Teaching the Whole Child: Understanding Learning Styles Through the Teachings of Jesus
- Tearri Rivers
- 2 minutes ago
- 4 min read
In early childhood classrooms, no two children learn the same way. Some children need to move. Some need to talk. Some prefer quiet observation. Others want to explore with their hands. As educators, we often call these learning styles, but in reality they are simply the many ways God designed children to experience and understand the world.
When we look closely at the way Jesus teaches, we see that He naturally reaches people with different ways of learning. Jesus does not teach in only one method. Instead, He uses stories, questions, demonstrations, and real-life experiences so that everyone could understand.
For early childhood educators, this offers a powerful model.
When we recognize and support different learning styles while guiding children with the wisdom of Jesus' teachings, we create classrooms where children grow not only academically, but also in character, empathy, and faith.
The Way Jesus Taught: A Model for Educators
One of the most remarkable aspects of Jesus' teaching was that He understood who people were becoming, not just who they appeared to be in the moment.
Jesus saw potential in people that others often overlooked. He met people where they were while gently guiding them toward growth, truth, and transformation.
His teaching created space for honesty and authenticity.
People could ask questions.
They could admit confusion.
They could wrestle with difficult ideas.
Jesus did not shame curiosity. Instead, He welcomed it and used it as an opportunity for deeper understanding.
For educators, this reminds us that teaching is not only about delivering information.
It is about creating environments where children feel safe to be themselves, explore ideas, and grow into who God created them to be.
Jesus often taught using parables, object lessons, and everyday experiences. These approaches naturally engage a variety of learners.
During Jesus' earthly ministry He met people where they were and helped them understand truth through experiences they already knew.
For example:
Farmers understood the Parable of the Sower.
Fishermen understood the call to become fishers of men.
Children understood simple demonstrations of love, humility, and kindness.
Jesus shows us that teaching is not only about information. It is about reaching hearts and minds in ways people can understand.
This approach is especially powerful in early childhood classrooms.
Understanding Learning Styles in Young Children
Children often demonstrate different preferences for learning. While many children use multiple styles, educators often notice patterns such as:
Movement Learners (Kinesthetic)
These children learn best by doing and moving.
They may:
Act out stories
Learn through hands-on materials
Enjoy building, sorting, or role-playing
Classroom Connection: Acting out Bible stories, building scenes with blocks, or using puppets allows children to engage their bodies while learning meaningful lessons.
Visual Learners
These children respond strongly to images, patterns, and demonstrations.
They may:
Notice details in pictures
Enjoy drawing or coloring
Watch closely before participating
Classroom Connection: Illustrated Bible stories, visual charts, and simple drawings can help bring Jesus' teachings to life.
Listening Learners (Auditory)
These children process information best by hearing and discussing ideas.
They may:
Ask many questions
Enjoy songs and storytelling
Repeat phrases or verses they hear
Classroom Connection: Songs, storytelling, and simple discussions about kindness, forgiveness, and love can help children internalize biblical truths.
Social Learners
Many young children learn best through relationships and collaboration.
They may:
Enjoy working in small groups
Seek interaction with peers
Learn through conversation and shared play
Classroom Connection: Group activities centered around sharing, helping, and encouraging one another reflect the relational nature of Jesus' teachings.
Teaching Character Through the Words of Jesus
Early childhood education is not only about academic readiness. It is also about guiding children in understanding how to love others well.
Jesus taught lessons that align beautifully with social-emotional learning, including:
Loving others
Showing kindness
Practicing forgiveness
Helping those in need
Being humble and patient
These values can be woven naturally into everyday classroom experiences.
For example:
During block play, children can practice taking turns and helping one another build.
During storytelling, educators can discuss how real life people in the bible show kindness or make better choices.
During clean-up time, children can learn about serving others and working together.
These small moments help children understand that love and kindness are not just ideas—they are actions.
Creating a Classroom That Reflects Christ's Love
When educators embrace different learning styles while modeling the teachings of Jesus, the classroom becomes more than a place of instruction.
It becomes a place where children learn that:
Their ideas matter
Their curiosity is welcomed
Their kindness makes a difference
They are created with purpose
Jesus welcomes children and values their presence. As educators, we have the privilege of continuing that example by nurturing the whole child—mind, heart, and spirit.
A Reminder for Educators
No lesson plan is perfect. No strategy reaches every child every time.
But when we teach with patience, creativity, and love, we reflect the heart of the greatest teacher of all.
"Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me" - Revelation 3:20
Jesus does not rush learning. He walks alongside people, answers questions, and helps us to grow step by step.
In the same way, our classrooms become powerful places of learning when we meet children where they are and guide them forward with wisdom, compassion, and faith.
Free Printable for Educators
To support educators in reflecting on their teaching practices, you can download the companion printable:
This simple reflection guide helps educators:
Observe different learning styles in their classroom
Create environments that encourage honesty and authenticity
Identify everyday opportunities to teach kindness and character
Reflect on how the teaching methods of Jesus can inspire their classroom approach
This printable can be used during lesson planning, educator reflection time, or professional development discussions.
You can download the free printable below and use it as a guide for continuing to nurture both the minds and hearts of the children you teach.
Reflection for Educators
How might you incorporate multiple learning styles this week while teaching children about kindness, patience, or love?
Sometimes the most meaningful lessons happen in the simplest moments.
