Kinds of Smart

A song inspired by Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences. The lyrics name eight different kinds of smart (music, people, word, body, picture, self, seeing, nature) and frame each as a valued way of knowing.

The chorus carries "Different kinds of people are different kinds of smart, different kinds of bodies with lots of different parts, and no two people are exactly the same, but we've all got different smart parts in our brain." The verses move through each intelligence and name what it helps a kiddo do.

What's included:

Lead sheet PDF with melody line, chord symbols, and lyrics. Original composition by Dr. Emily Aronoff, copyright 2013. Suitable for guitar, ukulele, or piano accompaniment.

Best fit:

Songleaders, music specialists, cantorial soloists, and music-reading grown ups working with kiddos roughly ages 5-10. Lands at religious school, Jewish day school, classroom morning meetings, and any setting where the leader wants to give kiddos vocabulary for the specific ways they shine. Pairs well with the rabbinic blessing for the diversity of creation, Baruch Atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech Ha-olam, M'shaneh Ha-briyot, who makes creatures different.

Delivery: Instant PDF download. Print-friendly.

Listen to Dr. Emily's recorded music wherever you stream. Search 'Dr. Emily' on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and YouTube Music to hear this song and the full catalog.

Looking for teaching notes, video demo, and developmental scaffolding by age? This song lives inside the SFK Support Squad library alongside 250+ other vetted songs.