This article contains a lesson overview of how to teach a literature unit using Verbal-linguistic Intelligence. It is a great activity to challenge students who are not strong in that area. It also allows students who flourish the chance to participate in an activity they feel comfortable doing. While this activity is geared to a specific book, it can be easily transferred to another book or grade level.
The first part of this article is dedicated to the outline of what the activity is. The second part is an example of a rubric that you can adapt for grading purposes. Other articles in the series will cover the remaining intelligences using this same book as an example. Lastly is an explanation of what Verbal-Linguistic intelligence is, what it means for the student, and what possible career paths it includes.
Activity:
The students will complete a character study on one of the main characters in Harry's Mad, by Dick King-Smith. Students will be given a characterization sheet that will need to be completed along with this unit. The worksheet has four blank spots to list traits, and the student has to fill in a character trait that the character possesses. After the trait, the student must give an example of where that trait was found in the book, including page number(s). Once the characterization sheet has been completed, students will need to write a summary of the character and his or her associated traits.
Assessment:
Character Interview Rubric
- Student has completed the characterization worksheet for one of the main characters in the story (30 points) ________ points
- In the summary the student has described AT LEAST 3 traits that the character in the story did or did not have and give examples and explanation from the story (60 points) ________ points
- COPS (Capitals, Organization, Punctuation, Spelling) (10 points) ________ points
Total points ____________ out of 100
From http://www.ldpride.net/learningstyles.MI.htm we know that:
Verbal-Linguistic Intelligence:
Ability to use words and language. These learners have highly developed auditory skills and are generally elegant speakers. They think in words rather than pictures.
Their skills include:
listening, speaking, writing, story telling, explaining, teaching, using humor, understanding the syntax and meaning of words, remembering information, convincing someone of their point of view, analyzing language usage.
Possible career interests:
Poet, journalist, writer, teacher, lawyer, politician, translator
