Each individual is unique and we all have our own set of talents, gifts, and abilities. In 1980, Howard Gardner, a Harvard University psychologist recognized the many different facets of cognition. He acknowledged that people have different cognitive strengths as well as different cognitive styles. Mr. Gardner based his views in part on findings from sciences. He has written about “theory of multiple intelligences.”

Multiple intelligence is a natural way to structure learning in the classroom and at home. All the aspects of an individual are taught to, and meaning can be added to the learning task. The children in our classrooms are multifaceted. They have many abilities. Teachers and parents can give children the skills and the opportunity to use their abilities and enhance them throughout their life.

Gardner identified eight intelligences. The first is linguistic. This is the ability to use language. The second is logical-mathematical and this is the ability to use numbers to compute. The third intelligence he writes about is musical which is the ability to understand and develop musical technique. Next is spatial ability. This is the ability to perceive and represent the visual-spatial world accurately. The bodily-kinesthetic is the ability to use the body and tools to take effective action. A sixth ability Gardner identified is interpersonal. Interpersonal skills is having the ability to organize people and to communicate clearly what needs to be done. Intrapersonal skills are the ability to assess one’s own strengths, weaknesses, talents and interests. The Naturalist is the ability to recognize and classify plants, minerals, and animals. In our classrooms, the subjects we teach and the variety of activities that are provided usually is meeting one or more of the multiple intelligences. .

Peg O’Connell
      Katie Carter             Melissa Shine
             Kimberly Linden      Melissa Witttt       

Special Education Instructional Assistants:
 Pamela Hock         Susan Waring
   Monica Harmon      Fariba Jawadian         Melanie Huber