Ed.

The following is based on information in The Way They Learn by Cynthia Ulrich Tobias. It is designed to be a guide for parents in describing each individual child's strengths and preferences to a teacher. You have permission to copy and distribute this Profile for personal and small group/classroom use, as long as you do not use or sell the Profile commercially, revise the Profile in any way, or, except as specifically provided above, use the Profile in a manner that is inconsistent with the rights granted the author under 17 U.S.C.§ 106. As you share this information with your child’s teacher, remember, you are sharing what you know about your child and asking the teacher for insights that may aid you in helping your child understand, appreciate and cope with demands in the classroom that may or may not match his or her natural learning style. The following should be filled out by you as you carefully observe and talk with your child.

Child's Name________________________ Date______________

Seems most alert during which time(s) of day?
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Early morning                                               Late evening

When concentrating, even at play, needs or doesn't need some sort of intake (food or drink).
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Need to eat or drink     Distracted by eating or drinking

Seems to be able to concentrate and play best in bright or dim light?
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Bright light                                                         Dim light

II. How Do You Best Remember?

When trying to remember or review, is successful most often when he or she can:

Repeat the words aloud, or turn the information into a song or rhyme.
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Almost always                                               Almost never

See a picture of what is meant, draw or cut out pictures or use colorful folders, stickers, etc. to organize toys or materials.
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Almost always                                               Almost never

Keep on the move, take frequent breaks, work in spurts of great energy, shifts positions.
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Almost always                                               Almost never

III. How Do You Process and Interact With Information?

When listening to information or directions, usually seems to:

Get the gist of things, understand the main idea.
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Almost always                                               Almost never

Remember specific details, can repeat things word for word.
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Almost always                                               Almost never

When being read to, often:

Doesn’t mind if story is abbreviated or paraphrased; prefers stories of personal interest.
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Almost always                                               Almost never

Wants to hear every word, no variation from printed story, prefers nonfiction subjects.
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Almost always                                               Almost never

When playing or creating, usually:

Prefers a variety of projects all at once; may spread materials out over several work areas.
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Almost always                                               Almost never

Prefers one project at a time; works best with a schedule; needs efficient work space.
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Almost always                                               Almost never

IV. How Do You Understand and Communicate What You Know?

On a day-to-day basis, prefers:

Having a parent or teacher provide predictable plans and routines.
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Almost always                                               Almost never

Understanding the purpose for and having time to complete the schedule and routines.
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Almost always                                               Almost never

Knowing and doing what will make everyone else happy.
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Almost always                                               Almost never

Doing what the inspiration of the moment dictates.
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Almost always                                               Almost never

When it comes to responding to authority figures, seems to especially need:

Clear and specific rules and expectations.
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Almost always                                               Almost never

Confidence in the ability and position of the authority figure.
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Almost always                                               Almost never

Reassurance of love and personal worth despite making a mistake.
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Almost always                                               Almost never

To feel that the person in authority respects and seeks input on the issues.
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Almost always                                               Almost never

V. Strengths and Preferences

___Blocks ___Legos/other construction materials ___Puzzles

___Computer___Books ___Alphabet blocks/manipulative letters

___Sandbox ___Nature/Science activities ___Sports

___Drawing, coloring, creating with art materials ___Outdoor play

___Lacing/sewing cards, stringing beads, pegboards

___Role-playing or play-acting ___Playing with dolls

___Other:______________________________

My child’s favorite toys
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___alone ___with other children ___with adults

Summary

I feel my child needs encouragement in the following areas:
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My goals for my child’s school year include:
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Here is what I feel is most important for you as a teacher to know about my child:
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