Activity Overview
Howard Gardner created a theory of multiple intelligences that is a wonderful way to teach students that there is more than one way to learn and grow your understanding of the world! Teaching about multiple intelligences opens up a new way to better connect with your students and understand their strengths, challenges, interests, and dislikes. Students can have the opportunity to grow their awareness of how they learn and where their strengths lie. Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences include:
- Bodily Kinesthetic
- Musical
- Interpersonal
- Spatial-visual
- Logical/ Mathematical
- Verbal Linguistic
- Naturalistic
- Intrapersonal
Teachers can introduce the theory using handouts, videos, and discussions. Then, students will create a spider map using the Storyboard Creator that illustrates and describes how each of the multiple intelligences apply to them. Students should use illustrations and short descriptions to describe what each category means and how it applies to their own life.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Demonstrate your knowledge of Howard Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences by defining and illustrating each as they apply to you.
Student Instructions:
- Click “Start Assignment”.
- Think about the definition of each of the multiple intelligences. Write a short description of 2-4 sentences for each and include how it applies to your own life.
- Add illustrations for each of the categories using appropriate scenes, characters, symbols and items
Requirements: Illustrations and descriptions for each of the 8 multiple intelligences.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 5 Points | Emerging 3 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | The descriptions are clear and at least two sentences. | The descriptions can be understood but it are somewhat unclear. | The descriptions are unclear and are not at least two sentences. |
| Illustrations | The illustrations represent the descriptions using appropriate scenes, characters and items. | The illustrations relate to the descriptions, but are difficult to understand. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the descriptions. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are somewhat correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly incorrect. |
Activity Overview
Howard Gardner created a theory of multiple intelligences that is a wonderful way to teach students that there is more than one way to learn and grow your understanding of the world! Teaching about multiple intelligences opens up a new way to better connect with your students and understand their strengths, challenges, interests, and dislikes. Students can have the opportunity to grow their awareness of how they learn and where their strengths lie. Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences include:
- Bodily Kinesthetic
- Musical
- Interpersonal
- Spatial-visual
- Logical/ Mathematical
- Verbal Linguistic
- Naturalistic
- Intrapersonal
Teachers can introduce the theory using handouts, videos, and discussions. Then, students will create a spider map using the Storyboard Creator that illustrates and describes how each of the multiple intelligences apply to them. Students should use illustrations and short descriptions to describe what each category means and how it applies to their own life.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Demonstrate your knowledge of Howard Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences by defining and illustrating each as they apply to you.
Student Instructions:
- Click “Start Assignment”.
- Think about the definition of each of the multiple intelligences. Write a short description of 2-4 sentences for each and include how it applies to your own life.
- Add illustrations for each of the categories using appropriate scenes, characters, symbols and items
Requirements: Illustrations and descriptions for each of the 8 multiple intelligences.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 5 Points | Emerging 3 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | The descriptions are clear and at least two sentences. | The descriptions can be understood but it are somewhat unclear. | The descriptions are unclear and are not at least two sentences. |
| Illustrations | The illustrations represent the descriptions using appropriate scenes, characters and items. | The illustrations relate to the descriptions, but are difficult to understand. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the descriptions. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are somewhat correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly incorrect. |
How Tos about My Multiple Intelligences!
Engage Students with a Multiple Intelligences Learning Centers Activity
Create interactive learning centers based on each intelligence type to help students explore their strengths. Hands-on stations allow students to try activities that match different intelligences and discover new ways they learn best.
Set Up Distinct Centers for Each Intelligence
Organize your classroom into eight areas—one for each intelligence. Label each center clearly and provide instructions so students can rotate and participate in a variety of activities.
Design Simple, Relevant Tasks for Every Center
Select one or two activities per intelligence that are easy to set up and meaningful. For example, use puzzles for Logical-Mathematical, instruments for Musical, and drawing for Spatial-Visual.
Guide Students Through the Centers
Explain the activity at each station and encourage students to try every one. Offer support and ask reflective questions about how they felt during each task.
Facilitate a Class Reflection Discussion
Lead your students in a group discussion about which centers they enjoyed most and why. Highlight how everyone has unique strengths and learning styles.
Frequently Asked Questions about My Multiple Intelligences!
What is Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences?
Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences suggests that people have different kinds of intelligences, such as bodily-kinesthetic, musical, interpersonal, spatial-visual, logical-mathematical, verbal-linguistic, naturalistic, and intrapersonal. This approach helps teachers and students recognize and value unique strengths and learning styles.
How can I teach multiple intelligences in my classroom?
To teach multiple intelligences, introduce the concept with handouts, videos, or class discussions. Then, have students create projects—like a spider map—where they illustrate and describe how each intelligence applies to themselves. Encourage creativity with drawings and real-life examples.
What are examples of activities for each of the eight multiple intelligences?
Examples include: bodily-kinesthetic (sports, dance), musical (singing, composing), interpersonal (group projects), spatial-visual (art, mapping), logical-mathematical (puzzles, experiments), verbal-linguistic (writing, debates), naturalistic (nature walks), and intrapersonal (journaling, self-reflection).
Why is it important for students to understand their own multiple intelligences?
Understanding their own multiple intelligences helps students recognize their unique strengths and learning preferences. This awareness can boost confidence, motivation, and help them choose strategies that work best for their personal growth and academic success.
What is a spider map and how does it help students explore multiple intelligences?
A spider map is a graphic organizer where a central idea branches out into related categories. For multiple intelligences, students use a spider map to visually connect each intelligence to personal examples, making abstract concepts more concrete and relatable.
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