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.
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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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