I. Introduce the students to Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences by explaining the eight intelligences (Visual-Spatial, Linguistic, Logical-Mathematical, Bodily-Kinesthetic, Musical, Interpersonal, Intrapersonal, and Naturalistic) to students or show them the video Every Type of Intelligence Explained in 5 Minutes, a YouTube video.

II. Create an eight-column chart on a whiteboard or chart paper, labeling each column with one of Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences. Leave room under each heading for student responses.

III. Engage students in a discussion about things they do to overcome learning obstacles. Have students write their answers on sticky notes or small pieces of paper. Ask them, “Think back to times when you got stuck learning something but figured it out. What did you do to get unstuck?”

Examples may include:

• draw or look for graphs or pictures
• use manipulatives like blocks, tiles
• ask a classmate for help
• look for quiet, ask for more time
• work step-by-step
• look for clues to make predictions
• read aloud
• observe nature
• color code text
• look for patterns or sequences
• make lists
• collect and sort

IV. Guide students in thinking about which of the Multiple Intelligences categories best describe each of their personal experiences. Instruct them to record their answers and reasoning in the chart. Explain that some actions or activities engage more than one category, but have them choose the primary intelligence.

For example:

IV. Have each student draw a profile silhouette. Jenny K has tips on how-to outline one.

V. Design the profile silhouettes.

a) Ask students to refer to the Multiple Intelligences chart to help them answer the question, “What smart ways does your brain work to make you, YOU?”

b) And have them fill in their silhouettes with words and pictures to show their unique strengths, including interests and activities they enjoy both inside and outside of school.

c) Ask students to make a pledge:

Next time I get stuck ______________, I will _______________.

I hope designing their own profile silhouettes helps kids discover all the smart ways they use their brains! I’d love to see some profile silhouettes. Please reach out to me via my website, or tag me on Facebook, Instagram, or Bluesky if you share their work!

Recommended reading:

Multiple Intelligences Theory: Widely Used, Yet Misunderstood by Youki Terada (Edutopia)

Multiple Intelligence Theory and Growth Mindset by Laura Candler

Check out the No Brain the Same book page for more content.

Edited by Lindsay H. Metcalf, Keila V. Dawson, and Jeanette Bradley;
Illustrated by Jeanette Bradley
Charlesbridge | ISBN: 978-1-62354-583-3

Purchase wherever books are sold!

Amazon |  Barnes & Noble | Books A Million | Bookshop.org |  Hudson Booksellers Powell’s  | Target |  Walmart

I am thrilled to announce that The State Library of Ohio, the Ohioana Library Association with the Ohio Center for the Book and Choose to Read Ohio Advisory Council selected OPENING THE ROAD: VICTOR HUGO GREEN AND HIS GREEN BOOK as a 2025 Choose to Read Ohio (CTRO) notable book! Find the reader’s toolkit created for OPENING THE ROAD here.

The CTRO booklist features 20 titles for all ages selected by Ohio teachers, librarians, and other advocates for readers and reading.

April is poetry month and Earth Day is celebrated every April 22nd. But do you know about the Earth Month Ecochallenge? It runs from April 1 – April 30, 2024. This month, pledge to take action. The more who do, the greater the impact. From their website, “This year’s theme, “Conserving Every Ecosystem, Caring for Every Creature,” highlights the intersection of conservation and behavior change. By focusing on daily actions and continuous learning, we aim to create a sustainable and just world, not just for humans but for all species and ecosystems we rely on.”

Below is an activity for kids using NO WORLD TOO BIG, a perfect fit for April’s Poetry Month, the Earth Month Ecochallenge, and Earth Day on April 22nd. Click here or on the worksheet to download the template.

Every day is Earth Day!