Do Multiple Intelligences Compute?

The computer lends itself wonderfully to teaching through the different intelligences. You can create sound files, graphics, and text in a fun, interactive form. I know, you are thinking that while it sounds great, you can only do that with the older students. WRONG! Even kindergarteners are capable of putting together a nice PowerPoint presentation with your help and guidance.

The beauty of PowerPoint is that you do not have to own it to enjoy looking at your child's creation at home. You can use the pack and go feature and include a PowerPoint viewer. This makes a nice keepsake for the students and their families.

Our three kindergarten classes were learning color words. Instead of doing it the same boring way that had been done year after year, I decided to try something different. I wanted to put together a PowerPoint book! The classroom teachers were very supportive and offered their help. The children were thrilled because they finally got to do something different from Reader Rabbit, and I was thrilled because I got to do something creative! Yes, even teachers have to cater to their multiple intelligences every now and then.

The first step was deciding on our theme. Since the children were working with color we decided to go with that. Mrs. Georgie, Mrs. Miese, and Mrs. Pavicic were given the duty of finding which sentences to use and having the children draw the pictures that went with their sentence. My job was to teach the children to use PowerPoint to make their pages, type their sentences, learn basic sentence mechanics, record their text, insert other sound files, as well as scan and insert their art work. I am the computer teacher and by default, I had the most fun part of the project!

This is how we did it. While working in groups of 2, each class created a slide show entitled "Book of Colors". Each group of students was brought to the lab where they typed and recorded their text. While typing their text, attention was directed toward basic skills such as beginning each sentence with a capital letter, ending with a period, and putting spaces between words. Scanning technology was also discussed and the children drew illustrations to be scanned and inserted into their presentations. The finished product was displayed during parent/teacher conferences and offered those who were waiting to talk to the teacher a pleasant diversion.

This lesson integrated technology in reading, writing, and art, while providing the children with a positive sense of accomplishment.

Student Skills Learned:

1. The computer is a valuable tool.
2. Keyboarding is a skill they need to learn eventually.
3. The students generated their own sound files by using the computer to record a reading of their text.
4. The students were taught very basic sentence structure.
5. The students learned that they could incorporate their artistic designs into their presentation.
6. The students learned what a scanner looks like.
7. The students learned what a scanner is used for.
8. The students also learned that computer software, such as PowerPoint, could be used for creative learning experiences.

The students had lots of fun making their project. When they were finished I let them decide what transitional sound to use. The whole-heartedly agreed that there should be applause to congratulate them for a job well done!

This project was complete in November, the following March, the kindergarten project was given the honor of being chosen as an "Exemplary Program" by the Kansas State Board of Education and exhibited in the 11th Annual Technology Fair. What was really wonderful was that even after four months, the students still remembered the process. The pride of ownership was obvious to all who stopped to share their exhibit. The students proudly explained how they did each step and even explained it to a group of pre-service teachers! It was a lesson worth remembering! Don't we wish all our lessons could excite our students that much?

Recognitions received for this were: being chosen as one of twenty Exemplary Technology Programs in the State of Kansas and the State of Kansas Winner for the Compaq Teaching with Technology Grant!

All Rights Reserved Copyright © 1999 Jean Napier-Faeih