Through a previous series of articles, I have discussed and described various types of learners that teachers encounter in the classroom. I have also listed some ideas to help teachers reach these learners through their lessons.
I have now been giving examples of lesson plans that display information presented in various forms in order to reach more children during one presentation of material.
My last article detailed a lesson plan for primary grades. The lesson plan was intended to reach the auditory, visual, and kinesthetic learners. This article will focus on the middle school grades. I have taught both middle school and primary level classes. Therefore, I hope that you will find both lessons to be practical and usable.
Middle school lessons are usually much longer and more detailed than those of the primary level. Therefore, it is even more important to get the most information presented in the most ways and ensure an equal mixture of your time.
When presenting the type of bonds between atoms, I would first discuss by using words for auditory learners. During this discussion I would also have notes of my lecture on the overhead projector. Therefore, visual learners are reached. I would instruct students to make a note of some of the information, which would allow movement with kinesthetic learners.
After the discussion, I would give a brief demonstration of the bonds using atom models. The bonds discussed would be covalent, ionic, etc. During this demonstration, I would discuss as I demonstrate. This would again focus on both auditory and visual learners.
After a few examples of the bonds, I would carry out an activity on the board. Using my magnetic dry erase board, I would place poster board electrons, protons, and neutrons on two drawn atoms. The students would then take turns coming up to the board and moving them in order to demonstration the specified bond. This activity would focus on kinesthetic learners but also reach visual and auditory too.
I have personally carried out this lesson in one of my classes. Considering the material being taught, I feel that it worked well and reached many different levels of students.
Planning for Different Types of Learners