8 Kinds of Smart: Building on a Student's Assets for

Success in the Classroom Thomas Armstrong, Ph.D. - www.institute4learning.com

West Sonoma County Union High School District

Forestville, CA

August 18, 2014

.

The 8 Kinds of Smart

• Word Smart

• Logic Smart• Picture Smart

• Body Smart• Music Smart• People Smart• Self Smart• Nature Smart

MI Inventory for AdultsCheck those statements that apply:Word Smart__ Books are important to me.__ I can hear words in my head before I read, speak, or write them down.__I get more out of listening to talk radio or spoken-word audio clips than I do from television or films.__ I enjoy entertaining myself or others with tongue twisters, nonsense rhymes, or puns.__ Other people sometimes have to stop and ask me to explain the meaning of the words I use in my writing and speaking.__ English, social studies, and history were easier for me in school than math and science.__ When I drive down a freeway, I pay more attention to the words written on billboards than to the scenery.__ My conversation includes frequent references to things that I’ve read or heard.__ I’ve written something recently that I was particularly proud of or that earned me recognition from others.

Logic Smart__ I can easily compute numbers in my head.__ Math and/or science were among my favorite subjects in school.__ I enjoy playing games or solving brainteasers that require logical thinking.__ I like to set up little “what if” experiments (for example, “What if I double the amount of water I give to my rosebush each week?”).__ My mind searches for patterns, regularities, or logical sequences in things.__ I’m interested in new developments in science.__ I believe that almost everything has a rational explanation.__ I sometimes think in clear, abstract, wordless, imageless concepts.__ I like finding flaws in things that people say or do at home and work.__ I feel more comfortable when something has been measured, categorized, analyzed, or quantified in some way.

MI Inventory (cont’d)Picture Smart__ I often see clear visual images when I close my eyes.__ I’m sensitive to color.__ I frequently use a camera , iPhone, tablet, or camcorder to visually record what I see around me__ I enjoy doing jigsaw puzzles, mazes, and other visual puzzles.__ I have vivid dreams at night.__ I enjoyed art a lot in school.__ I like to draw or doodle.__ Geometry was easier for me than algebra in school.__ I can comfortably imagine how something might appear if it were looked down upon from directly above in a bird’s eye view.__I prefer looking at reading materials that have lots of pictures in them

Body Smart__ I engage in at least one sport or physical activity on a regular basis.__ I find it difficult to sit still for long periods of time.__ I like working with my hands at concrete activities such as sewing, weaving, carving, or model building.__ My best ideas often come to me when I’m out for a long walk or a jog, or when I’m engage in some other kind of physical activity.__ I sometimes get “gut feelings” about things (e.g. I actually feel it in my body).__ I frequently use hand gestures or other forms of body language when conversing with someone.__ I need to touch things in order to learn more about them.__ I enjoy daredevil amusement rides or similar thrilling physical experiences.__ I would describe myself as well coordinated.__ I need to practice a new skill rather than simply read about it, or see a video that describes it.

MI Inventory (cont’d)Music Smart__ I have a pleasant singing voice.__ I can tell when a musical note is off-key.__ I frequently listen to music on radio, CDs, smart phones, or tablets__ I play a musical instrument.__ My life would be poorer if there were no music in it.__ I sometimes catch myself walking down the street with a jingle or other tune running through my mind.__ I can easily keep time to a piece of music with a simple percussion instrument.__ I know the tunes to many different songs or musical pieces.__ If I hear a musical selection once or twice, I am usually able to sing it back fairly accurately.__ I often make tapping sounds or sing little melodies while working, studying, or learning something new.

People Smart__ I’m the sort of person that people come to for advice and counsel at work or in my neighborhood.__ I prefer group sports like soccer, volleyball, or softball to solo sports such as swimming, jogging, and weight training.__ When I have a problem, I’m more likely to seek out another person for help than attempt to work it out on my own.__ I have at least three close friends.__ I favor social pastimes such as Monopoly or bridge over individual recreations such as video games and solitaire.__ I enjoy the challenge of teaching another person, or groups of people, what I know how to do.__ I consider myself a leader (or others have called me that).__ I feel comfortable in the midst of a crowd.__ I like to get involved in social activities connected with my work, church, or community.__ I would rather spend my evenings at a party than stay at home alone.

MI Inventory (cont’d)Self Smart__ I regularly spend time alone meditating, reflecting, or thinking about important life questions.__ I have attended counseling sessions or personal growth seminars to learn more about myself.__ I am able to respond to setbacks with resilience.__ I have a special hobby or interest that I keep pretty much to myself.__ I have some important goals for my life that I think about on a regular basis.__ I have a realistic view of my strengths and weaknesses (borne out by feedback from other sources).__ I would prefer to spend a weekend along in a cabin in the woods (or some other solitary place) than be at a resort with lots of people around.__ I consider myself to be strong willed or independent-minded.__ I keep a personal diary or journal to record the events of my life.__ I am self-employed or have at least thought seriously about starting my own business.

