You're Smarter Than You Think: A Kid's Guide to Multiple Intelligences [Paperback]

Ph.D. Thomas Armstrong (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 3 and up

Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences has revolutionized the way we think about being smart. Teachers are using multiple intelligences curricula in their classrooms. Multiple intelligences schools have opened in several states. But it’s not enough for adults to know about multiple intelligences. In true Free Spirit style, this new book helps kids understand Gardner’s theory, what it means to them, and how to make the most of their own abilities and potential.

In clear, simple language, Thomas Armstrong introduces the theory, explains the eight intelligences, and describes ways to develop each one. He tells young readers how to use all eight intelligences in school, build them at home, and draw on them to plan for the future. Resources describe related books, software, games, and organizations.

As kids read the book, try Tom’s ideas, and check out the resources, they stop asking “How smart am I?” and start asking “How am I smart?” This powerful learning tool is recommended for all kids—and all adults committed to helping young people do and be their best.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 6-9-Armstrong believes that by helping kids identify their strengths they will be able to know themselves better and make the most of their talents. To this end, he devotes one chapter to each of the intelligences that psychologist Howard Gardner has identified but phrases them in terms that young readers will understand; for example, he uses "word smart" for linguistic intelligence and "picture smart" for spatial intelligence. Each chapter begins with a quiz to help readers determine in what ways they are "people smart," "logic smart," etc. The text that follows discusses what these intelligences are, lists ways to develop or improve them, and suggests possible careers for people with different strengths and interests. An annotated bibliography at the end of each chapter lists books, magazines, organizations, and Web sites. Occasional blue spot-art cartoons illustrate the text. A self-help book that's clear, concise, and fun to peruse.
Kim Donius, Alfred-Almond Central School, Almond, NY
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 5-8. Without talking down to preteens, psychologist Armstrong simplifies the psychological theory of multiple intelligences. He helps readers discover the different ways they are smart, and he encourages them to explore and improve how they learn at school, at home, and "everywhere you go." One chapter at a time, he covers eight different intelligences--word, music, logic, picture, body, people, self, and nature--and talks about what they mean in a kid-friendly style. Aptitude quizzes, succinct explanations, entertaining sidebars, and "Did You Know?" trivia personalize the text with examples, anecdotes, and lively suggestions for developing one kind of intelligence by using the strengths of the others. The highly readable design, with lots of screens, subheads, and two-color illustrations, makes each page great for careful reading and discussion or just for browsing. Each chapter includes resources and Internet sites. Roger Leslie
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Free Spirit Publishing; 1 edition (December 15, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1575421135
• ISBN-13: 978-1575421131
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 7 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #47,384 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #48 in Books > Children's Books > Education & Reference > School & Education
  • #58 in Books > Children's Books > Social Situations > Social Skills

More About the Author

I've been a writer and speaker for twenty-five years, focusing on the diversity of ways in which people learn and grow. I like to read (my favorite writer is Jorge Luis Borges), paint, meditate (I do mindfulness meditation), and play Scrabble (even though my wife usually beats me). I'm particularly excited about my new book (out in May 2010) called Neurodiversity: Discovering the Extraordinary Gifts of Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, and Other Brain Differences. It suggests that we think about brain diversity in the same way we think about biodiversity and cultural diversity. I used to work as a learning disability specialist and was disheartened by the negative labels we throw at children. I believe we need to honor and celebrate the uniqueness of each learner. My book Neurodiversity focuses on the strengths and abilities of people with mental health labels, including autism, dyslexia, ADHD, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, and intellectual disabilities. I hope that you buy Neurodiversity, and tell other people about it!

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Two Thumbs Up for the Multiple Intelligences, July 24, 2003

By 

Tricia B "tmorgan84" (Irvine, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: You're Smarter Than You Think: A Kid's Guide to Multiple Intelligences (Paperback)

This book based on Howard Gardner's Multiple Intelligences is a great resource for teachers and students alike. Its easy to read format, along with many helpful hints draws the reader in. The practicality of this book pertains to everyone because we all reflect our intelligence in different ways. This book helps the reader to understand the various intelligences, as well as how we can build upon our "smarts" and strengthen those areas that we may struggle with. You're Smarter Than You Think: A Kid's Guide to Multiple Intelligences emphasizes that we are all intelligent and that we can grow to be more well rounded individuals by learning to use all of the multiple intelligences together since they are involved in everything that we do. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wishes to find out how smart they really are, and chances are, you are probably smarter than you think.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Less becomes more, July 31, 2006

By 

Claudia Brilliant (Logan, UT United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: You're Smarter Than You Think: A Kid's Guide to Multiple Intelligences (Paperback)

This book presents a practical guide to the theory of multiple intelligences in a kid friendly way. I really enjoyed it and sent a copy to my granddaughter, a precocious [...], who has been fighting summer boredom by doing some of the activities in the book with her brothers and neighborhood friends. This book helps children be aware of different aspects of intelligence and how to enhance their learning by understanding themselves and the unique way they learn. The part I really liked? Children learn to challenge themselves to enhance their less preferred areas of intelligence. Wow! This book can be used to help children with self understanding and set goals for self improvement. I would especially recommend it to help young people who feel odd or different understand their strengths.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Easy to read and more..., December 4, 2008

By 

San Diego mom "shan" (san diego, ca) - See all my reviews

This review is from: You're Smarter Than You Think: A Kid's Guide to Multiple Intelligences (Paperback)

What I love about this book:

1. Identifies the 8 kinds of intelligence discovered thus far, with a check list to help you identify "some of the ways you are smart." I like how he is continually making the point that you have all the smarts, and you might identify with one or two more than the others. I think this helps you not feel like you have a label.

2. Identifies the things you do everyday that show the way you are smart.

3. Gives ideas for enhancing and expanding the way you are smart.

4. Gives clear and fun ideas to help you learn the other ways to be smart.

5. Gives ideas for possible careers you might enjoy as an adult, while using your "smart."

6. Provides additional resources for continuing your learning for each smart, including books, activities, and websites.

This book is very well thought out and complete.