Multiple intelligence surveys help determine an individual’s strongest areas of intelligence. Teachers will find a variety of multiple intelligence surveys online, most of which ask students to answer questions with a simple “yes” or “no.” Each question corresponds to a different intelligence, and students add up the number of “yes” answers in each category to determine their strongest areas of intelligence. Knowing where their strengths lie will help students choose activities and games that meet their areas of interest and learn which areas need more development.
Visual-spatial learners work best with visually stimulating games and activities. Introduce versions of games such as charades into the classroom, or have students create flash cards that include pictures to learn difficult vocabulary words. Incorporate graphic organizers into note-taking sessions and writing activities. Provide pictures and manipulatives, such as pattern blocks or bean counters, in math class, and supplement lesson plans in other subjects with pictures, videos and maps.
Games such as chess and checkers appeal to students with logical-mathematical intelligence. This type of learner enjoys problem-solving games and brain teasers. Turn math problems into logic puzzles, or devise experiments for students to complete. In subjects that do not naturally appeal to logical-mathematical learners, such as English and social studies, allow learners to make charts or categorize information and use statistics to support arguments.
Bodily-kinesthetic learners like to get up and move. Play a review game where students have the opportunity to shoot a basket for every correct answer or have teams race to the board to answer a question. Allow students to act out important concepts, book passages or historical events. Create songs with movement to help learn important vocabulary words or concepts.
Linguistic learners enjoy words. Create word searches and crossword puzzles to help learn vocabulary words or review important classroom concepts. Provide students with unique texts to read to supplement a classroom lesson. Introduce writing assignments into subject areas other than English/language arts. Hold writing and poetry competitions to allow these learners to showcase their skills.
Musical learners respond to rhythm and sounds. Have students make up songs to help them remember important concepts. Set spelling words to a rhythm, and play a game to see which student best follows the rhythm and correctly spells the most words. While students are in class, allow them to hum or listen to soft music in the background. Play a game where students must create rhymes to explain material learned in class.
Interpersonal learners thrive on being a part of a group. Play a lot of team games in the classroom, such as review relays and group problem-solving activities. Develop stations and cooperative learning groups to allow students to work with one another. Provide plenty of opportunities for collaboration and discussion. Intrapersonal learners learn best alone. These learners may enjoy games such as solitaire, Sudoku and other single-player games. Give intrapersonal learners crossword puzzles, word searches and other individual games to help them review vocabulary words. Provide activities that allow learners to make their own choices and work at their own pace.