3. Visual/Spatial
Intelligence

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Acknowledgements

• I have an excellent memory for names, places, dates, and/or trivia
• compared to my friends, I read a great deal
• I enjoy writing and have been recognized for my written work
• I am among the top students in my class in English and/or other languages
• compared to the people I know and observe, I am outstanding at expressing myself in speech

Math/Science:

• look for word problems and use memory games for formulas
• check out computer software related to what you’re learning

For Reading/Writing:

• you are probably good at this already
• look for opportunities to submit written work
• seek courses/situations that involve group discussions

Studying/Learning Management:

• keep good written notes
• write in a journal
• use a word processor for notes and assignments

• find discussion groups
• use talking books/cassettes when you can
• look for magazines/films/tv programs on same topic
• record your notes on tape, then into your notebook
• play instrumental/classical music when reading/studying
• take acting/drama lessons

• I can keep track of things really well
• I have an interesting collection about which I have become quite an expert
• I can usually see the reasons behind what people say and do
• I am among the top students in my class in Math and Science
• I keep close account of my money and usually know how much I have spent and have left
• I like number games

• you are probably good at this already
• practice rapid mental calculation to become more efficient
• use prediction to check your accuracy
• look for patterns and their relationships

• use charts and graphs to interpret data and information
• find movies/TV programs/tapes of your topic
• use organized topic/sub-topic note format (See "Notemaking and Studying")

• have a place for everything
• do things step-by-step
• use a word processor for notes and assignments

• master the basics: arithmetic, operations, times tables, etc.
• organize notes by categories (topic, sub-topic - See "Notemaking and Studying"
• separate out parts of a problem to find a solution
• build a collection
• work on word and number puzzles

• I find orienteering/using maps very easy and enjoyable
• I can draw well
• people say I have a good sense of colour
• people say that as a player, I have a superior "feel" for sports and games
• I can visualize how different shapes and objects rotate in space
• art/architecture/photography are among my favourite interests

• use pictures, diagrams, maps, and doodles for concepts
• look for opportunities to colour-code notes
• look for the relationships of Art to Math/Science
• look for information about what you’re learning on video/TV/internet

• use mapping as often as you can (See "Notemaking and Studying")
• to tell a story: use storyboards, comic strips, etc.
• first visualize what you have to write, then write it

• use symbols to remember key points
• colour-code study material
usepictures/diagrams to derive meaning
• use a word processor for notes and assignments

• take drawing lessons
• work at figuring out plans, diagrams, charts, maps
• go hiking, traveling
• take photographs of interesting things
• do 2-D and 3-D puzzles
• take pottery lessons, plant a garden -- make something with your hands

• I am excellent at sports and/or crafts
• I prefer an environment with physical movement and activity over one where
• I have to sit still for long periods of time
• I have a dramatic way of expressing myself
• I learn best when I can handle and use things to learn more about them

• do hands-on activities when you can
• use drama/role playing and simulations to explain concepts (ex. math theorems, laws of physics, chemical reactions, etc.)

• gather information through interviews when you can
• look for opportunities to present/dramatize assignments or projects

• use focus and relax exercises to extend your concentration (See "Relax and Focus")
• take frequent short breaks and stretches - change positions
• record your notes on tape - use walkman/stereo to learn while exercising
• use a word processor for notes and assignments
• when doing an assignment, spread out all of the resources and materials on a table or the floor so that you can see how the information fits

• find a sport or activity that interests you and work at the basic skills until you can do them without thinking about them
• do muscle isolation exercises (See "Relax and Focus")
• practice the Figure 8 Walk (See "Relax and Focus")

• I play an instrument and/or sing in a choir or as a soloist
• I read music
• I play music by ear
• I have a pleasant singing voice (I can carry a tune)
• I compose music
• I can easily keep the time and rhythm of different types of music by tapping, dancing, and/or playing along with an instrument

• use memory aids with tunes or rhymes match musical concepts to math/science concepts in order to study/remember them acquire math skills in the same way you acquire musical skills - practise, practise, practise

• read out loud to yourself - find the rhythm of the lines
• make notes on tape (over classical music) - then listen to them
• look for opportunities to submit assignments on tape

• study to instrumental/classical music to focus your attention
• record notes on tape
• use a word processor for notes and assignments

• learn to play an instrument that interests you
• get a good coach
• join a choir
• join an instrumental group
• listen to different kinds of music
• dance
• read poetry

• I would like to have a career that involves working with people
• I would prefer not to be by myself
• I have good friends, both male and female
• I believe that goals shared with other people are easiest to achieve
• I understand other people’s problems and like to help
• I am comfortable taking on leadership roles, and am encouraged by others to do so

