AJC article- Learning Principle of Writing (through music!)

In 1980 Harvard psychologist Howard Gardner developed the Theory of Multiple intelligences.  He believed that people learn in many different ways and that teachers need to recognize this and teach with the multiple intelligences in mind.  Educators today work toward meeting the needs of students who learn in one or more of these ways: 

-Linguistic (the ability to use spoken and written language)

-Logical-mathematical (being able to analyze problems logically, do math, and conduct scientific investigations

-Bodily-kinesthetic (using one's body to solve problems)

-Spatial (recognizing and using spatial patters)

-Musical (recognizing musical patterns, as well as performance and composition skills)

-Naturalist (being able to recognize features in the environment, categorize them, and draw conclusions from them)

-Interpersonal (the ability to understand and work with other people)

-Intrapersonal (self-awareness and the ability to use this awareness to regulate one's life)

As educators we understand that students (and adults!) learn in different ways and we strive to meet the needs of all of our students.  Participating in the musical helped me to meet the needs of my students who learn best musically aor bodily-kinesthetically. 

Check out this article to read more research on how musicals, plays and story telling can be beneficial to students:  http://www.ajc.com/news/dekalb/learning-principles-of-writing-341670.html