What do multiple intelligences have to do with my classroom?

There are numerous ways to express oneself, and probably even more ways to gain knowledge and understand the universe. Individuals are capable, the theory of multiple intelligences advocates, of deep understanding and mastery in the most profound areas of human experience. Even long before the theory emerged and was named in 1983 by Howard Gardner, numerous teachers fostered the intelligences of their students.

Think of it this way: J.K. Rowling, Richard Feynmann, Lauryn Hill, Julian Schnabel, Mia Hamm, Colin Powell, Deepak Chopra, Jane Goodall, and Gary Larson are students on your seating chart.

• J.K. is writing the next Harry Potter adventure on scraps of paper.
• Richard is daydreaming the equations enabling a quantum computer.
• Lauryn softly hums the tunes for the sequel to "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill."
• Julian has painted brilliant fall leaves on each windowpane.
• Mia can't wait to get to PE.
• Colin has organized the school's charity fund drive.
• Deepak provides in-class spiritual counseling.
• Jane adds a new animal to the class menagerie daily.
• Gary scrawls witty absurdities in the margins of his notebook.