• work in productive groups as much as possible to learn concepts
• when learning a concept, try to interpret it in personal terms
• in class: use frequent relax and focus exercises (See "Relax and Focus")

• find work/study groups
• discuss and explain what you’ve read with others
• submit as much work as possible in tape/interview/ presentation format

• make personal connections with your teachers
• work in teams
• use a word processor for notes and assignments

• read stories onto a tape
• take acting classes
• join a group, team, or committee where you’ll be with people
• watch and figure out how other people interact
• practice making positive comments to other people

• I am comfortable with who I am
• I am not easily intimidated by others
• given the time and instruction, I believe I can achieve almost anything
• I know my strengths and weaknesses
• I have important and realistic goals for my life
• when things go wrong, I can smile and make a new plan
• I am able to put off receiving immediate rewards in favour of future satisfaction

• keep a record of mistakes and chart common ones - then work at eliminating them
• drill the basics (ex. arithmetic, operations, times tables, etc)

• master the basics (ex. spelling, grammar)
• make connections to your personal life when you can
• use a word processor for essays and projects so that you can thoroughly edit your work
• choose assignments dealing with imagery and reflective writing when possible

• do independent study as much as possible
• watch your diet, exercise, and sleep habits - keep balance
• set goals
• keep a journal

• find games/exercises/routines/activities to challenge yourself - start with low risk and build up
• find ways to help others
• join a challenging cause
• keep a journal -write about your experience and how you feel about it
• use a planner - set goals and see if you can stick to them - reward yourself for success

‘Naturalist Intelligence’ relates uniquely about how humans relate to their natural environment. In so far as human life and survival depends upon our natural and physical surroundings, how we deal with them constitutes a discrete intelligence.

But it is more than that. It also involves how all the natural systems work: our bodies, the plants and other animals. They all relate together to make up our living environment, and some have that intelligence to deal with it.

In so far as natural things always involve a system of some sort, living or behaving or relating, the naturalist intelligence will be compatible with spatial intelligence. They both look for patterns – everything from body shape and colouring to food shelves in super markets.

• You should be very strong in biology and any subject that is taught in terms of systems – so look for that in the problems
• Visualize problems as puzzles or mazes
• Test your systems for solutions then check the answers
• Look for patterns and their relationships

• Snoop the work to see if you can treat it as a puzzle or system
• Relate the parts of the work to some natural system
• Use fuzzy maps note format (See "Notemaking and Studying")

• Set up a clear system for learning
• Work to final goals
• Use a pad of paper to draw outlines of things to do

• Build graphic models of the problems you see
• Use fuzzy map notes to organize the material, then write it up in good
• Build a collection – look after a pet
• Work on word and number puzzles
• Go camping – explore conservation areas with knowledgeable friends
• Figure out parts of the stars’ patterns in the sky
• Enter science fairs – visit science centres and natural museums
• Join an ecological- wilderness awareness group

‘Practical Intelligence’ stands by itself in this list of intelligences. It is the ability to build the necessary skills to get things done. We all know people who talk a good game but never actually accomplish anything. That is the opposite of practical. No matter what the challenge, practical people will find the skills and supports to get things done. They will either build the skills to do it, or find someone or something to et the job done.

Practical people are analysts. They plan and estimate and imagine how to do things and then do them. Practical do not give up, but the can recognize when not to pursue a dead end. They will work with the tools and resources at hand, and devise ways to reach the goal.

Practical people can become impatient sitting and listening to argument and debate. If there is some that need doing, they will do it. Good people to have on your side.

See school as the process of elimination of error. Don’t set goals for perfection.

• Be patient and set out the givens and required. See the work as having purpose and worth
• Look for as many ways of seeing the problem as you can – verbal, graphic and any others that apply.
• Take your failures as good introductions to solutions
See learning as elimination of less promising options – i.e. failure

• Understand that this work was written by someone important to know – imagine yourself as the writer
• Know or imagine carefully each audience for whom you write assignments. Don’t be boring.
• Try the Reading unit in the Personal Productivity Program

• Plan so you can complete the work as efficiently as possible
• See your work as a long term investment
• Learn the skills of ‘studenting’. They are not taught in school, but they are essential for school success.

• Start with easy tasks and get them done
• Use a planner to organize your work
• Seek out others from whom you can gain new skills
• Reward yourself for meeting a deadline
• In tutoring, look for ways that your student can relate to – be practical
!
• Weigh the pro’s and con’s of various solutions to problems.
• Plan ahead – way ahead
• Become involved with games that require thinking of outcomes
• Work towards longer and longer projects, but start small and succeed.