Big Bag of Everything

In my series on unique learning styles, I’ve been covering the four main types: Concrete Random (CR), Concrete Sequential (CS), Abstract Random (AR), and Abstract Sequential (AS). While many people are familiar with terms like visual, auditory, or hands-on learners, learning styles actually go deeper than how we take in information. These four styles describe how we process, organize, and interact with information, not just how we absorb it. For example, someone might be a visual learner, but whether they thrive with structured, step-by-step visuals (CS) or prefer exploring creative, abstract images (AR) depends on their dominant learning style. Recognizing this helps us better understand and support each learner’s unique approach to learning.

*This post contains affiliate links. This means I may make a commission if you were to purchase from one of these links. Have no fear, I do not recommend anything I haven’t already tried for myself. The books and resources I reference here have changed my thinking and I highly recommend them to anyone who will listen.*

Why It Matters

I have been homeschooling for over five years now, and I am just now understanding these unique learning styles. It has been a game-changer. I am starting to really see my children for who they are as learners, and what they really need from me. That can come in the form of what they need me to do, and what they need me to stop doing…the latter being the more important it seems. Knowing and understanding your child’s learning style is paramount for guiding them in their education. Whether you are just starting your family, or sending your children off to college and beyond, this series is for you.

It just so happens that my family of four represents every learning style mentioned above. (CS, CR, AS, AR) Gotta keep things interesting, right? While I found it quite easy to determine my two son’s dominant learning styles, it was a bit more difficult to determine my own. Thankfully my husband was able to make some observations and helped me out a bit. In this post, I will focus on some of my observations on his dominant Concrete Sequential (CS) style.

An Important Note

It is important to note here that we do not all fit neatly into one certain box of learning styles. We all have a dominant learning style, but that doesn’t mean you do not use the other learning styles in different parts of your life. It is the same with intelligences, which I will discuss in another post, they never work alone.

It’s vital that you are willing to work with a variety of learning styles. If you have four children, it is possible you have all four learning styles represented…don’t let that scare you. I am here to help! Plus there is TONS of information out there on these subjects and more! I have found this site to be of help in briefly describing each learning style.

The book “The Way They Learn” by Cynthia Ulrich Tobias is the book that catapulted me into learning more and more! And to think, it was a book that the library had in their “Withdrawn” section for free!

How The Learning Styles May Work Together

For instance, as I am writing this post I am realizing that my CS husband has a very strong Sequential style when it comes to working in his office job and dealing with tasks related to work. However, as I observed him last night I couldn’t help but marvel at his more Random approach to baking and creating things in the kitchen.

For example, while cooking or baking (which he doesn’t do too much) he often throws random ingredients into the bowl and will go to work with a confident determination. It’s kinda cute actually. (Seriously, dont tell him I said that, he would cringe.) From my vantage point, I am appalled at what he is doing…You should follow a recipe for that bread you are baking! But guess what? It was delicious!! As he sat on the couch to eat his new creation, I found myself craving more than what he was willing to share with me! Guess I am gonna have to ask him to make that again.

(For those wondering it wasn’t a fluffy, complicated bread, just a simple flour and almond milk and a little bit of salt and oil…I think, again I stayed out of it.) This example is one of many, I am sure. It goes to illustrate that we may have a dominant sequential learning style in much of our life, but at times our more random styles come out when we need them to. The opposite can be the case as well.

Understanding The Term Concrete Sequential Learner

Do you know someone who thrives on structure, needs clear instructions, and prefers hands-on tasks with practical results? You may be dealing with a Concrete Sequential learner. While I do not have a child with this dominant learning style, my husband’s methodical and detail-oriented approach has given me a glimpse into the CS mindset. (Just don’t tell him I said that)

We all have ways we perceive and order information. Our perception can either be Concrete or Abstract. And how we order information can either be Random or Sequential.

A Concrete perception would be taking in information with your five senses. Dealing with what is here and now, what we can see, hear, feel, touch, and taste. We are not looking for some hidden meaning or concepts. An Abstract perception allows a person to use their intuition, intellect, and imagination. Believing what we can’t actually see.

A Sequential way of ordering would look like a step-by-step, linear way of following instructions. Whereas a Random way of ordering may present itself in a person who is often able to skip steps or start in the middle of the instructions, and somehow still come out with the right answer, or product.

What Does The Concrete Sequential Learning Style Look Like?

A Concrete Sequential learner may look like someone who prefers working with tangible, real-world information. This is the Concrete part. The Sequential part may look like someone who thrives on step-by-step instructions, in a logical order.

Characteristics of the Concrete Sequential

• Detail-oriented and precise
• Prefers hands-on, practical activities such as a step-by-step recipe, or building a birdhouse
• Enjoy clear rules, routines, and structures
• Strong preference for factual information over theory

Strengths of CS Learners

• Highly organized and methodical.
• Reliable and task-oriented
• Excel in following instructions and completing tasks accurately.
• Strong memory for details and factual information.
• Thrive in environments with clear expectations and routines.

