Multiple Intelligence Activities

Howard Gardner in his book Frames of Mind proposed the theory of multiple intelligence, wherein he emphasized the need to broaden the concept of intelligence to include all potential capacities one may have. He believed that intelligence is more than just the capacity to logically solve problems and should not be confined to an IQ test alone.

An Overview of the Eight Multiple Intelligences

Linguistic Intelligence: The capacity to efficiently use language and vocabulary, either orally or in writing.

Logical-Mathematical Intelligence: The ability to logically deduce a numerical or a scientific problem.

Musical Intelligence: A strong auditory intelligence characterized by a sense of rhythm, music and hearing.

Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence: This area deals with physical activity. Persons with this type of intelligence learn faster and better using hands on approach.

Spatial Intelligence: This intelligence is characterized by a strong visual memory and the ability to mentally manipulate objects. It is all about images and space and the capacity to visualize it.

Interpersonal Intelligence: The capacity to understand and perceive other people's moods, feelings, motivations and intentions.

Intrapersonal Intelligence: This intelligence is characterized by the ability to understand and introspect our own needs, desires and limitations.

Naturalistic Intelligence: An affinity towards the natural habitat and those who live in it; that is plants and animals, forms this intelligence.

Various Multiple Intelligence Activities

Each person possesses more than one form of intelligence and this is reflected in our ability to multitask. However, the following activities can help decide our leanings towards a particular activity.

Linguistic Intelligence is all About Expression, Using Words

• Write a story and read it aloud.
• Impromptu speaking.
• Debate.
• Read books or articles.
• Write a poem, an essay, plays or news articles.
• Conduct an interview (role-play) or do talk shows.
• Write and present theories.
• Play games that use tongue twisters and spellings.
• Write journals or diaries.
• Document and present a thesis.

Logical Intelligence is an Area of Numerical and Logical Skills

• Solve problems.
• Create number patterns.
• Conduct an experiment on a particular theory.
• Solve puzzles.
• Develop a computer program to solve mathematical queries.
• Describe the patterns or symmetry of any chemicals.
• Play games using money.
• Make spreadsheets for calculations.
• Conduct experiments using deductive / inductive reasoning.
• Collect data and sequence or organize them.
• Learn about scientific models and explain them.
• Solve geometric problems.
• Make predictions using theories.
• Make a scientific model using measurements.

Musical Intelligence Involves all Rhythmic Auditory Inclinations

• Sing songs.
• Play or compose music.
• Write lyrics or short jingles.
• Create rhythmic patterns.
• Play different musical instruments in a group.
• Partcipate in choir or solo singing.
• Hum and rap.
• Demonstrate the working of a musical instrument.
• Explain differences and similarities in tones and sounds.
• Practice singing in a group.

Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence Involves Physical Activity

• Role-play an event.
• Make a castle of cards or a sand castle.
• Build or construct a model of some structure.
• Repair a mechanical equipment.
• Plan and go on a field trip.
• Demonstrate a hands-on activity
• Dance.
• Learn martial arts.
• Play games.
• Do physical exercises.
• Trekking or mountain climbing.

Spatial Intelligence is all About Visualizing Space and Images

• Demonstrate a piece of art.
• Make visual metaphors or analogies.
• Map historical events and stories using graphs.
• Make 3D projects.
• Sketch, paint or draw.
• Visualize patterns and create them.
• Play visual puzzles.
• Play photo memory games.

Interpersonal Intelligence Involves Being People-Smart

• Participate in group projects.
• Combined learning.
• Party in a group.
• Conduct a meeting to solve problems.
• Resolve conflict.
• Discuss and debate an issue.
• Brainstorm on any subject.
• Interpret others' feelings.
• Join a sports activity group.
• Form activity or social clubs.
• Participate in group book reading and share views.

Intrapersonal Intelligence Involves Being Aware of Self

• Pursue a new goal.
• Share meaningful personal experience.
• Write about your perceptions.
• Focus on some particular weakness and strengthen it.
• Reflect on your actions.
• Indulge in some individual reading, study and projects.

Naturalistic Intelligence Involves Nature and Environment

• Take care of animals and plants.
• Participate in nature clubs.
• Get involved in an environment protection program.
• Build a birdhouse.
• Keep an observation journal of the plants or animals in your care.
• Study cloud formation.
• Collect different colored rocks.
• Research one particular plant or animal and demonstrate its importance in the nature cycle.
• Make a note of the difference in temperature and pollution.
• Map and demonstrate the ozone layer.
• Explain importance of recycling.

Multiple intelligence activities provide children and adults an opportunity to enhance their level of intelligence and fully realize their potential.