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Multiple Intelligence Activities for Children

In 1983 psychologist Howard Gardner introduced a theory of multiple intelligences in his book "Frames of Mind." In the book, Gardner discusses seven intelligences -- linguistic, logical-mathematical, spatial, bodily-kinesthetic, musical, interpersonal and intrapersonal -- that humans are capable of developing. In later years Gardner added an eighth intelligence, a naturalist intelligence. According to TeacherVisions's website, Gardner's theory is that every person possesses all the intelligences, but individuals can be highly developed in one area and underdeveloped in other areas. According to Gardner's theory, with the right encouragement, individuals can develop all of the intelligences to an adequate level of capability. In order to give students the encouragement they need to develop the different intelligences, teachers should introduce subject matter with activities that help promote the eight intelligences.
  1. Linguistic

    • Students who are strong in the linguistic intelligence love to read and express themselves through writing and speaking. Storytelling, journal writing, dramatizing, researching and choral speaking are activities that help promote this intelligence in the classroom.

    Logical-Mathematical

    • Those who are highly developed in the logical-mathematical intelligence use deductive thinking and reasoning to solve problems. They excel at mathematical operations and scientific study. Activities that develop this intelligence include completing puzzles, using manipulatives, playing logic games, performing scientific experiments and using money.

    Spatial

    • Children who are strong in the spatial intelligence can transfer mental models to concrete representations. They respond to pictures and video. Activities that develop this intelligence are visualizing, drawing, painting, making story maps, sculpting, making three-dimensional projects and using graphic organizers.

    Bodily-Kinesthetic

    • The bodily-kinesthetic learner uses his body or movements to solve problems. This child excels in sports or physical activity and has good hand-eye coordination. Activities that strengthen this intelligence include dancing, physical education, hands-on experiments, crafts, cooperative groups and going on field trips.

    Musical

    • The musical learner is sensitive to musical tones, rhythms and pitches. He has an appreciation for music and is proficient at composing. Activities that develop this intelligence are playing instruments, singing, listening to background music, humming and performing raps that teach learning concepts.

    Intrapersonal

    • The strong intrapersonal learner understands his own emotions, motivations, strengths and weaknesses. Activities that foster this intelligence include independent reading or study, journaling and setting personal goals.

    Interpersonal

    • The student who excels in this intelligence has highly developed communication skills. His strengths are negotiating, mediating and understanding what motivates other people. Activities that develop this intelligence include peer editing, cooperative learning, tutoring others, discussing and sharing.

    Naturalist

    • The naturalist is highly developed at the study of nature. He enjoys learning about plants, animals and the environment. Activities that develop this intelligence include cloud watching, identifying insects, nature walks, gardening, collecting rocks, bird watching and using a microscope.

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