For years, book smartness was based on cognitive functioning abilities or general intelligence scores on IQ tests. Over time, there has been an attempt to recognize the other ways in which a child can be intelligent. Multiple intelligences address eight ways a child's learning needs can be met by looking at their strengths, what they are interested in, and providing opportunities for them to shine.

A child with high verbal-linguistic skills shows strengths in reading, thinking and speaking. They learn best through debate, reading and discussions. The math-logic child has strong, logical problem solving skills and excel in math based areas. Learning by categorization, classification and seeing patterns are their forte. The spatial-smart child is skilled at visualizing concepts, reading maps and drawing. Content input through pictures and graphic organizers work well. Some children who are bodily-kinesthetic in nature learn best through movement and touch. They are often athletes, dancers and skilled in crafts. Musically talented students respond to rhythm and listening to music. These students may produce learning projects by song or rapping. They may use auditory rehearsal or talking to themselves to process information. There are children who are skilled in interpersonal relationships as they understand people and are good in resolving conflicts. They tend to work well on group projects. The child with good intrapersonal skills understand their own strengths and weaknesses and often set goals to take care of those weaknesses. They prefer to work alone and enjoy having space to work at their own pace. The child designated as the naturalist enjoys identifying plants and animals and they love working in nature. When concepts are presented in relationship to nature, the child is better able to relate.

The educational world cannot pigeon-hole students by IQ numbers alone. Each child has their individual learning styles and interests. There are combinations of the above intelligences and teachers need to present material in a wide variety of media and modalities in order to meet the needs of the wider spectrum that make up today's classrooms.