Types of Intelligences or Kinds of “Smart” refers to natural potential and areas of talent that each of us has.

Howard Gardner of Harvard University theorized that intelligence is made up of more than verbal and mathematical skills. He believed that people can strengthen their natural giftings and improve their weaknesses. All of us have these 8 kinds of smart, but in unique and varied strengths. Taking this into account when you teach your kids will help you work with what they’re really good at—which is a great strategy for motivating them to love learning!

Linguistic Intelligence | Word Smart

Good with words and language, whether writing, reading or speaking

This is the ability to enjoy and use language through word games, books, recordings, trivia, poetry, papers, discussion, and other forms of using words. This person needs words in order to communicate.

Math/Logical Intelligence | Number Smart

Good with numbers and/or logic, whether math, science, or engineering

This is the ability to reason mathematically, discover abstract patterns, classify and organize, enjoy mathematical computations, and think logically. This person needs to see the logic and organization in what is being learned.

Interpersonal Intelligence | People Smart

Good with people, whether as a leader, an organizer, a counselor, or an encourager

This is the ability to understand and enjoy people. A person who is interpersonal learns best when other people are involved, whether through games, team work, or cooperative learning sessions. This person needs people.

Intrapersonal Intelligence | Self Smart

Self aware, understands strengths, pioneer, entrepreneur, risk taker

This is the ability to enjoy being alone, working independently, and relying on self-motivation. This person needs solitary time in order to think.

Musical Education | Music Smart

Good with music, whether vocal or instrumental, performing, participating, or listening

This is the ability to learn through rhythm and melody, sing or play musical instruments, enjoy listening to music, remember songs, and study more effectively when music is played. This person needs music, whether it is music lessons or musical recordings.

Spatial Intelligence | Picture Smart

Good with art and 3-dimensional space, including color, arrangement, images

This is the ability to see in pictures rather than words, and includes drawing and design, three-dimensional constructing (such as LEGO® bricks), and other visual arts, such as photography, sculpting, and painting. This person needs pictures, maps, diagrams, charts, photos, and other visual/spatial material.

Naturalist Intelligence | Nature Smart

Good with the outdoors and/or animals, whether rocks, rivers, plants, clouds, animals

This is the ability to observe, investigate, experiment, and discover the natural world, including weather, animals, plants, and geologic structures. This person needs to go outside!

Bodily-Kinesthetic | Body Smart

Good with movement, whether large or small motor skills, like athletics, dance, jewelry

This is the ability to use one’s body through touch and movement to accomplish what is desired. It includes being able to process knowledge through bodily movement or through sensation, enjoying physical activity, and being constantly in motion even while sitting down. This person needs to move!

History Revealed and the 8 Intelligences

Though educators around the world are aware of the 8 intelligences, actually utilizing them in the classroom can be demanding for the teacher and difficult to implement. However, the results for students can literally be life-changing! 

That is why the History Revealed curriculum series has included 8 intelligence activities and suggestions in each Phase for each Unit, including:

• Recap activities
• Motivating suggestions for presenting what has been learned
• Vocabulary games
• Art, architecture, music, science, and cooking projects
• Drama, dance, music, art, engineering, and linguistic creative expressions

All of the these activities and projects are listed in the Student Manuals and Teacher Guides, providing a rich selection of opportunities from which students can choose. We’ve done the work of creating appropriate 8 intelligence activities for each phase so you and your students can enjoy the learning experience!