MultipleIntelligences
The multiple intelligences theory was first published in 1983 in Howard Gardner’s book, Frames of Mind: The
Theory of Multiple Intelligences.
Gardner derived his theory from extensive brain
research, which included interviews, tests, and research
on hundreds of individuals.
1. The ability to create an effective product or offer a service that is valuable in one’s culture.
2. A set of skills that enables an individual to solve problems encountered in life.
3. The potential for finding or creating solutions for problems, which enables a person to acquire new knowledge.
Gardner defines an “intelligence” as consisting
of three components:
Instead of asking if someone is smart, ask how he/she is
smart.
There are many ways each person is smart. Even though one intelligence may be dominant, each
person possesses multiple intelligences.
Why is it important that you know which smart(s) you are?
Instruction can be based on this information, reaching each
individual student & you can capitalize on your strengths
and abilities!!
This intelligence helps you to write, listen, and speak. You use this intelligence while doing writing assignments,
giving speeches, or reading a good book.
Word Smart
Is strong in:• Reading• Writing• Telling stories • Memorizing dates• Thinking in words
Word Smart
Learns best through:• Reading• Hearing and seeing words• Speaking • Writing• Discussing• Debating
Word Smart
Instructional strategies:• Read about it• Write about it• Talk about it• Listen to it
Word Smart
Common Misbehaviors:• Passing notes• Reading during lessons
Word Smart
Famous ExamplesPoets, novelists, and public
speakers have lots of linguistic intelligence.
Virginia Woolf
Maya AngelouAbraham Lincoln
Math Smart
To be math smart means you have the ability to calculate very complex operations.
Math Smart
Is strong in:• Math• Reasoning• Logic• Problem-solving• Patterns
Math Smart
Learns best through:• Working with patterns and relationships
• Classifying• Categorizing
Math Smart
Instructional strategies:• Quantify it (categories)• Think critically about it• Conceptualize it (the “big picture”)
Math Smart
Common Misbehaviors:• Working on math during lessons• Building during lessons
Famous ExamplesScientists, engineers,
computer technicians and accountants all use their
logical-mathematical intelligence.
Albert Einstein
John Dewey
Picture Smart
To be Picture Smart means to have an ability to think in three dimensions, and one can often duplicate inner and external
imagery.
Picture SmartIs strong in:• Reading Maps• Charts• Drawing• Mazes• Puzzles
Picture Smart
Learns best through:• Working with pictures and colors• Visualizing• Drawing
Picture SmartInstructional strategies:• See it• Draw it• Visualize it• Color it
Picture SmartCommon Misbehaviors:• Doodling • Drawing • Daydreaming
Picture Smart
Pilots, sculptors, painters, and architects are strong in this
intelligence.
Famous ExamplesPilots, sculptors, painters, and
architects are strong in this intelligence.
Frank Lloyd WrightPablo Picasso
Bobby Fischer
Body Smart
Body Smart could be seen as the base upon which the other smarts
are developed.Why?? As babies, we explore the
world through our bodies.
Body Smart
Is strong in:• Athletics• Dancing• Acting• Using tools
Body Smart
Learns best through:• Moving• Processing knowledge through bodily sensations
Body Smart
Instructional strategies:• Build it• Act it out• Dance it
Body Smart
Common Misbehaviors:• Fidgeting • Wandering around the room
Famous ExamplesDancers, athletes, artists, or surgeons need to know how the body moves and how to control those movements. This
requires the use of body smart capabilities.
Magic JohnsonCharlie Chaplin
Music SmartIn developing the Music Smart, we
become skilled listeners, sensitive to music, and aware of the emotions
music can make. Those who are Music Smart often
change facts and other things they want to learn into songs to help their
memories.
Music SmartIs strong in:• Picking up sounds• Remembering melodies
• Rhythms
Music Smart
Learns best through:• Rhythm• Singing• Listening to music and melodies
Musical/RhythmicMusic SmartInstructional strategies:• Sing it• Rap it • Listen to it
Music Smart
Common Misbehaviors:• Tapping a pencil or feet• Humming
Musical/RhythmicMusic Smart
Conductors, musicians, and sound technicians have a well developed musical/rhythmic
intelligence
Famous ExamplesConductors, musicians, and sound technicians have a well-developed
Music Smart.
Ella Fitzgerald
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
People SmartThose who are People Smart have the ability to get along with almost everyone they meet and are almost never
shy!
People SmartIs strong in:• Understanding people• Leading & Organizing• Communicating• Resolving conflicts
People SmartLearns best through:• Sharing• Comparing• Relating• Interviewing
People Smart
Instructional strategies:• Collaborate on it• Interact with respect to it
People SmartCommon Misbehaviors:• Talking• Passing notes
InterpersonalPeople Smart
Salesmen, politicians, and religious leaders have a highly
developed interpersonal intelligence!
Famous ExamplesSalesmen,
politicians, and religious leaders
have a highly developed
interpersonal intelligence!
GandhiRonald Reagan
Self Smart
We use this intelligence when we think back to our own experiences and
examine them to gain self-awareness. You will also gain empathy, or knowing
how people feel.
Self SmartIs strong in:• Understanding self• Recognizing one’s own strengths and weaknesses• Setting goals
Self Smart
Learns best through:• Working alone• Doing self-paced projects• Reflecting
Self SmartInstructional strategies:• Connect it to your personal life • Make choices with regard to it
Self Smart
Common Misbehaviors:• Disagreeing with others• Inappropriate remarks to others
Self Smart
Religious leaders, psychologists, and philosophers all have highly
developed intrapersonal intelligences.
Famous ExamplesReligious leaders, psychologists, and philosophers all have highly
developed intrapersonal intelligences.
Eleanor Roosevelt
Sigmund Freud
Nature Smart
People who are Nature Smart have the ability to identify their surroundings like flowers, birds,
and trees.
Nature Smart
Is strong in:• Understanding nature• Making distinctions• Identifying flora and fauna
Nature SmartLearns best through:• Working in nature• Exploring living things• Learning about plants and natural events
Nature SmartInstructional strategies:• Observe nature• Protect the environment• Appreciate surroundings
Nature Smart
Common Misbehaviors:• Staying outside too long • Collecting unusual specimens
Famous ExamplesBotanists and gardeners are highly developed in Nature
Smart.
Luther Burbank Charles Darwin
Resources
Good Double Bubble Activity
Books
Multiple Intelligences by Dr. Spencer Kagan & Miguel Kagan
Multiple Intelligences in the Classroom by Thomas Armstrong
Multiple Intelligences Activities from Teacher Created Materials
Developing Students’ Multiple Intelligences by Kristen Nicholson-Nelson
Links• Special Education• Applying MI in Schools• Gardner’s Definitions and More• Email Teachers Who Use MI• Use All Your Smarts• Multiple Intelligences’ Test• Grades 3-6 MI Lesson Plans • Grades 7-12 MI Lesson Plans• Step-by-step MI Lesson Plan Guide• Online Workshops • List of More Resources