Howard Gardner · 1983–
Multiple intelligences
Intelligence is more than a verbal-math score. Children have different ways of being smart — and schools often grade only two of them.
Why it matters when you teach
The bodily-kinesthetic child who cannot sit through a worksheet may be the one who understands the idea the moment it is walked, built, or acted. Teaching through more doors is not lowering standards. It is finding the door.
Core ideas
Eight doors
Linguistic, logical-mathematical, spatial, musical, bodily-kinesthetic, interpersonal, intrapersonal, naturalistic.
Entry, not excuse
Use a strength as the on-ramp to a needed skill, not a way around it.
In the room
- If they won't write the story, have them act it, then caption the photos.
- Math on the floor: jump the number line.
- A child who soothes a crying friend is demonstrating interpersonal intelligence — name it as skill.
- Nature walks are not extras for some children. They are oxygen.
Try this
- Pick one concept. Design three entries: say it, build it, move it. Let them choose the first door.
Hold it lightly
- Critics say these are talents, not separate intelligences, and overlap with g. Still invaluable as a teaching menu.