Much of the Concrete Sequential (CS) description fits my husband to a T. He’s incredibly detail-oriented and has become the go-to guy in his office, known for his reliability and precision. While this can be a blessing, it sometimes feels like a curse—being the dependable one means the weight of responsibility often falls on him. On the lighter side, his obsession with order and cleanliness hasn’t gone unnoticed. The cleaning lady even leaves him little ‘awards’ in the form of sticky notes for having the cleanest office. If that’s not peak CS energy, I don’t know what is.

Challenges CS Learners May Face

As with all learning styles, there are also challenges. Concrete Sequential Learners may have the following challenges:

• May struggle with abstract thinking or open-ended creativity.
• Frustrated by disorganization or unclear instructions.
• Rigid thinking: may have difficulty adapting to sudden changes.
• Can become overly focused on perfectionism or minor details.

How to Support and Teach CS Learners

• Create structure and routines:
  • Use checklists, planners, or task cards to outline expectations clearly.
  • Keep lesson plans organized with step-by-step instructions.
• Use hands-on and practical activities:
  • Science experiments, math manipulatives, and building models.
  • Real-life applications like budgeting, cooking, or measuring.
• Be clear and consistent:
  • Provide direct instructions and explain why each step matters.
  • Avoid vague or overly creative assignments without clear objectives.
• Incorporate tangible rewards and results:
  • CS learners are motivated by visible, measurable outcomes.
  • For example: “After completing this project, you’ll have a fully functional birdhouse.”

Tips for Parents with CS Learners

• Keep the environment organized:
  • Provide a tidy and structured workspace.
  • Use color-coded folders, labels, and checklists to keep things in order.
• Use real-life examples:
  • Connect lessons to real-world applications (e.g., calculating grocery costs, measuring furniture).
• Allow time for thorough completion:
  • CS learners prefer to finish tasks properly rather than rush through them.
  • Provide enough time for accuracy and precision.

How Learning Styles Come Out in the “Real World”

One moment that clearly revealed the difference between my husband’s Concrete Sequential (CS) style and my own Abstract Sequential (AS) thinking happened during a simple household task—putting away dishes. While putting dishes away, I placed the mugs on our display rack in the order they were dried, focusing on efficiency so I could move on to the next chore. My husband, on the other hand, offered me some ‘advice’ on how he does it more efficiently (in his mind). He arranged the mugs intentionally, with the ones featuring my initial ‘A’ as sort of bookends, creating a balanced and organized display. I was a bit annoyed, assuming he had the freedom to think about mug placement because he wasn’t in a rush. But in reality, it was our learning styles on full display—his CS need for order and methodical precision versus my AS focus on the bigger picture and moving on to the next task.

It made me wonder—how often do little moments like this happen in our daily lives, where we chalk up differences to someone just being ‘annoying’ or overly particular? But what if it’s really just our unique learning styles at play? It’s interesting to think about how understanding these differences could bring more clarity (and maybe a little more patience) to our relationships.

Supporting Your Dominant Concrete Sequential Learner

Do you recognize any Concrete Sequential traits in your child? I focused this post on my observation of my husband, but maybe you see your teenager, or ten-year-old in these examples. It is vital that we work alongside these unique learning styles, not against them. Do not insist that just because you like to do things a certain way, your child must also do things that way. You may be speaking a foreign language to your child!

When you learn to recognize and embrace their natural way of thinking, you’ll not only reduce frustration—you’ll empower them to thrive in their own unique way. After all, the goal isn’t to change how they learn but to support how they learn best.

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I have taken a particular interest in learning styles recently. After five years of homeschooling my two sons, I have started to discover a whole new world. Where was this information all this time? Why can’t I go back and get a do-over on all the things I did wrong? Live and learn right? In a previous post, I wrote about the learning style Concrete Random, which is what best describes my now ten-year-old son. In this post, I will outline the Abstract Random learning style, which best describes my seven-year-old son.

*This post contains affiliate links, which means I may make a small commission if you make a purchase from one of these links. Have no fear, I only recommend tools that have helped me and that I recommend to my closest friends and family.*

Why It Matters

Learning styles affect virtually every relationship that you develop. Understanding those styles, and possibly, more importantly, nurturing them go a long way. I have witnessed this first hand.

When you have children in your home, this becomes paramount. I wish I had understood all of this (not that I am 100% there, I am still reading every book I can get my hands on) before I even started a family. Certainly, before I ever brought my son home to homeschool him.

The Four Learning Styles

When I talk about learning styles, I am not really discussing if you are a “hands-on” “auditory” or “visual” learner. I am referring to the four main learning styles as explained by Physiologist Anthony Gregorc. (So you can be any of these learning styles, and also prefer to do certain tasks with a more hands-on approach, the learning style doesn’t put you in a box and keep you locked in.)

