Activities for ESL Lessons With Multiple Intelligences

Multiple intelligences activities are useful for English teaching in a variety of situations. The most important aspect of using multiple intelligence activities in class is that you will be giving support to learners who may find more traditional activities difficult. The basic idea behind multiple intelligence activities is that people learn using different types of intelligences. For instance, spelling can be learned through typing which uses kinetic intelligences. Multiple intelligences were first introduced by in the theory of multiple intelligences was developed in 1983 by Dr. Howard Gardner, professor of education at Harvard University. Multiple Intelligence Activities for the English Learning Classroom This guide to multiple intelligence activities for the English learning classroom provides ideas on types of multiple intelligence activities you to consider when planning English lessons that will appeal to a wide range of learners. For more information on multiple intelligences in English teaching, this article on using BRAIN friendly English learning will be of help. Verbal / Linguistic Explanation and understanding through the use of words. This is the most common means of teaching. In the most traditional sense, the teacher teaches and the students learn. However, this can also be turned around and students can help each other understand concepts. While teaching to other types of intelligences is extremely important, this type of teaching focuses on using language and will continue to play the primary role in learning English. Teacher-centered explanationsEssays and written reportsReading selectionsBook based grammar and language function explanationsGap-fill exercises Visual / Spatial Explanation and comprehension through the use of pictures, graphs, maps, etc. This type of learning gives students visual clues to help them remember language. In my opinion, the use of visual, spatial and situational clues is probably the reason learning a language in an English speaking country (Canada, USA, England, etc.) is the most effective way to learn English. Mind mapsUsing photos, paintings, etc. to encourage discourseCreating personal roadmaps / other visual aids to use during discourseGraphs used to initiate explanations of statisticsVideosCreating multimedia projectsHighlighting texts in different colors to indicate tense, or functionGames such as Pictionary Body / Kinesthetic Ability to use the body to express ideas, accomplish tasks, create moods, etc. This type of learning combines physical actions with linguistic responses and are very helpful for tying language to actions. In other words, repeating Id like to pay by credit card. in a dialogue is much less effective than having a student act out a role-play in which he pulls out his wallet and says, Id like to pay by credit card. TypingMovement games (especially popular in childrens English classes)Role plays / dramaPantomime vocabulary activitiesFacial expression gamesFor classes with access to athletic facilities, explanation of sporting rules Interpersonal Ability to get along with others, work with others to accomplish tasks. Group learning is based on interpersonal skills. Not only do students learn while speaking to others in an authentic setting, they develop  English speaking skills  while reacting to others. Obviously, not all learners have excellent interpersonal skills. For this reason, group work needs to​ be  balanced with other activities. Small group workTeam competitionsRole plays using dialoguesPeer teaching Logical / Mathematical Use of  logic  and mathematical models to represent and work with ideas. Grammar analysis falls into this type of learning style. Many teachers feel that English teaching syllabi are too loaded towards grammar analysis which has little to do with communicative ability. Nonetheless, using a balanced approach, grammar analysis has its place in the classroom. Unfortunately, because of certain standardized teaching practices, this type of teaching sometimes tends to dominate the classroom. Grammar categorizing activitiesGrammar rules study and inductive explanationsError recognitionCorrecting work based on teacher indicationsDevelop mind-maps and other vocabulary charts Intrapersonal Learning through self-knowledge leading to understanding of motives, goals, strengths,  and weaknesses. This intelligence is essential for long-term English learning. Students who are aware of these types of issues will be able to deal with underlying issues that can improve or hamper English usage. Writing in logs and diariesEstimating learning strengths, weaknesses, progress over timeUnderstanding learner objectivesSpeaking about ones personal history with confidence Environmental Ability to recognize elements of and learn from the natural world around us. Similar to visual and spatial skills, Environmental intelligence will help students master English required to interact with their environment. Exploring outdoors but in EnglishShopping and other field tripsCollecting plants to learn appropriate vocabulary