Chapter 8: MI and Classroom Management

Management and control in the classroom can also be taught through the multiple intelligences. One of the first steps towards managing a classroom is getting the attention of the students. Using a hand signal, a word, a clapping patter, or simply going silent are all different ways to get students focused on the teacher while still utilizing different intelligences like bodily-kinesthetic, linguistic, musical, or intrapersonal, respectively. Another important time to be able to manage the room is during transition periods, like before and after lunch, recess, and at the end of the school day. Using MI cues get students in the “zone” can be very useful to save time and quickly get back on track. Class rules, group forming, and individual behavior can all be managed with more grace if teachers implement MI strategies that their students respond to. Which strategies I choose to use will largely depend on what intelligences my students are. As I get to know my students, I will be able to try different ways of managing classroom activities and occurrences that best capture their attention and respect.