These four main learning styles are as follows:

• Concrete Random (CR)
• Concrete Sequential (CS)
• Abstract Random (AR)
• Abstract Sequential (AS)

I will get into the details of these in another post, but if you would like more information I have referenced previous posts I have written, as well as this website to help explain them more. I highly recommend the book “The Way They Learn” by Cynthia Ulrich Tobias

What Is the Abstract Random Learning Style?

In short, we all perceive and understand information differently. We can be either Abstract or Concrete. A Concrete learner uses their five senses to register information. We are using the more concrete, what is here and now. Abstract learners will visualize or understand what they cannot really see. The Abstract learner is going to use their intuition or imagination.

Then there is the way we order the information we receive, and this can either be Random, or Sequential. A Random learner organizes information in their brains in no specific steps or sequences. Perhaps you can start in the middle of the task at hand and somehow land at the same result as if you had started from the beginning. These people may seem more impulsive or spontaneous to others, seemingly not having a plan at all. Whereas a Sequential learner will do things in a more step-by-step manner, following a logical train of thought. They have a plan and they follow that plan.

In short, an Abstract Random learner perceives information through their feelings, imagination, and intuition, and organizes information in a flexible, non-linear way.

Who Are The Abstract Random Learners?

The key characteristics of these learners are emotionally driven, people-oriented, and imaginative. They likely prefer spontaneous learning over rigid structure and like to think of the bigger picture and look at the meaning in things, rather than the details.

I cannot write a post about the Abstract Random learner without discussing my own seven-year-old son. While his tendency to people please has at times made my husband and I worry, he is also a very kind, sensitive, and loving boy. He cares deeply about others and will bend to their will if it is necessary to keep the peace. He seems to be empathetic to how others feel and loves to be sociable with strangers. There is much more I can say about this sweet, music-loving boy.

How to Identify an Abstract Random Learner

I would like to stop here for a moment to say that when speaking about learning styles, intelligence, love languages, and the like, we are not all stuffed into a box and that is that. You can have different learning styles, even at different times. You have all of these learning styles to be sure, but you also have a dominant learning style. My ten-year-old is a Dominant Concrete Random, and my seven-year-old is a Dominant Abstract Random, whereas my husband is a Dominant Concrete Sequential and I am a Dominant Abstract Sequential…lol yes all four of us in this household represent the whole range of learning styles.

Generally speaking, Abstract Random (AR) learners are creative, artistic, and expressive. My seven-year-old dominant AR learner also possesses musical intelligence. (Which I would love to discuss in a different post) His creativity is always expressed through music. As I am typing this he is singing loudly through the house as is typical for him. He loves creating music, plays piano by ear, and usually is the replacement for our car radio as we don’t need anyone else singing except for him.

AR learners also value relationships, and emotional connections, and enjoy group discussions and collaborative learning.

Educating an AR Learner at Home

To an AR child, life and education are all about people and building relationships. Your Abstract Learner may have a hard time enjoying or connecting to the material if they cannot see how it is directly related to them. If they are interested in helping people, help them see how the material can help them reach that goal.

Challenges That The AR Learner May Face

We all face unique challenges. Here are just a few that your AR learner may face. Since they are more random in how they order things, they can become stressed if you expect them to be more sequential in their thinking and ordering. Observe whether or not your child gets distressed when left alone. Some AR learners do not like to be left alone. Being expected to finish one project before starting another can distress a random learner. Remember, it’s called random for a reason. Expecting a child to do things the way you prefer to do them could be damaging to their process. Just because you tend to be more sequential, does not mean that is effective for your child.

An Abstract Random child may prefer a scattered or messy style. Allow them to work how they feel works best and remember, just because you do not work best in this type of enviroment doesn’t mean your child shouldn’t be allowed to try it out for themselves. They may resist structured tasks, instead try to be flexible alternatives, and consider using projects instead of testing.

Why Embrace the Abstract Random Learning Style?

Consider how you would feel if someone expected you to completely change the way you learn or do your job. You have certain methods and rhythms that make sense to you—approaches that help you thrive. Your child is no different. They have a natural learning style that shapes how they understand and engage with the world. Rather than working against it, embrace it. By honoring their unique way of learning, you’ll empower them to grow with confidence, creativity, and joy.

Homeschooling an Abstract Random learner is a beautiful journey of creativity, connection, and flexibility. While their free-spirited approach may sometimes feel challenging to rein in, it’s also what makes them imaginative, empathetic, and full of wonder. By embracing their unique learning style—offering creative expression, fostering emotional connections, and allowing for spontaneous exploration—you’re giving them the freedom to flourish in their own way. Remember, the goal isn’t to fit them into a rigid mold but to celebrate their individuality and nurture their natural strengths.

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“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)

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*

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