What Is a Reading/Writing Learner?

A reading/writing learner is someone who learns best through words — both reading and writing them. This learning style is one of the four main preferences in the VARK model (Visual, Auditory, Reading/Writing, Kinesthetic). These learners thrive when they can absorb information from written text and process it by writing things down.

In short, they:

• Love books, articles, and written instructions
  
  
• Remember information best by taking notes or rewriting concepts
  
  
• Prefer lists, essays, and written explanations over lectures or diagrams
  
  
• Organize their thoughts by journaling, outlining, or creating summaries
  
  

Reading/writing learners are often strong writers and readers, excel at traditional schooling methods, and may enjoy independent study.

Strengths of Reading/Writing Learners

• • Deep comprehension: They absorb and retain written material more easily than oral or visual presentations.
    
    
  • Organizational skills: Lists, outlines, and written plans come naturally to them.
    
    
  • Self-paced learners: They can teach themselves almost anything if they have access to books or written resources.
    
    
  • Excellent communicators: Writing allows them to articulate their ideas clearly and persuasively.
    
    

Challenges of Reading/Writing Learners

• • Struggle with purely auditory lessons: Lectures without written notes can feel frustrating.
    
    
  • Can become passive: Too much reading/writing may lead to information overload or limited interaction.
    
    
  • Less engaged in hands-on activities: They may resist activities that don’t include a writing component.
    
    

Tools and Strategies for Teaching Reading/Writing Learners at Home

Homeschooling gives you flexibility to match your teaching style with your child’s learning preference. Here’s how to support a reading/writing learner:

1. Use Plenty of Written Resources

• • Provide textbooks, e-books, articles, and printouts for every subject.
    
    
  • Use workbooks with space for responses.
    
    
  • Create your own handouts, glossaries, and fact sheets.
    
    

2. Encourage Note-Taking

• Teach them to summarize lessons in their own words.
  
  
• Encourage color-coded notes or bullet points to organize key ideas.
  
  
• Have them rewrite notes for reinforcement — repetition strengthens memory.
  
  

3. Incorporate Journals and Writing Projects

• Daily journaling can help process information and build writing fluency.
  
  
• Assign essays, reports, and creative writing projects to demonstrate comprehension.
  
  
• Use persuasive writing exercises to encourage critical thinking.
  
  

4. Leverage Lists and Charts

• Turn lessons into lists: timelines, vocabulary words, or steps in a process.
  
  
• Have your learner create checklists, outlines, and summaries as part of study time.
  
  

5. Promote Independent Reading

• • Build a rich home library with fiction and nonfiction.
    
    
  • Use biographies, historical accounts, and primary source documents for history lessons.
    
    
  • Incorporate reading comprehension questions after each chapter.
    
    

6. Use Technology Wisely

• • Encourage typing notes if they prefer digital writing.
    
    
  • Explore note-taking tools like Notion, Google Docs, or Evernote.
    
    
  • Use online libraries, blogs, and digital encyclopedias for research projects.
    
    

Sample Homeschool Routine for a Reading/Writing Learner

Time	Activity
9:00 AM	Silent reading or copywork (handwriting practice)
9:30 AM	Subject lesson using textbooks or online readings
10:15 AM	Written summary of the lesson (bullet points or paragraph)
11:00 AM	Break
11:15 AM	Writing assignment: essay, journal, or creative writing
12:00 PM	Independent reading or research
1:00 PM	Review by rewriting notes, making flashcards, or creating outlines

This schedule keeps reading/writing at the core of every activity and allows space for reflection and synthesis.

Practical Tips for Parents

• • Model writing habits: Keep your own notebook or journal and let your child see you writing.
    
    
  • Balance is key: Include discussions or hands-on activities to keep their learning experience well-rounded.
    
    
  • Celebrate written work: Display their essays, poems, or research projects proudly.
    
    
  • Teach study skills: Show them how to outline, summarize chapters, and create effective study guides.
    
    

Conclusion

Reading/writing learners thrive when given written material to consume and opportunities to express themselves through writing. As a homeschool parent, you can nurture this style by filling your homeschool with books, encouraging note-taking, and designing lessons that require them to read, write, and reflect.

When you align your teaching approach with their natural preferences, you’ll see better engagement, deeper comprehension, and more confidence in their ability to learn independently.