Benjamin Franklin once said, “Tell me and I forget. Teach me, and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” There is no ONE way for students to learn. In my classroom, every child is given the opportunity to engage in what is being taught so they can practically apply what they have learned in everyday life.
I use multi-modal teaching in my classroom. What does that mean? I teach content using multiple modes or methods throughout the lesson with the intent of engaging all students and therefore increasing each child’s opportunity for success.
What does this look like in my classroom? For the visual learner, I incorporate pictures, illustrations, colors, facial expressions, and technology. For the auditory learner, I’ll use strategies that use audio, speech, music, and technology. Next, for the kinetic learner I include movement, gestures, manipulatives, and technology. The student who learns best by reading and writing will have opportunities to learn through writing and print.
Finally, I use project-based learning. Students do projects throughout the year to reinforce what they have learned in a way that showcases their personal style. Using these strategies creates an atmosphere where all students are engaged and given the opportunity to learn in a way that plays upon their strengths and at the same time pushes them to grow academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. Whether I am teaching a Bible lesson, reading, math, spelling, grammar, writing, science, or social studies, all students are involved and learning.