Multiple Intelligence Test for Children

Multiple intelligence tests offer a parent or teacher a snapshot of areas where children excel naturally. Different from a learning style test, the multiple intelligence movement rejects the traditional idea of an IQ and instead identifies several areas where kids could have high intelligence. These areas may or may not be recognized in a traditional classroom.

Online Multiple Intelligence Tests for Children

There is a wide variety of websites that offer MI tests for younger people. Not only do the tests indicate areas of strength and weakness, but many of these sites also offer lesson plan ideas and in-depth definitions of each learning type. Use these tests to help determine your child's areas of intelligence by either having your child complete the test or completing the test with your child in mind.

Family Education - Questions for parents to answer about their child's learning styles.
Learning Disabilities MI Test - Test based on age range. Explains at the end what your score means and shows areas of weakness and strength.
Surf Aquarium - Series of simple questions for older kids. Will help determine intelligence types quickly and easily.
Multiple Intelligences - Interactive tests in a variety of languages, including English and Spanish. Fill in your child's age to receive questions geared toward that age group. Options include 11 years of age and under, 12 to 14, 15 to 16, 17 to 18 and 19 and over.
Personality Max offers a basic multiple intelligences test designed to be completed in 10 minutes. You must create an account to take the test.
Literacy Works' multiple intelligences test is designed for adult learners, but features questions that relate to children as well. Teachers and parents may also take the test with a specific child in mind.

Multiple Intelligence Theory

Dr. Howard Gardner developed the multiple intelligence (MI) theory. The theory basically states multiple intelligence tests for children measure far more than an IQ test measures. MI encompasses eight areas:

Linguistic intelligence

Linguistic intelligence relates to words and/or word meanings. A child with strengths in linguistic intelligence will:

Remember words and meanings
Write poetry
Enjoy reading
Play word games
Put words easily into orders and patterns

Logical-mathematical intelligence

Logical-mathematical intelligence is related to numbers and/or reasoning. A child who is strong in logical-mathematical will:

Create mathematical sequences
Solve puzzles
Conduct experiments
Have an inquisitive nature
See patterns and relationships

Visual-Spatial intelligence

Visual-Spatial intelligence relates to space and images. Children with this skill:

Have a visual memory
Like to draw
Are more likely to be artists and designers
Learn from charts and graphs
Like visual puzzles

Bodily-Kinesthetic intelligence

Bodily-Kinesthetic intelligence is related to controlling body motions and manual dexterity type skills. Children with bodily-kinesthetic intelligence:

Work with their hands
Like movement
Act things out
Learn by doing
Like touch

Musical intelligence

Musical intelligence relates to musical skills. Children with this ability will:

Learn through music or rhythms
Create music
Identify with music
Play a musical instrument
Be sensitive to sounds around them

Interpersonal intelligence

Interpersonal intelligence focuses on relating to people. Children with interpersonal intelligence:

Can read other people and their emotions
Have a lot of charisma
Are typically leaders
Have a lot of friends
Learn through groups and interaction

Intrapersonal intelligence

Intrapersonal intelligence allows one to understand his inner world. Children with intrapersonal intelligence:

Prefer to work alone
Are usually quiet
Are deep thinkers
Like to reflect
Have a strong will and strong opinions

Naturalist intelligence

Naturalist intelligence relates to sensitivity toward other living things, such as animals and plants. Children with naturalist intelligence will:

Recognize and classify things in nature
Show an interest in Earth sciences
Enjoy being outdoors
Describe relationships in nature
Show concern for the environment

Multiple Intelligence Test Results

Every individual has a unique combination of the above traits. While one person may be strong in musical intelligence and weak in naturalistic, another is strong in linguistic. MI tests will help determine areas of natural ability and potential. This can then be used to focus on those subjects in school or to build up weak areas or potential problems. Although these tests will help you determine which areas are strengths for your child or students, the best indicator is often just observing your child. For example, a child with musical intelligence will often make up songs and learn music quickly. With this knowledge in hand, you can help your child in any areas which he might be struggling.