“If you just work and get it done, you can be done!” I cannot tell you how many times I have said these exact words to my now 10-year-old son over the five years we have been homeschooling. I would venture to say I have said it hundreds if not thousands of times. It wasn’t until recently that I realized I was speaking a different language than my son. What could I possibly mean? Of course, my son speaks just one language, the same one I speak. So how could it be that I could never get through to him what seemed so simple to me? Put simply, I was not speaking to him in his natural learning style, Concrete Random (CR). The turning point for me was the book “The Way They Learn” by Cynthia Ulrich Tobias, which I highly recommend to any parent, but especially those venturing into homeschooling their children.
Speaking a Foreign Language
To a more structured thinker, this concept of “Just do your work and you’re done” makes perfect sense. However, Concrete Random (CR) learners do not work or process information in a linear, step-by-step way. (Which is where the random comes in) They thrive on creativity, independence, and problem-solving. They prefer to explore their own way of completing something, experimenting with new methods, and making the process more engaging.
Note: While we all have a dominant learning style, it’s important to remember that no one fits neatly into a single box. We naturally shift between styles in different situations. For example, my older son is clearly a dominant Concrete Random (CR), while I lean toward Abstract Sequential (AS) with some Concrete Sequential (CS) tendencies. Check out this post for more information on the four main learning styles: Concrete Random (CR), Concrete Sequential (CS), Abstract Sequential (AS), and Abstract Random (AR).
I found this site made things easy to understand.
Take The Deep Dive into Concrete Random (CR)
In my deep dive into learning styles and figuring out what learning style I have, I found my son and I are on complete opposite sides of the learning style spectrum. No wonder we clash. I always thought we were too much alike, and in some ways we are, but when it comes to learning styles we couldn’t be more different. Here is an example:
Comparrision Between Two Learning Styles Concrete Random (CR) and Abstract Sequential (AS)
| MIXTURE OF CONCRETE AND ABSTRACT SEQUENTIAL | CONCRETE RANDOM (OLDEST SON) |
| Prefers structure, logic, and sequential steps | Prefers flexibility, spontaneity, and self-directed learning |
| Wants things done in a clear, systematic way | Likes to experiment and find their own way of doing things or finding the answer |
| Values efficiency and having things done in an orderly manner | Values the process more than the final product |
| Learns well from reading, lectures, and well-researched materials | Learns well through hands-on experiences/experiments, and trial-and-error |
| (I would say we are the same in this way) | Likes to act first and analyze later |
| Can get frustrated when things are disorganized and chaotic | Can get bored or frustrated when forced into a strict structure |
Making It Make Sense
Do you notice a pattern here? A typical school enviroment seems to go against everything my son needs to learn and thrive in learning. Here are some ways I have found we clash in our home education enviroment.
- Different priorities: I may tend to see schoolwork as something that needs to be completed in a logical order. Whereas my son may see it more as an opportunity to explore, solve problems in a creative way, or challenge the system.
- Struggles With Structure: I may prefer things to be done in a structured, step-by-step way, but my dominant CR child likely thrives on being flexible and independent. He may resist structured lessons simply because they feel restrictive.
- Why “Just Get It Done” Doesn’t Resonate: My Abstract Sequential (AS) mind sees this as just the logical way to do things. But my CR child misses the fun that comes with problem-solving and thrives on it for learning. He needs more challenges and purpose to stay engaged.
- Struggling With Traditional Methods: I prefer direct instruction, research information, and analysis, but my son learns by doing. When he feels forced into a learning method that doesn’t fit him, he resists.
- Different Views on Rules: Concrete Random learners, like my son, prefer to question the rules and forge their own paths.
What Is a Concrete Random (CR) Learner?
CR learners are problem-solvers, risk-takers, and innovators. They prefer hands-on experiences, experimenting, and figuring things out in their own way rather than following step-by-step instructions. They resist rigid structure but thrive when given the freedom to explore multiple solutions.
Ways To Work With Your Concrete Random (CR) Child, Not Against Them
- Give them choices. Allow them to choose when they will complete an assignment or which project to complete first.
