Guidance Lesson: Multiple Intelligences (5th & 6th grade)

Experiencing the Multiple Intelligences

The theory of multiple intelligences is a theory that differentiates specific modalities, rather than operating from the mindset that intelligence is dominated by "general ability". There are 8 abilities that are seen as specific intelligences, which are as follows: musical, visual, verbal, logical, bodily-kinesthetic, interpersonal, intrapersonal and naturalistic. 

Students who do not thrive in the traditional classroom setting with the traditional teaching strategies may feel inadequate and find themselves discouraged. It is our role as school counselors to teach both students and staff that there are many ways to be intelligent, and therefore different ways we can present material to students to help make them most successful. This also allows ways for us to appreciate the individual differences between students and what they can teach others. 

During this lesson we set up stations that allowed the students to participate in activities associated with each intelligence. This included puzzles, math problems, crayon rub, and word searches. This allowed the students to experience aspects of the various intelligences and see in which areas they excelled. 

 

Lesson Plan and Documents

·         Multiple Intelligences Guidance Lesson

·         Career Word Search

·         Animal Crossword Puzzle

·         Crossing the River Brainteaser

 

Helpful Hints!

·         Make sure your content and activities for each station are fun.  If the students are more engaged they will take more away from the experience.

·         Use supplies that you already have in order to cut down on costs.

·         Plan for and leave enough time for students to move between stations.  We had one station unoccupied which made the process of switching groups a little easier.

·         We found that the transitions were easier when we let the students know that their time at a station was almost up. And although they may not have enough time to complete each activity in entirety, we let them choose to keep their drawings and worksheets so that they may continue to work on them on their own time.

·         Remind the students that a lot of the intelligences overlap; they might find themselves using more than one at each station.  It is important during the discussion to ask students what about the station or activity they enjoyed the most.

·         Some of the items at our naturalistic station were a little difficult to do crayon rubbings with; thicker and sturdier leaves or dried and pressed flowers are best.

·         Most importantly, have fun with it and make it your own!

 

References

Images/handouts retrieved from:

·         Image 1: http://www.4mylearn.org/Neurodiversity.html

·         Image 2:  http://nationalblueribbonschools.ed.gov/summarydocs/2013/md/chadwick-elementary-school-13md1.html

·         Image 3:  http://www.makingfriends.com/color/wordsearch_careers.htm

·         Image 4:  http://www.squiglysplayhouse.com/PencilPuzzles/More/AnimalCrossword.html