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What Kind of Smart is my Child: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences

  • Aug 2, 2018
  • 5 min read

Updated: Mar 24

Updated by Hanlie Wentzel on 24 March 2025.

Colorful pie chart illustrating "Multiple Intelligences": Music, Body, People, Word, Logic, Nature, Self, and Picture.

In 1983, Dr. Howard Gardner, a professor of education at Harvard University, introduced the theory of multiple intelligences. This theory argues that the conventional understanding of intelligence, which relies on I.Q. tests, is overly restrictive. Dr. Gardner suggests eight distinct intelligences to better encompass the wide spectrum of human potential in both children and adults.


These intelligences are:

  • Linguistic intelligence (“word smart”)

  • Logical-mathematical intelligence (“number/reasoning smart”)

  • Spatial intelligence (“picture smart”)

  • Bodily-Kinesthetic intelligence (“body smart”)

  • Musical intelligence (“music smart”)

  • Interpersonal intelligence (“people smart”)

  • Intrapersonal intelligence (“self smart”)

  • Naturalist intelligence (“nature smart”)


Dr. Gardner points out that our educational systems and culture predominantly emphasize linguistic and logical-mathematical intelligence. We value individuals in our society who are highly articulate or logical. However, Dr. Gardner suggests that we should equally recognize those with talents in other areas of intelligence: artists, architects, musicians, naturalists, designers, dancers, therapists, entrepreneurs, and others who contribute to enriching our world. Unfortunately, many children with these talents do not receive much encouragement for them in school. In fact, many of these children are often labeled as "learning disabled," or simply underachievers because their unique thinking and learning styles are not addressed in a classroom focused heavily on linguistic or logical-mathematical approaches.


The theory of multiple intelligences advocates for a significant change in how schools operate. It recommends that teachers be trained to deliver lessons through a diverse range of methods, including music, cooperative learning, art activities, role play, multimedia, field trips, inner reflection, and more (see Multiple Intelligences in the Classroom, 4th ed.).


Children perform in a sunlit room, playing violin, saxophone, drums, bongos, and guitar. Music sheets on stands. Casual, joyful atmosphere.
Musical Intelligence

8 Ways to Teach or Learn Anything


One of the most notable aspects of the theory of multiple intelligences is that it offers eight distinct pathways for learning. If a teacher struggles to connect with a student through traditional linguistic or logical teaching methods, this theory proposes various alternative approaches to present the material for more effective learning. Whether you're teaching kindergarten, instructing at the graduate level, or an adult learner looking to enhance self-study in any area of interest, the same fundamental principles are applicable.


No matter what you are teaching or learning, explore ways to link it with

  • words (linguistic intelligence)

  • numbers or logic (logical-mathematical intelligence)

  • pictures (spatial intelligence)

  • music (musical intelligence)

  • self-reflection (intrapersonal intelligence)

  • a physical experience (bodily-kinesthetic intelligence)

  • a social experience (interpersonal intelligence), and/or

  • an experience in the natural world. (naturalist intelligence)


You don't need to teach or learn in all eight ways; simply explore the possibilities and choose the pathways that interest you the most or appear to be the most effective for teaching or learning. The theory of multiple intelligences is fascinating because it broadens our range of teaching and learning tools beyond the traditional linguistic and logical methods typically used in schools, such as lectures, textbooks, writing assignments, and formulas.


Woman in sun hat laughing, crouching among green plants. A child is nearby. Sunny garden scene, joyful mood, lush greenery.
Naturalist Intelligence

The Innate Genius of Children


Every child possesses genius. This doesn't imply that each child can paint like Picasso, compose like Mozart, or achieve a score of 150 on an I.Q. test. However, every child is a genius in the sense of the original meanings of the word “genius,” which are: “to give birth” (linked to the word genesis) and “to be zestful or joyous” (linked to the word genial). In essence, the true essence of genius is to “give birth to the joy” inherent in every child.

Every child is born with this potential. Each one enters the world filled with wonder, curiosity, awe, spontaneity, vitality, flexibility, and many other traits of a joyful being. An infant possesses twice the number of brain connections as an adult. A young child learns a complex symbol system (their native language) without any formal instruction. Young children have vivid imaginations, creative minds, and sensitive personalities. It is crucial that we, as educators and parents, support the preservation of these genius traits in children as they grow into adulthood, so these abilities can benefit the broader culture during times of significant change.


Regrettably, powerful influences at home, in schools, and throughout the broader culture work to suppress the genius qualities in children. Many children are raised in environments that actively diminish these traits. Home factors such as poverty, depression, anxiety, pressure to mature too quickly, and rigid ideologies rooted in hate and fear actively suppress childhood genius traits like playfulness, creativity, and wonder. Schools also hinder childhood genius through testing (creativity cannot flourish in a judgmental environment), labeling children as learning disabled, uninspiring teachers, and a regimented curriculum. Additionally, the broader culture, particularly mass media, stifles the genius in children with its relentless barrage of violence, mediocrity, and undesirable role models.


The positive aspect is that teachers and parents have many ways to assist children in rediscovering their innate genius. The first step, crucially, is for adults to reignite their own natural genius by tapping into their creativity, energy, playfulness, and sense of wonder. When children are in the company of inquisitive and imaginative adults, their own inner genius is activated.


Secondly, adults should offer straightforward activities to stimulate children's innate genius. Even something as basic as a story, a toy (Einstein noted that a simple magnetic compass sparked his passion for learning at four years old), a trip to a unique location, or an intriguing question can open the doors to a child's enthusiasm for learning. Thirdly, establish a nurturing environment at home or school, where children can learn without facing criticism, comparisons, or the pressure to excel.


Regard each child as a unique blessing from God, with the potential to achieve remarkable things in the world. Recognize that every child will exhibit genius in a way that is distinct from others. Move beyond the traditional I.Q. definition of genius and adopt frameworks like the theory of multiple intelligences to support children in thriving according to their individual strengths. By adhering to these straightforward principles for nurturing each child's innate genius, you will greatly enhance the well-being of your children and the future world they will inhabit.


Multiple Intelligences Quiz

The Multiple Intelligences Quiz aims to identify different styles of intelligence, revealing individuals' strengths in how they think, learn, and interact with others - keep in mind it is not an IQ or Intelligence Test.



The Multiple Intelligences Quiz is useful for grasping your own or your child's intelligence style and can show you how to enhance your child's learning potential by guiding you to employ the most suitable homeschooling teaching strategies.


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