Show students the PowerPoint slideshow “A Place Called Earth." When the show concludes, tell students we will recognize how the diversity of our Earth is mirrored in the diversity of our students' personalities and learning styles. For instance, some students learn best when hearing music or seeing images.

Introduce the Hershey's Personality Inventory and have students determine whether the Inventory accurately describes their individual personality types. Share the "scientific basis" of the Hershey's Miniatures Personality Indicator and discuss the importance of teaching about Internet accuracy and bias. Explain that regardless of the accuracy of this Inventory, human behavior varies by individual. Individual learning styles also vary.

Introduce learning styles by explaining that some students work well independently while others work better in groups. Present the Dunn and Dunn learning style approach and Gardner’s multiple intelligences theory.

Provide examples of materials offering ideas related social studies teaching strategies (e.g., books of lesson plans, activity books, curricular material kits).

Remind students that their unit and lesson plans should consider students with various learning styles and intelligences. Lessons should attempt to reach a variety of students in terms of interest, cognitive level, abilities, and preferred learning styles.

Segue to teaching strategies by recognizing that use of a variety of strategies is one means of ensuring students are, at some point, taught using their dominant learning style. Discuss the importance of instructional planning and offering opportunities to learn in enjoyable and authentic ways. Explain the relationship between instruction and classroom management. Present learning centers as a strategy, and note that centers allow students to work independently while reinforcing previously introduced content. End by listing instructional strategies used in this class to date.