For example, I’ve worked with my dominant CR son by giving him more control over his math. I set weekly requirements, such as completing five pages or lessons, but he decides when, where, and how to do them. He might do all five on Monday or spread them out over the week. I hold off on checking in until Friday, giving him the freedom to manage his time. (There are no “consequences” for not completeing things by Friday, but maybe a gentle reminder to complete it over the weekend.) He takes a test before moving on to the next lesson, but otherwise, he decides how much practice he needs—whether that’s one page or five.
*My approach to giving my CR son more control over his math was inspired in part by the book The Self-Driven Child by William Stixrud and Ned Johnson. It offers valuable insights on how giving kids more autonomy can boost their motivation and confidence in learning. I highly recommend it for parents looking to foster independence in their children.*
- Rather than emphasizing just finishing, you can help by offering choice, making learning feel like a challenge, or inviting creativity into the process—approaches that speak directly to a CR learner’s strengths.
Key Characteristics of a Concrete Random (CR)Learner:
- Independent Thinker – They like to do things their own way and question the “why” behind concepts.
- Trial-and-Error Learner – Instead of following instructions, they learn best by experimenting and making mistakes.
- Big-Picture Oriented – Details may bore them, but they excel at seeing connections and creative solutions.
- Hands-On & Engaged – Sitting still with a textbook? No thanks. They’d rather manipulate, build, or engage in active problem-solving.
- Impulsive & Energetic – They may jump into activities without thinking through every step, sometimes leading to frustration in structured settings.
Teaching Strategies for CR Learners
CR learners may struggle in traditional learning environments, so it’s important to:
1. Let Them Solve Real Problems
My CR son loves to take things apart and put them back together or figure out how they work. He is quickly becoming the go-to tech expert in the family. Giving him real-world problems could look like: helping fix a cracked or broken device…or asking his advice on how he would fix something if he had the chance, and when possible, giving him that chance.
2. Encourage Creative Expression
Giving my son a writing assignment would kill him. But allowing him more authority on assignments makes a world of difference. For instance, allow them to voice record instead of writing, or use a comic strip style for storytelling. Or allow them to naturally find what works for them! You may be surprised!
3. Use Hands-On Activities
Instead of reading a dry history textbook, allow them to draw out the scene, or even better, act it out! Maybe they could recreate it with play-dough or with toys. The key here is allowing them to do it the way that makes sense to them.
4. Provide Choices & Autonomy
Your Concrete Random (CR) learner thrives when they have choices and are able to naturally find what works for them…as stated above.
5. Make Learning Fast-Paced & Engaging
They may struggle with long, detailed instructions. Keep lessons short and interactive. Timed challenges and gamified learning can be especially helpful.
6. Allow Movement & Flexibility
Rigid seating arrangements and quiet study spaces can feel restrictive. Let them move around, work in different spaces, and take movement breaks when needed.
*When I observe my CR son he doesn’t stop moving while talking to me. I was then reminded of all the years I was forcing him into rigid seating at the kitchen table and expecting him to work the way that I would have preferred…let’s just say there were lots of tears. Once I stopped forcing him into my preferred ways of doing things, and embraced his natural learning styles things have been so peaceful around here! The book “The Way They Learn” also discusses learning environments and how to work with your child’s preferences. Things such as lighting, noise, seating position and so much more can have an effect on your child’s learning!*
7. Use Their Natural Strengths in Spelling & Language Arts
Since CR learners love patterns and logic, incorporating word origins, puzzles, and etymology into spelling can be a game-changer. This is the approach that has been helping my CR son.
The Beauty of a CR Learner
Raising a Concrete Random learner can be a wild ride, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. They are inventors, explorers, and problem-solvers who will challenge the status quo and find new ways to approach old problems. By embracing their unique learning style and providing an environment that fosters creativity, autonomy, and hands-on learning, we can help them thrive in both education and life.
*Yet another side note. For years I have wondered off and on if my CR son had ADD, or ADHD. Even though, in my gut, I knew this wasn’t the case. Recently, a lot of things have just started to make sense and fall into place. As I stated before, once I started to really delve into his learning style, love language, and natural intelligence (there are at least eight total, and we all possess at least one) things really started to change around here. In this particular instance, if you wonder at times if your child has some sort of “learning disablitiy” I highly recommend the book “In Their Own Way” by Thomas Armstrong PhD*
