The Seven Types of Intelligence

Psychologist Howard Gardner identified the following distinct types of intelligence. They are listed here with respect to gifted / talented children.

1. Linguistic

Enjoy writing, reading, telling stories or doing crossword puzzles.

2. Logical-Mathematical

Interested in patterns, categories and relationships. Drawn to arithmetic problems, strategy games and experiments.

3. Bodily-kinesthetic

Process knowledge through bodily sensations. Often athletic, dancers or good at crafts such as sewing or woodworking

4. Spatial

Think in images and pictures. May be fascinated with mazes or jigsaw puzzles, or spend free time drawing, building things or daydreaming.

5. Musical

Often singing or drumming to themselves. Usually quite aware of sounds others may miss. Often discriminating listeners.

6. Interpersonal

Leaders among their peers, who are good at communicating and who seem to understand others' feelings and motives.

7. Intrapersonal

May be shy, but are very aware of their own feelings and are self motivated.