copyright 2023 Cathy Duffy (Excerpted from 103 Top Picks for Homeschool Curriculum. Do not copy or reproduce.)
Perfect Paula is the responsible child who likes to see that everything is done correctly. She likes things to be clearly structured, planned, and organized.
Perfect Paulas have a narrow comfort zone. They feel more secure when things are orderly. Consequently, they seldom act spontaneously and are uncomfortable with creative activities that lack specific guidelines. For example, if you want them to do an art project, they will say, “Show me what it’s supposed to look like.” They want to make sure they will do it correctly rather than seize an opportunity to express their own creativity.
They follow rules and respect authority, and they often feel it their duty to make sure everyone else does likewise. They like to follow a typical school curriculum and feel that they are accomplishing the same things as other children their age. They prefer to be part of groups, and they need approval and affirmation to let them know that they are doing what is proper.
Perfect Paulas can be easier to homeschool than other learners, but you might have to work at helping them develop more flexibility and creativity.
For more information about learning styles, read chapter 4 in either 103 Top Picks for Homeschool Curriculum or How to Choose Homeschool Curriculum.
