Uncovering 7 Odd Habits of Highly Intelligent People

What makes someone a genius? Is it their IQ, their achievements, or the unique way they view the world? Some of the greatest minds—like Albert Einstein, Charles Darwin, and even modern chess champion Magnus Carlsen—are known for their unconventional habits. A Global Mind’s lesson, The 7 Odd Habits of Highly Intelligent People, examines these fascinating quirks and shows how they connect to intelligence, creativity, and success.

Text reads: "7 Odd Habits of Highly Intelligent People" next to a collage of various lifestyle images and Magnus Carlsen looking upwards.

With this lesson, you’re not just teaching English; you’re allowing students to explore what makes intelligence unique while building language skills. Let’s take a closer look at why this lesson stands out, what students will gain, and why it’s a must-have for independent tutors.

This Lesson is a Game-Changer

Discussions about intelligence often revolve around innovation, creativity, and adaptability—qualities this lesson highlights through the lens of quirky habits. Students won’t just learn about traits like curiosity or daydreaming; they’ll understand how these habits can lead to groundbreaking ideas.

What sets this lesson apart is how it blends intellectual exploration with language development. Each habit is explained and connected to grammar, vocabulary, and speaking activities, making the lesson practical and engaging. Students aren’t just learning English—they’re being inspired to think creatively and critically.

What Students Will Learn

Students will leave this lesson with a better understanding of how intelligence manifests in unexpected ways. They’ll discover seven habits linked to high IQs, like thriving in cluttered environments, staying up late, and devouring books. Along the way, they’ll enhance their vocabulary with words such as introversion, perspective, curiosity, and productivity.

A presentation slide titled Reading: 7 Odd Habits of Highly Intelligent People. Number 2 is Staying Up Late. An owl is shown on the right. Text mentions night owls scoring higher on IQ tests and famous minds thriving at night. Questions prompt reflection on productivity and creativity.

The lesson also focuses on eliciting responses with contextually rich vocabulary, which helps students solidify their understanding of these terms. Additionally, guided discussions encourage students to reflect on their habits, compare them to historical figures, and explore how intelligence shapes success.

Activities That Bring Learning to Life

This lesson is packed with dynamic activities designed to keep students engaged:

Vocabulary Building: Students practice new words and phrases in context through matching exercises and fill-in-the-blank activities.
Reading Comprehension: Students analyze short, thought-provoking passages about each habit, from talking to oneself to thriving in clutter.
Guided Discussions: Students share their thoughts on intelligence, creativity, and their own habits, fostering confidence and fluency.
Fun Activity: An unconventional 3-minute IQ quiz adds an interactive twist, challenging students to solve riddles while applying their critical thinking skills.
Idioms in Context: Students learn expressions like “think outside the box” and “lightbulb moment,” practicing their use in conversations.

A graphic titled Follow-Up Questions with a quiz section. Left: colorful speech bubble icons with questions on avid reading, devouring, intelligence hallmark, and curiosity. Right: black and white figure selection puzzle with answer choices A to D.

A graphic titled Expressions features idioms and their meanings. Expressions like Have a photographic memory and Think outside the box are paired with meanings such as Someone who is very clever and To generate creative ideas.

These varied exercises ensure that students practice speaking, reading, and critical thinking—all while exploring an intriguing topic.

Tutors Will Love This Lesson

Independent tutors often seek lessons that are both educational and memorable. This lesson delivers on both fronts, offering a comprehensive structure and engaging content that saves time and inspires creativity.

With the addition of Tutor Insights, teaching becomes even easier. This guide provides tips, tricks, and prompts to maximize student engagement, optimize speaking time, and make discussions more impactful. Tutors can confidently guide students through each activity, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable learning experience.

Whether you’re looking to explore unique topics, improve student fluency, or bring something fresh to your classroom, The 7 Odd Habits of Highly Intelligent People is a valuable resource you’ll want in your teaching toolkit. This lesson will give students a fresh perspective on intelligence and language learning. Download it today from A Global Mind’s Resources Page and inspire your students to embrace their inner genius!

Remember to check out our FREE Resources catalog to get a head start and level up your teaching game.

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