Multiple Intelligences – Discovering the Ways Your Child is Smart

multiple intelligences
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I first heard of multiple intelligences when I was a college student taking loads of education classes. The idea of multiple intelligences completely resonated with me and set a framework for how I now see my own kids.

So what ARE multiple intelligences?

The idea started with a man named Howard Gardner who came up with the “Theory of Multiple Intelligences” which he proposed in 1983 in his book Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple IntelligencesAs a side note – I have not read this book. I have read Dr. Kathy Koch’s book How Am I Smart? (now called 8 Great Smartswhich is all about multiple intelligences.

multiple intelligences

I am not here to debate the science behind this, but want to present the information for you to use as a tool to encourage and empower your own kids, especially those kids who may be “outside the box”.

According to Gardner there are eight different intelligences or “smarts”.

They include:

Spatial “Picture Smart”
Possible careers: Architect, Illustrator, Construction Worker, Web Designer

Musical “Music Smart”
Possible careers: Conductor, Disk Jockey, Music Therapist, Sound Engineer

Bodily-Kinesthetic“Body Smart”
Possible careers: Actor, Carpenter, Dancer, Physical Therapist

Linguistic“Word Smart”
Possible careers: Teacher, Lawyer, Politician, Writer

Logical-Mathematical“Logic Smart”
Possible careers: Accountant, Banker, Computer Programmer, Scientist

Interpersonal “People Smart”
Possible careers: Counselor, Teacher, Administrator, Nurse

Intrapersonal “Self Smart”
Possible careers: Guidance Counselor, Comedian, Detective, Entrepreneur

Naturalistic“Nature Smart”
Possible careers: Animal Trainer, Environmental Scientist, Meteorologist, Nature Photographer

Where do your kids fall in this list? OR, where do you fall? Happy learning!

This is merely a “cliff notes” version of Multiple Intelligences. I encourage you to check out the books(linked above) to learn more!

**For a more complete list of possible careers go to the Kathy Koch’s website listed below.**

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Here are some links for further reading:

www.8greatsmarts.com (Dr. Kathy Koch’s website on Multiple Intelligences)

http://multipleintelligencesoasis.org/ (This is Howard Gardner’s site on Multiple Intelligences)

Also, a book I just discovered while gathering info for this article is You’re Smarter Than You Think. I will be checking if our library has that one!

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Author: Outside the Box Learners

Homeschool mom to my three amazing and quirky kiddos. Wife to my “long-suffering” husband and partner in crime, Marc. INFJ(aka the extroverted introvert). Lifelong learner. Thrives on coffee, chocolate, good music, and deep conversations. Jigsaw puzzles are my love language. Ultimately, leaning on my Savior each step of the way.

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