“All children are SMART and it is our job as parents and teachers to bring out the strengths of our children.”
Gone are the days when our dreams for our children are limited by their school performance.
“Intelligence” is no longer limited to the top 10% of every class. Intelligence has been redefined by Harvard-based cognitive psychologist, Dr. Howard Gardner. His theory of Multiple Intelligences has demonstrated that there are many forms of intelligence not measured by standard IQ tests. He defines intelligences as the ability to solve problems and fashion products that have cultural value.
In his book Frames of Minds and other writings, he argues that all of us have eight different kinds of intelligences at varying levels.
Parents take on the role as strength detectives. Helping children discover their intelligences allows them to fulfill their potential.
Gardner’s theory of Multiple Intelligences provides a solid foundation upon which to identify and develop a broad spectrum of abilities in every child.
What are the 8 Intelligences?
1. Linguistic intelligence: Word smart
British author J.K. Rowling, creator of the wildly popular Harry Potter fantasy series, said that as a child, she enjoyed writing fantasy stories, which she often read to her sister.
Linguistic intelligence is the ability to think in words or be sensitive to the meaning and order of words. Word smart children are easy to detect. These children are always talking, writing or reading. It is easy for children with this intelligence to excel in class because they are able to use words effectively. Linguistic children are predisposed to be “school smart” because linguistic intelligence is needed in most school work.
2. Logical mathematical intelligence: Number smart
Bill Gates, chairman of Microsoft, wrote his first computer program when he was in eight grade on a General Electric computer that was bought through proceeds from rummage sale. He took an interest in programming the GE system in BASIC and was excused from math classes to pursue his interest.
Logical mathematical intelligence is the ability to think numerically and in terms of logical reasoning. Number smart children possess a mathematical mind. They are constantly asking questions and are looking for logic or patterns in reasoning. Children who are strong in this intelligence are adept at working with math in everyday life and enjoy experimentation.
3. Spatial intelligence: Picture smart
Steven Spielberg’s father, Arnold, was emotionally remote. But his mother, Leah, was indulgent and encouraged Steven’s interest in making films. By 12, he’d made his first amateur film, an 8-minute Western called The Last Gun, which Steven financed with a tree-planting business.
Sara Black, photographer, can trace her love for photography to the very first time she held the Cabbage Patch Kid camera that her parents bought especially for her.
Spatial intelligence is the ability to think in terms of images and pictures. Children who are Picture smart enjoy drawing, designing and are sensitive to visual aesthetics. They may either be busy doodling or creating 3D objects. They are also visual learners and benefit when lessons are presented through pictures or visual imagery.
4. Naturalist intelligence: Nature smart
When Annita Rodick was 10, she read a book about the Holocaust and started to take an interest in human rights. The Body Shop says, “Our values are our DNA and govern all that we do, from reducing our carbon footprint to ordering our envelopes. To us, there is no other way to work. After all, when you believe in what you do, you do it better.”
Naturalist intelligence is the ability to recognize and classify the flora and fauna of an environment. Children who are Nature Smart are nature lovers and would rather be hiking or collecting rocks or flowers than being cooped up in school. If school involves studying snakes, frogs, stars or dinosaurs, they are highly motivated. These children may also become very strong environment advocates who are concerned about good stewardship of Mother Earth and addressing ecological problems.
5. Musical intelligence: Music smart
Musical intelligence is manifested by sensitivity to pitch, melody, rhythm and tone. Children who are strong in musical intelligence often sing, hum or whistle a tune. They enjoy playing musical instruments or singing in choirs. Music Smart children easily remember musical melodies, have a good sense of rhythm or simply enjoy music. They also create original compositions effortlessly as they express their thoughts through music.
6. Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence: Body smart
Philip Knight was a track runner at the University of Oregon. It was there where his interest in running shoes developed, since Bowerman (his track coach) was continually developing new running shoes. In those days, running shoes were of low quality by today’s comparison, with many being made by tire companies and costing as little as $5. Knight, not being the best on the team, often found himself experimenting with Bowerman’s latest shoes. He later developed a new passion outside sports – to be an entrepreneur. That’s how NIKE was born.
Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence is the ability to skillfully use the body and handle objects, body Smart children need to move to learn. They are hands-on learners who process knowledge through bodily sensations or through touching and manipulating objects. Strength in this intelligence can be manifested as the intelligence of the whole body (athlete, dancer, actor ) as well as the intelligence of the hands (machinist, seamstress, carpenter, surgeon).
7. Interpersonal intelligence: People smart
Interpersonal Intelligence is the ability to understand people and relationships. Children whose strength is being People Smart often become leaders. They are popular but may or may not excel in school. They are very good at friendships because they can empathize, collaborate and move others into working towards a common goal. Since life involves interacting with others, a strong interpersonal intelligence may actually be a bigger factor behind success than the ability to read a book or solve a math problem. Their interest in people enables them to think of ways to network with others.
8. Intrapersonal intelligence: Self smart
Preacher Bo Sanchez remembers starting his preaching career when he was 13 years old, in the living room of Aida, a motherly lady leading a small prayer group of 20. The words, “You shall preach next Friday, Bo”, changed his life and later allowed him to touch millions of lives.
Intrapersonal intelligence is the ability to understand oneself and others, allowing a person to know his strengths and weaknesses. Children who are strong in this intelligence are very good at setting goals for themselves and accomplishing them. Their self-understanding allows them to have a deep awareness of their feelings, visions and dreams. They recognize their strengths and cultivate them throughout their life. Entrepreneurs and other self-made individuals who possess the self-knowledge, confidence and discipline to enter a new field of business have to be Self Smart.
Nurturing a child’s intelligences is the job of parents and teachers. We have the power to bring out a child’s strengths or to kill them with our unreal expectations and lack of support. What can we do then to help harness our children’s strengths?
Do not use the intelligences to box children! The eight intelligences are not meant to be used to label children or limit them, because ALL children have ALL eight intelligences.
Strengths in each intelligence area may vary but parents should not use the intelligences to say “You are Word Smart, not Body Smart, so it’s a waste of time and money to enroll you in ballet classes.” While we are predisposed to be strong in particular intelligences, if a child is given the opportunity and motivation, he can develop competency in different intelligence areas.
Source: summary from the book “8 Simple Secrets to Raising Entrepreneurs”, Mary Joy Canon-Abaquin, Ed.M