How do you tell if your child is a kinesthetic learner?

Your child may have high bodily kinesthetic intelligence if they prefer hands on experiences, struggle sitting still and listening for long periods of time, and/or remember information best when they're able to participate in an activity. They may also prefer working alone instead of working in a group.

How can I increase my bodily kinesthetic intelligence?

To tap into your bodily kinesthetic intelligence, try performing activities that require using both your body and mind, such as taking a dance class, learning an instrument, or drawing.

Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences

Does it ever seem like the traditional ways of thinking about intelligence don't fully capture all of your smarts? Gardner's theory of multiple intelligence is one approach that explains why being smart is about more than just logic and numbers.

Howard Gardner is a developmental psychologist who suggested that people can be intelligent in more than one way. When you hear the word intelligence, the concept of IQ testing may immediately come to mind. Intelligence is often defined as our intellectual potential; something we are born with, something that can be measured, and a capacity that is difficult to change.

In recent years, however, other views of intelligence have emerged, including Gardner's suggestion that *many* different types of intelligence may exist. The eight intelligences Gardner identified are:

Visual-spatial
Linguistic-verbal
Logical-mathematical
Body-kinesthetic
Musical
Interpersonal
Intrapersonal
Naturalistic

gardner's theory of multiple intelligences — Illustration by JR Bee, Verywell

Understanding Gardner's Multiple Intelligences

This theory suggests that traditional psychometric views of intelligence are too limited. Gardner first outlined his theory in his 1983 book Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences, where he suggested that all people have different kinds of "intelligences."

Gardner proposed that there are eight intelligences, and has suggested the possible addition of a ninth known as "existentialist intelligence."

In order to capture the full range of abilities and talents that people possess, Gardner theorizes that people do not have just an intellectual capacity, but have many kinds of intelligence, including musical, interpersonal, spatial-visual, and linguistic intelligences.

While a person might be particularly strong in a specific area, such as musical intelligence, they most likely possesses a range of abilities. For example, an individual might be strong in verbal, musical, and naturalistic intelligence.

Criticism of Multiple Intelligences

Gardner’s theory has come under criticism from both psychologists and educators. These critics argue that Gardner’s definition of intelligence is too broad and that his eight different "intelligences" simply represent talents, personality traits, and abilities. Gardner’s theory also suffers from a lack of supporting empirical research.

A 2023 journal article described the theory as a neuromyth, or an unscientific claim about brain function that is commonly accepted. The article also pointed to the lack of evidence supporting the theory.

Despite this, the theory of multiple intelligences enjoys considerable popularity with educators. Many teachers utilize multiple intelligences in their teaching philosophies and work to integrate Gardner’s theory into the classroom.

Research notes that the belief in neuromyths, like the theory of multiple intelligences, persists even among educators who have a strong knowledge about the brain. This widespread belief is concerning, critics suggest, since it reduces efforts to find evidence-based teaching methods.

Gardner has cautioned that multiple intelligences should not be conflated with learning styles. (It is also important to stress that evidence has found that matching instruction to a learner's perceived style has no benefits in terms of learning outcomes or educational attainment.)

There is a lack of evidence to demonstrate that learning according to your "intelligence" produces better educational outcomes. However, you may find that learning more about multiple intelligences can give you a better understanding of your strengths and preferences.

Visual-Spatial Intelligence

People who are strong in visual-spatial intelligence are good at visualizing things. These individuals are often good with directions as well as maps, charts, videos, and pictures.

Research suggests that visual-spatial abilities play an important role in reading and arithmetic skills, as well as in overall academic achievement.

Strengths

Visual and spatial judgment

Characteristics

People with visual-spatial intelligence:

Read and write for enjoyment
Are good at putting puzzles together
Interpret pictures, graphs, and charts well
Enjoy drawing, painting, and the visual arts
Recognize patterns easily

Potential Career Choices

If you're strong in visual-spatial intelligence, good career choices for you are:

Architect
Artist
Engineer

Linguistic-Verbal Intelligence

People who are strong in linguistic-verbal intelligence are able to use words well, both when writing and speaking. These individuals are typically very good at writing stories, memorizing information, and reading.

Strengths

Words, language, and writing

Characteristics

People with linguistic-verbal intelligence:

Remember written and spoken information
Enjoy reading and writing
Debate or give persuasive speeches
Are able to explain things well
Use humor when telling stories

Potential Career Choices

If you're strong in linguistic-verbal intelligence, good career choices for you are:

Writer/journalist
Lawyer
Teacher

Logical-Mathematical Intelligence

People who are strong in logical-mathematical intelligence are good at reasoning, recognizing patterns, and logically analyzing problems. These individuals tend to think conceptually about numbers, relationships, and patterns.

Strengths

Analyzing problems and mathematical operations

Characteristics

People with logical-mathematical intelligence:

Have excellent problem-solving skills
Enjoy thinking about abstract ideas
Like conducting scientific experiments
Can solve complex computations

Potential Career Choices

If you're strong in logical-mathematical intelligence, good career choices for you are:

Scientist
Mathematician
Computer programmer
Engineer
Accountant

Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence

Those who have high bodily-kinesthetic intelligence are said to be good at body movement, performing actions, and physical control. People who are strong in this area tend to have excellent hand-eye coordination and dexterity.

