Multiple Intelligences
GRADE 6 LESSON17
Multiple Intelligences
GRADE 6 LESSON17

Time Required: 30-45 minutes

Content Standards:

AA.S.1 Students will acquire attitudes, knowledge,

and skills that contribute to effective learning

in school and across the lifespan.

Indicators:

AA.A.6.1.06Explore and differentiate learning styles and multiple intelligences.

GOAL: Students will discover and differentiate multiple intelligences

Activity Statements:

Students will identify multiple forms of intelligence and identify their personal strengths as related to forms of intelligence. They will work with partners to explore different ways that they demonstrate intelligence.

Materials:

  1. Handout 1: Multiple Intelligences(copy one handout per two students)
  2. Handout 2: Introduction to Multiple Intelligences (copy one handout per two students and cut each copy in half using random shapes so that different pairs will not match)
  3. Handout 3: Identifying Multiple Intelligences(one copy per student)

Procedures:

  1. As students enter the classroom, the teacher distributes sections of Handout 2: Introduction toMultiple Intelligences randomly. After all students are in the room, instruct them to find their partner by matching pieces of their handout. This activity forms pairs of students for the lesson.
  2. The teacher asks students “In what ways are you smart?” After students respond, the teacher may ask “Are there different ways you can be smart?”
  3. The teacher explains that students will investigate “multiple intelligences”. The teacher distributes copies of Handout 1: Multiple Intelligences to pairs of students.
  1. Students read the handout silently, and then the teacher instructs students to share their thoughts about the article with their partners.
  2. The teacher follows up with a brief discussion of key points from Handout 1 by asking students to share their thoughts.The teacher asks students if they recognize their own strengths in one of these descriptions.
  3. The teacher explains that students will complete a simple assessment of their own multiple intelligences. The teacher distributes copies of Handout 3: Identifying Multiple Intelligences. The teacher refers to page 1 and clarifies instructions before students begin completing the handout. Students may work independently to complete the task.
  4. Students may refer back to the section(s) of Handout 2: Introduction to Multiple Intelligences for review and discussion based upon their own scores.

Discussion:

  • How is intelligence usually measured? Are all intelligences usually measured?
  • Can we mostly recognize our intelligences without formal assessments? How do we recognize our own intelligences?
  • “Everyone is smart in some way.” Explain this statement and give an example.
  • Compare special talents and intelligences. Does it matter which name we call them?
  • Are you familiar with your own special talents and multiple intelligences?
  • Is it possible to be strong in more than one area of the multiple intelligences? Do most of us have varying degrees in each one?
  • How does an understanding of multiple intelligences change how you view your own abilities? The abilities of others?

Additional Resources:

  • - Career Assessments
  • - Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences
  • - Online MI Tests
  • (teacher resource)
  • - Multiple Intelligences
  • - Lesson Plan Ideas
  • resource)
  • - Multiple Intelligences
  • (teacher resource)
  • “How Am I Smart” section
  • - Multiple Intelligences
  • - Multiple Intelligences (teacher resource)
  • - Multiple Intelligences lesson planning support
  • - MI Activities
  • MI - The Theory
  • Multiple Intelligences
  • - Multiple Intelligence Worksheets

Extension Activities:

  • Students may independently study multiple intelligence theory and how it has developed over time.
  • Students may design a new school utilizing multiple intelligences. They should sketch out a drawing and write a paragraph to describe components of the school.
  • Students may interview others about their own multiple intelligences.
  • Other activities as assigned by advisor.

Developed by: Dr. Penny Fisher, Director, Putnam County Schools (2010)