Nature Smart__ I have pets that I love and/or enjoy animals when I’m around them.__ I enjoy gardening and/or like to have plants around me at home or work.__ I can find my way around unfamiliar natural terrain with some ease.__ I like to visit nature museums, aquariums, zoos, or other places that display living things.__ I prefer to spend my free time in some kind of natural setting (e.g. lakes, mountains, rivers, etc.).__ I sometimes just enjoy looking at clouds, mountains, trees, or other natural formations.__ I have an ability to identify different kinds of birds, plants, or other living things.__ I have a pretty highly developed sense of ecological awareness and/or sense of responsibility for helping to take care of Mother Earth.__ I enjoy TV programs , videos and/or reading about nature topics (e.g. Nature on PBS or National Geographic).__ I have been involved in organizations or clubs that focus on nature issues (e.g. Sierra Club, bird study group, hiking group, animal rescue etc.).

Self Smart

Word Smart

Logic Smart

Picture Smart

Body Smart

Music Smart

Nature Smart

People Smart

MI Pizza

Human Intelligence Hunt• Find Someone Who Can:

– whistle Mozart

– do a dance step

– recite four lines of poetry

– draw a picture of a horse

– share a dream they’ve had

– explain why the sky is blue

– say they’re feeling relaxed now

– name 5 common birds in this area

Identifying MI in Your Students

• Observation

• Documents

• Records

• Colleagues

• Parents

• Students

MI Inventory for StudentsCheck those statements that apply:Word Smart__ I believe I am a good writer.__ I like to tell jokes and stories.__ I have a good memory for names, places, dates, or trivia.__ I enjoy word games.__ I enjoy reading books.__ I’m a pretty accurate speller.__ I like playing around with the sounds of words in puns, tongue twisters, and that kind of thing.__ I like listening to audio books.__ I enjoy finding out the definitions of words that I don’t know.__ I see myself as a verbal learner (learning best through words)

Logic Smart__ I can get really interested in figuring out how things work.__ I enjoy working with numbers (math, statistics etc.)__ I like my math class.__ I like playing video games or using apps that involve logical thinking.__ I enjoy playing chess, checkers, or other logical strategy games.__ I’m pretty good with logic puzzles or brainteasers.__ I like to put things in categories, charts, or other logical patterns..__ I enjoy science class.__ I’m interested in science-related topics.__ I see myself as a pretty logical thinker.

Adapted from Thomas Armstrong, Multiple Intelligences in the Classroom, 3rd ed. Alexandria, VA: ASCD, 2009.

MI Inventory (cont’d)Picture Smart__ I can see visual images in my mind pretty clearly.__ I tend to daydream a lot.__ I enjoy doing art.__ I am a good drawer.__ I like to watch movies, videos, TV other visual programs.__ I like doodling and believe it helps me to think better.__ I enjoy building three-dimensional structures (e.g. carpentry, Legos, sculpture).__ I see visual images when I read.__I enjoy doing puzzles, mazes, or other visual activities. __ I see myself primarily as visual thinker or visual learner.

Body Smart__ I am good in at least one sport.__ I tend to twitch, tap, or fidget when I have been sitting for a long time in one spot.__ I am a good at imitating or mimicking the gestures and mannerisms of my firiends or relatives..__ I love to take things apart and put them back together.__ I generally like to touch or hold things to learn more about them.__ I have demonstrated skill in a craft (e.g. woodworking, sewing, mechanics)__ I can use my body effectively in a dramatic way to express feelings and ideas.__ I love dare devil amusement rides.__ I enjoy working with clay or other tactile experiences (e.g. finger painting).__ I see myself primarily as a physical learner.

Adapted from Thomas Armstrong, Multiple Intelligences in the Classroom, 3rd ed. Alexandria, VA: ASCD, 2009.

MI Inventory (cont’d)Music Smart__ I believe I have a pleasant singing voice.__ I can usually tell when a musical note is off-key.__ I frequently listen to music on radio, boom box, smart phone, tablet, or other source.__ I enjoy playing at least one musical instrument.__ I can remembers the melodies of songs pretty easily.__ I hav a rhythmic way of speaking and/or moving.__ I sometimes find myself unconsciously humming to myself.__ I sometimes find myself tapping rhythmically on a table or desk when I am studying..__ I’m sensitive to environmental sounds around me (e.g. rain on the roof)__ I see myself primarily as a musical learner.

People Smart__ I enjoy socializing with my friends.__ I like being a leader in a group.__ People come to me to ask for help in solving a social conflict or situation.__ I prefer working or studying with other people rather than by myself.__ I belong to at least one club, group, organization or informal peer group.__ I like teaching things to other people.__ I prefer playing sports and games with others rather than by myself.__ I have at least one or more close friends.__ I believe I have a good sense of empathy or caring for others.__ I see myself primarily as a social learner.

Adapted from Thomas Armstrong, Multiple Intelligences in the Classroom, 3rd ed. Alexandria, VA: ASCD, 2009.

