Laura Barnes

Barrett

age 7

April 14, 2016

Gardners Nine Multiple Intelligences

Today, Barretts Dad and I gave Barrett a break and worked on the intelligences that Barrett
expresses at the age of seven. I think Barrett really appreciated the day off and playing in the park with
his friends. Gardners theory has emerged from recent cognitive research and "documents the extent to
which students possess different kinds of minds and therefore learn, remember, perform, and understand
in different ways," according to Gardner (1991). From the website Tecweb.org, according to this theory,
"we are all able to know the world through language, logical-mathematical analysis, spatial
representation, musical thinking, the use of the body to solve problems or to make things, an
understanding of other individuals, and an understanding of ourselves. Where individuals differ is in the
strength of these intelligences - the so-called profile of intelligences -and in the ways in which such
intelligences are invoked and combined to carry out different tasks, solve diverse problems, and progress
in various domains."
Knowing Gardners theory helped us answer the nine multiple intelligences questions. Barrett is
good at memorizing and learns best by seeing words which would put him in the Linguistic category. He,
also, loves math and learns by categorizing and working with abstract patterns. His Dad stated, Barrett
loves to count, so, he counts EVERY thing. Barrett is considered the Logical/Mathematical type. I think
most kids like music whether they play an instrument or just listen to the radio. Barrett falls into this
category as the music lover and as he is listening to music he is totally focused on his video games which
is the Visualizer. Along with those types, Barrett likes to be alone when playing his games because he
totally puts himself into the game. So, you could say that he is somewhat of an Intrapersonal little boy.
Being outdoors is one of Barretts favorite things to do. His Mom says, If Barrett could live outside, he
would! He likes anything outside whether its camping, playing, or even science activities. Gardner
would classify this as the Naturalistic. The Existential type hasnt played a role in Barretts life yet.
Barrett is very much the Socializer and Mover. He has a lot of friends and loves to share with them but
uses more facial expressions and hugs rather than verbalizing. I cant tell you how many times my
daughter, Sarah, has come home from school and told me that Barrett likes her because he hugged her
multiple times that day!

I just realized by typing this paper that Barrett does so much without even verbalizing himself.
Its amazing to me how a person can express themselves in so many ways. This was a fun activity that
Barretts Dad did and we both learned a lot.