What are Multiple Intelligences?

"Until recently, it was believed that intelligence was a single entity that was inherited; and that human beings - initially a blank slate - could be trained to learn anything, provided that it was presented in an appropriate way.

Nowadays an increasing number of researchers believe precisely the opposite; that there exists a multitude of intelligences, quite independent of each other; that each intelligence has its own strengths and constraints; that the mind is far from unencumbered at birth; and that it is unexpectedly difficult to teach things that go against early 'naive' theories or that challenge the natural lines of force within an intelligence and its matching domains" Howard Gardner

Multiple Intelligences Defined!

Linguistic intelligence (Verbal Smarts) involves sensitivity to spoken and written language, the ability to learn languages, and the capacity to use language to accomplish certain goals. This intelligence includes the ability to effectively use language to express oneself, and language as a means to remember information. Writers, poets, lawyers and speakers are among those having high linguistic intelligence.

Logical-mathematical intelligence (Logic Smarts) consists of the capacity to analyze problems logically, carry out mathematical operations, and investigate issues scientifically. It entails the ability to detect patterns, reason deductively and think logically. This intelligence is most often associated with scientific and mathematical thinking.

Spatial intelligence (Spatial Smarts) involves the potential to recognize and use the patterns of wide space and more confined areas. Artists and engineers are among those with hight spatial intelligence.

Naturalist intelligence (Science Smarts) enables human beings to recognize, categorize and draw upon certain features of the environment. It combines a description of the core ability with a characterization of the role that many cultures value.

Musical intelligence (Music Smarts) involves skill in the performance, composition, and appreciation of musical patterns. It encompasses the capacity to recognize and compose musical pitches, tones, and rhythms.

Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence (Body Smarts) entails the potential of using one's whole body or parts of the body to solve problems. It is the ability to use mental abilities to coordinate bodily movements.

Intrapersonal intelligence (Self Smarts) entails the capacity to understand and know oneself, to appreciate one's feelings, fears and motivations. It involves having an effective working model of ourselves, and to be able to use such information to regulate our lives.

Interpersonal intelligence (People Smarts) is concerned with the capacity to understand the intentions,motivations and desires of other people. It allows people to work effectively with others. Educators, salespeople, religious and political leaders all need a well-developed interpersonal intelligence.

Gardner claimed that the eight intelligences rarely operate independently. They are used at the same time and tend to complement each other as people develop skills or solve problems.

People have a unique blend of intelligences. The big challenge facing the deployment of human resources 'is how to best take advantage of the uniqueness conferred on us as a species exhibiting several intelligences'

Why are Multiple Intelligences Relevant to Children?

Too many children wonder if they are smart or how smart they are. It is important that they understand that every person has been created with a unique combination of intelligences: they may be Word smart, Logic smart, Picture smart, Music smart, Body smart, Nature smart, People smart, and Self smart.

Why are Multiple Intelligences Relevant to Parents?

As parents, we have the opportunity to better understand "how" our children are smart. By working together with them to discover where their true passions lie, and where their strengths are, we are then able to raise children who will be successful in school and in life.

Why are Multiple Intelligences Relevant to Educators?

Children are all unique, and their learning styles are different and heavily influenced by the mix of intelligences they have. When faced with children that do not learn the same way as the majority, or who have difficulty following classes designed to take advantage exclusively of verbal and logic smarts, it is important to recognize that beyond a disability may lie a strength, and that by changing the approach and adapting to a particular learning style while leveraging a specific mix of intelligences, success can be achieved.

How Can I Help my Children Discover and Develop their Multiple Intelligences?

The key to discovery of multiple intelligences is the exposure to a diverse set of activities that allow the awakening of true passions and abilities. As parents and Teachers we spend a lot of effort on developing verbal and numerical skills, sometimes at the expense of exposure to other areas where talents may be going unrecognized.

One way to help children identify their true strengths is through play. Children learn in a natural way when they are playing, and by providing access to different activities that allow them to have fun while at the same time being exposed to play that uses all their different intelligences, they will be able to start identifying what they are good at, and what they love.

My Child is Gifted. What does that Mean in the Context of Multiple Intelligences?

A child is usually labeled as "Gifted" when an IQ test demonstrates they have a very high IQ (usually at the top 2% of the population). IQ tests measure mainly verbal and logical skills. So, if your child is "Gifted", it means they have very high verbal and logical skills, or in other words, high Verbal, and Logic smarts. They could however also be highly gifted in other areas, such as Music, Picture, Body, Nature, Self, or People. Only through exposure to activities that allow them to use all their skills, will they truly know what their real passions and strengths are.

Mensa, the high IQ society, selects 5 games every year and awards them the Mensa Select honor. These games are perfect for Gifted children since they love challenging games. To see the games selected by Mensa in 2008, see our MENSA SELECT GAMES.

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