MI Inventory (cont’d)Self Smart__ I feel like I’m pretty independent and/or am strong-willed.__ I have a pretty realistic sense of my personal strengths and weaknesses.__ I do well when I’m left to study on my own at home and school..__ I have a hobby or special interest that I don’t really talk much to people about.__ I think I know where I’m going in life as far as goals for the future.__ I prefer working or studying alone rather than with other people.__ I’m pretty in touch with my feelings and can express them appropriately.__ I believe that I’m able to learn from my mistakes.__ I feel really good about myself and what I am able to achieve in life.__ I see myself primarily as an individualist.

Nature Smart__ I like to spend time with animals.__ I like taking trips to natural settings.__ I’m able to notice details in natural formations (e.g. clouds, mountains, geology) that others might miss.__ I prefers to spend my free time in a natural setting.__ I have spoken out for the rights of animals, or the preservation of the environment.__ I have a good ability to identify different kinds of birds, plants, or other living things.__ I enjoy doing nature projects, such as bird watching or raising animals.__ I enjoy gardening or growing plants.. __ I do well in subjects at school related to living things and systems (e.g. biology, ecology).__ I see myself primarily as a naturalist.

Adapted from Thomas Armstrong, Multiple Intelligences in the Classroom, 3rd ed. Alexandria, VA: ASCD, 2009.

Self Smart

Word Smart

Logic Smart

Picture Smart

Body Smart

Music Smart

Nature Smart

People Smart

MI Pizza

Boyle's Law – 8 Ways

Boyle’s Law

Word Smart – definition

Logic Smart - equation

Picture Smart – visual metaphor

Music Smart – mnemonic chant

Body Smart – mouth experiment

Nature Smart – scuba diving example

People Smart – cooperative simulation

Self Smart – personal reflection (“think of a time in your life….”)

MI Lesson Plan Mind-Map

Objective

Word Smart - How can I use the spoken or written word?

Logic Smart- How can I bring in numbers, calculations, logic, classifications, or critical thinking?

Picture Smart - How can I use visual aids, visualization, color, art, or metaphor?

Music Smart - How can I bring in music or environmental sounds, or set key points in a rhythmic or melodic framework?

Body Smart - How can I involve the whole body or the use of hands-on experiences?Nature Smart - How can I

incorporate living things or systems?

People Smart - How can I engage students in peer sharing, cooperative learning, or large group simulation?

Self Smart - How can I evoke personal feelings or memories, or give students choices?

MI Lesson Plan Mind-Map

The Invisible Man

Word Smart – audio book, documentary on author

Logic Smart – science concept of frequencies to help with last sentence’s metaphor Picture Smart – art work

based on novel

Music Smart – discography of music in novel (e.g. Louis Armstrong)

Body Smart – put on play based on novel, or at least act out scenes

Nature Smart – examine animal metaphors in novel (e.g. caged birds)

People Smart – study the censorship of this book in schools around the country

Self Smart – think of a time in your life when you felt invisible

Memorize

Analyze

Visualize

Melodize

Dramatize

Socialize

Personalize

Using Multiple Using Multiple Intelligences to Intelligences to Learn New Learn New Vocabulary, Vocabulary, History, and History, and Other AppsOther Apps

Naturalize

MI Lesson Plan Mind-Map

Word Smart -Logic Smart-

Picture Smart -

Music Smart-

Body Smart -

Nature Smart -

People Smart -

Self Smart -

Things to Do Right Away

• Teach Your Students About MI

• Give Your Students the MI Inventory

• Use One or More New Intelligences in a Lesson

• Brainstorm MI Strategies with Colleagues

• Strategize Ways to Reach a Difficult Student

• Use the 8 Steps for Vocabulary Words

• Explain the 8 Kinds of Smart to Parents

ResourcesArmstrong, Thomas. Multiple Intelligences in the Classroom, 3nd Ed.. Alexandria, VA: ASCD, 2009.

Armstrong, Thomas. 7 Kinds of Smart: Identifying and Developing Your Many Intelligences: Revised and Updated with Information on 2 New Kinds of Smart. , New York: Plume, 1999.

Armstrong, Thomas. In Their Own Way: Discovering and Encouraging Your Child’s Multiple Intelligences. New York: Tarcher/Putnam-Penguin, 2000.

Armstrong, Thomas. The Multiple Intelligences of Reading and Writing: Making the Words Come Alive. Alexandria, VA: ASCD, 2003.

Armstrong, Thomas. You’re Smarter Than You Think: A Kids’ Guide to Multiple Intelligences., Rev. Ed. Minneapolis, MN: Free Spirit, 2014.

Campbell, L. and B. Campbell. Multiple Intelligences and Student Achievement: Success Stories from Six Schools. Alexandria, VA: ASCD, 2000.

Gardner, Howard. Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences. New York: Basic Books, 1983.

Gardner, Howard.. Intelligence Reframed: Multiple Intelligences for the 21st Century. New York: Basic, 1999.

Hoerr, T. Becoming a Multiple Intelligences School. Alexandria, VA: ASCD, 2000.

Sacks, Oliver. The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat. New York: Touchstone, 1998.

Contact Information

• Email: thomas@institute4learning.com

• Website: www.institute4learning.com

• Blog: http://institute4learning.com/blog/

• Twitter: @Dr_Armstrong