At Brown Street Academy, a curriculum focusing on Dr. Howard Gardner’s theory of Multiple Intelligences is provided. Gardner, a respected psychologist, developed his theory in 1983. He believes that each human being thinks as an individual and possesses different skills and ways of interacting with the world. The following list encompasses each of Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences. By developing each of these, students become well-rounded learners ready to tackle new challenges using different methods and styles.

Linguistic/Language Intelligence

Linguistic Intelligence encourages students to use language to express their ideas and to understand other people. By developing strong language skills, students become better communicators. These learners usually think in words and enjoy reading, playing word games, creating poetry and writing stories. By reading, taking notes, listening to lectures and discussing topics, these learners excel academically. Linguistic learners often become writers, lawyers and journalists.

Visual/Spatial Intelligence

Visual/Spatial Intelligence requires students to think creatively. Through drawings, maps and other physical representations, students solve problems and think in terms of physical space. People with strong visual/spatial intelligence visualize new ideas and concepts when learning them. Visual/spatial learners often become artists, engineers and architects.

Logical/Mathematical

Logical/Mathematical Intelligence involves using reason and calculations to solve problems. Students think conceptually and are able to explore patterns and relationships. Through experiments and investigations, students excel in the classroom. Logical/mathematical learners often become scientists, mathematicians and doctors.

Bodily/Kinesthetic

Those with Bodily/Kinesthetic Intelligence use physical activity and hands-on learning to gain a sense of body awareness. They possess the ability to use their bodies in skilled ways, building or making things. These learners conquer subject matter by physically doing something, rather than reading or hearing about it. Athletes, dancers, surgeons, builders and soldiers are usually bodily/kinesthetic learners.

Natural

Natural Intelligence is found in those who enjoy nature and who relate new information to their natural surroundings. Naturalists have greater sensitivity to nature and possess a nurturing quality. They are comfortable around animals and plants, enjoying outdoors activities. When the subject matter involves collecting and analyzing data or is closely related to something in nature, naturalists learn best. Scientists, gardeners and farmers are often naturalists.

Musical

Musical learners show sensitivity to rhythm and sound and are able to understand and create music easier than others. Often, these learners study with music playing in the background or use songs or rhythms to learn and memorize new information. Musical learners quickly learn to sing, play musical instruments and compose music.  Instrumentalists, singers and composers learn through musical intelligence.

Interpersonal

Interpersonal Intelligence is found in those who understand and interact well with others. These learners have many friends, empathy for others and learn best through group activities. Social experiences teach these learners about other individuals’ moods, desires and motivations. Politicians, teachers and social workers are often interpersonal learners.

Intrapersonal

Those with Intrapersonal Intelligence understand their own interests and goals, yet they shy away from others.  Very in tune with their inner feelings, intrapersonal learners have wisdom, intuition and motivation. They learn best through independent study and self-reflection. Philosophers, psychologists and novelists are often intrapersonal learners.