Children's learning styles are as different as the colors of the rainbow. All people have different, distinct personalities, preferences and tastes. When we understand the various ways in which children learn, we are better able to prevent discipline problems, and help children reach their potential.
Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences (1987, 1993) enables us to discuss positive strengths in all children and to plan appropriate learning strategies for a more effective classroom environment. Gardner's theory reflects what we already knew about our students—each has a different set of strengths and talents.
We began by teaching our students about the theory of multiple intelligences. Each of our 4th and 5th grade students have gone online to assess their own intelligences. Ask your child what his/her strengths are!
Gardner currently describes eight ways of learning or intelligences.
• Linguistic intelligence -(word smart) is the ability to use spoken and written language.
• Logical mathematical intelligence-(number smart) is being able to analyze problems logically, do math, and conduct scientific investigations.
• Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence-(body smart) involves using one's body to solve problems.
• Spatial intelligence-(picture smart) is recognizing and using spatial patterns.
• Musical intelligence-(music smart) consists of recognizing musical patterns, as well as performance and composition skills.
• Naturalist intelligence- (nature smart) is being able to recognize features in the environment, categorize them, and draw conclusions from them.
• Interpersonal intelligence-(people smart) concerns the ability to understand and work with other people.
• Intrapersonal intelligence-(myself smart) is self-awareness and the ability to use this awareness to regulate one's life.
Traditionally, schools focused almost exclusively on linguistic and logical-mathematical intelligences. These days many educators acknowledge these other kinds of intelligence. They design their teaching to help students who are intelligent in these areas succeed, both in and out of school.
This month as part of my guidance lessons in the classroom, I will be teaming with our technology teacher, Mrs. Duplechin, to teach lessons about careers. We will discuss what careers people might choose based on their multiple intelligence strengths. We will use the LAePortal website https://www.laeportal.com to research careers that match our strengths.
As always, if you have any concerns or anything you want me to know about your child feel free to e-mail or call me at anytime.
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