Strengths

Physical movement, motor control

Characteristics

People with bodily-kinesthetic intelligence:

Are skilled at dancing and sports
Enjoy creating things with his or her hands
Have excellent physical coordination
Remember by doing, rather than hearing or seeing

Potential Career Choices

If you're strong in bodily-kinesthetic intelligence, good career choices for you are:

Craftsperson
Dancer
Builder
Surgeon
Sculptor
Actor

Musical Intelligence

People who have strong musical intelligence are good at thinking in patterns, rhythms, and sounds. They have a strong appreciation for music and are often good at musical composition and performance.

Strengths

Rhythm and music

Characteristics

People with musical intelligence:

Enjoy singing and playing musical instruments
Recognize musical patterns and tones easily
Remember songs and melodies
Have a rich understanding of musical structure, rhythm, and notes

Potential Career Choices

If you're strong in musical intelligence, good career choices for you are:

Musician
Composer
Singer
Music teacher
Conductor

Interpersonal Intelligence

Strong interpersonal intelligence is a skill that involves being good at understanding and interacting with other people. These individuals are skilled at assessing the emotions, motivations, desires, and intentions of those around them.

Strengths

Understanding and relating to other people

Characteristics

People with interpersonal intelligence:

Communicate well verbally
Are skilled at nonverbal communication
See situations from different perspectives
Create positive relationships with others
Resolve conflicts in group settings

Potential Career Choices

If you're strong in interpersonal intelligence, good career choices for you are:

Psychologist
Philosopher
Counselor
Salesperson
Politician

Intrapersonal Intelligence

Individuals who are strong in intrapersonal intelligence are good at being aware of their own emotional states, feelings, and motivations. They tend to enjoy self-reflection and analysis, including daydreaming, exploring relationships with others, and assessing their personal strengths.

Strengths

Introspection and self-reflection

Characteristics

People with intrapersonal intelligence:

Analyze their strengths and weaknesses well
Enjoy analyzing theories and ideas
Have excellent self-awareness
Understand the basis for his or her own motivations and feelings

Potential Career Choices

If you're strong in intrapersonal intelligence, good career choices for you are:

Philosopher
Writer
Theorist
Scientist

Naturalistic Intelligence

Naturalistic intelligence is the most recent addition to Gardner’s theory and has been met with more resistance than his original seven intelligences. According to Gardner, individuals who are high in this type of intelligence are more in tune with nature and are often interested in nurturing, exploring the environment, and learning about other species. These individuals are said to be highly aware of even subtle changes to their environments.

Strengths

Finding patterns and relationships to nature

Characteristics

People with naturalistic intelligence:

Are interested in subjects such as botany, biology, and zoology
Categorize and catalog information easily
Enjoy camping, gardening, hiking, and exploring the outdoors
Dislikes learning unfamiliar topics that have no connection to nature

Potential Career Choices

If you're strong in naturalistic intelligence, good career choices for you are:

Biologist
Conservationist
Gardener
Farmer

Existential Intelligence

Existential intelligence is the ninth type of intelligence suggested as an addition to Gardner's original theory. He described existential intelligence as an ability to delve into deeper questions about life and existence. People with this type of intelligence contemplate the "big" questions about topics such as the meaning of life and how actions can serve larger goals.

Strengths

An ability to see the big picture

Characteristics

People with existential intelligence:

Have a long-term outlook
Consider how current actions influence future outcomes
Interest in questions about the meaning of life and death
Strong interest and concern for others
The ability to see situations from an outside perspective

Potential Career Choices

If you have a strong sense of existential intelligence, you might enjoy a career as a:

Philosopher
Theologian
Pastoral counselor
Pastor

What Is Your Intelligence Type? Try Our Quiz

If you'd like to know more about your intelligence style, try our fast and free quiz to learn more about what makes you tick.

This quiz was reviewed by Amy Morin, LCSW.

Takeaways

The theory of multiple intelligences is important because it allows us to think about different types of mental strengths and abilities. Learning more about which types of intelligence you lean towards may help you learn to recognize your own preferences. However, it shouldn't be used as a tool to label and should not be confused with learning styles.

Instead of trying to match what you learn to your perceived type of intelligence, focus on learning new things via various modalities and formats to strengthen encoding and reinforce learning.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you tell if your child is a kinesthetic learner?

Your child may have high bodily kinesthetic intelligence if they prefer hands on experiences, struggle sitting still and listening for long periods of time, and/or remember information best when they're able to participate in an activity. They may also prefer working alone instead of working in a group.
How can I increase my bodily kinesthetic intelligence?

To tap into your bodily kinesthetic intelligence, try performing activities that require using both your body and mind, such as taking a dance class, learning an instrument, or drawing.

14 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

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Müllensiefen D, Elvers P, Frieler K. Musical development during adolescence: Perceptual skills, cognitive resources, and musical training. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2022;1518(1):264-281. doi:10.1111/nyas.14911
Okwuduba EN, Nwosu KC, Okigbo EC, Samuel NN, Achugbu C. Impact of intrapersonal and interpersonal emotional intelligence and self-directed learning on academic performance among pre-university science students. Heliyon. 2021;7(3):e06611. doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e06611
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Michelaki E, Bournelli P. The development of bodily - Kinesthetic intelligence through creative dance for preschool students. JESR. doi:10.5901/jesr.2016.v6n3p23

Additional Reading

Gardner H. On the Three Faces of Intelligence. Daedalus.Winter 2002;131(1):139-142.
Gardner H. A Multiplicity of Intelligences. Published 2004.
Gardner H. Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences. New York: Basic Books; 1983.
Gardner H. Intelligence Reframed: Multiple Intelligences for the 21st Century. New York: Basic Books; 1999.

By Kendra Cherry, MSEd
Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

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