You’re Smarter Than You Think: A Kid’s Guide to Multiple Intelligences, Revised and Updated

Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences has revolutionized the way we think about being smart. Written by an award-winning expert on the topic, this book introduces the theory, explains the different types of intelligences (like Word Smart, Self Smart, Body Smart), and helps kids identify their own learning strengths and use their special skills at school, at home, and in life. As kids read the book, they stop asking “How smart am I?” and start asking “How am I smart?” This powerful learning tool is recommended for all kids—and all adults committed to helping young people do and be their best. Resources describe related books, software, games, and organizations. This revised and updated edition includes information on a newly researched ninth intelligence, Life Smart—thinking about and asking questions about life, the universe, and spirituality.

Look inside this book to:

• Learn about the nine different intelligences and what they mean;
• Find out which ones you have (Hint:  you already have all nine, just to different degrees);
• Make the most of your most developed intelligences
• Strengthen your other intelligences
• Use all nine intelligences at school, at home, and everywhere you go;
• Discover more about who you are and who you can be
• Understand and get along better with the people around you;
• Look to the future and how you’ll use your smarts when you get older.

Quick quizzes help you identify the many ways you’re smart.  ”Did You Know?” boxes entertain you with fascinating facts.  Easy-to-use lists give you lots of fun ways to build your smarts.  A Resources section points you toward books, magazines, and websites where you can learn even more.

The nine intelligences are as follows:

1. Word Smart

This is the one that schools focus the most attention on. It involves reading, writing, speaking, and listening to words. Some kids can be good in one area (like speaking through storytelling) and have difficulty in another area (like reading).

2. Number/Logic Smart

Schools also put an emphasis on this intelligence, with their focus on science and math. Some kids are super Word Smart but have problems with numbers and logic, while other kids are the reverse.

3. Picture Smart

This intelligence involves the imagination, art ability, visual thinking, and things like aptitude for architecture and design. It also isn’t stressed very much in school, except perhaps in art class (which tends to be curtailed to make time for more reading and math). If a child has strong Picture Smarts, but not-so-strong Word and Number Smarts, they may have difficulties in school. Make sure Picture Smart kids have lots of opportunities to show this intelligence at school and at home.

4. Body Smart

Kids with this intelligence may be good athletes and enjoy competing in school sports. They might also like to use their bodies to perform in dance or theater. Students with strong Body Smarts may find it trying (and tiring) to sit still for long hours in class. Make sure they have ample time to be physically active at home and provide movement breaks at school.

5. Music Smart

If a child is highly musical, they may find an outlet in band or orchestra at school, but most other subjects aren’t taught with music (although they could be—learning history, for example, through the songs of a particular historical era). Try to incorporate more music into their learning.

6. Nature Smart

Kids with strong Nature Smarts may love spending time outdoors and studying plants, animals, insects, or other aspects of the environment. If the school doesn’t take students outside much during the school day, this can make it difficult for Nature Smart kids.

7. People Smart

People Smart kids may prefer to learn with other kids, so being in school might be really fun for them. If they have to do a lot of independent seat work, however, they might have a difficult time not “visiting” with their nearby seatmates, and may be disciplined for being disruptive.

8. Self Smart

This intelligence involves having self-discipline, intrinsic motivation, self-understanding, and/or a goal-directed attitude. Having strong Self Smarts can make school challenging (in a good way) for kids and can help them do independent projects. If they’re a “different drummer” in class, they might end up butting heads with teachers or other students.

9. Life Smart

Life smart is about being concerned with the most important questions in life such as:  Who are we? What happens when we die? Why do bad things happen to good people? How big is the universe?  How small is the smallest thing in life?  These are the questions taken up by religion, spirituality, theology, philosophy, cosmology, ethics, and related fields.  If you wonder a lot about big life questions, then you’re using your Life Smart.

Click here to take a quiz to discover your multiple intelligences.

For a good introduction to Gardner’s intelligences, read this article.

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