How Intelligent is My Child?
Thursday, April 24th, 2008By Robert A. Bryant, J.D., M.B.A., M.A.C.E.
A common thread for parents is that we desire to help our children live the best life they can live. For some parents, that may reflect in helping the child to have a great career; and, for other parents, it may be a desire to help their child discover what will give them the greatest joy throughout their life. Of course, there is no one answer for all children…but why? The obvious reason is that each child is designed in a unique way. Their uniqueness is what will help parents point their child in the right direction. But, how can parents discover more about the uniqueness of their child?
One consideration is the idea that every child has different kinds of intelligences. If a parent knew more about their child’s specific intelligence, they may be able to help their child learn and grow better by tapping into their child’s strengths.
The theory of multiple intelligences was developed in 1983 by Dr. Howard Gardner, professor of education at Harvard University. Dr. Gardner contends that the traditional notion of intelligence, based on I.Q. testing is far too limited. Instead, he proposes eight different intelligences to account for a broader range of human potential.
The eight multiple intelligences (MI):
Linguistic | Word smart
Logical-mathematical | Logic smart
Spatial | Picture smart
Bodily-kinesthetic | Body smart
Musical | Music smart
Interpersonal | People smart
Intrapersonal | Self smart
Naturalist | Nature smart
This becomes quite interesting and important when a child who easily masters the multiplication table is not necessarily considered more intelligent overall than a child who struggles to do so. The second child may be stronger in another kind of intelligence, and therefore may best learn the given material through a different approach, or may excel in a field outside of mathematics.
Dr. Gardner says that our schools focus most of their attention on the word and logic intelligences. We esteem the highly articulate or logical people. However, Dr. Gardner explains that we should also place equal attention on individuals who show gifts in other intelligences: the artists, architects, musicians, naturalists, designers, dancers, therapists, entrepreneurs, and others who enrich the world in different ways. Unfortunately, many children who have these gifts don’t receive much reinforcement for them in school. Many of these kids, in fact, end up being labeled learning disabled, ADD (attention deficit disorder) or simply underachievers, when their unique ways of thinking and learning aren’t addressed by a heavily linguistic or logical-mathematical classroom.
As I contemplated this theory, my mind raced with thoughts of my own strengths and weaknesses as well as for my children. Discovering how my child was designed by God is of great importance, for I desire to train up my children according to their unique bents and peculiarities (Proverbs 22:6).
Every person and child is designed for more than this life; we are designed to connect into God and His plans. The designer of the universe does not desire for all children to be identical. He forms each child uniquely to have purpose. It is a parent’s mission to unravel the mystery of each of their children. Multiple Intelligences can be one way for parents to begin uncovering God’s special handiwork in the kids.
Multiple Intelligences: Learning More
MI-1 – Word Smart
The child enjoys reading, writing and telling stories. The child may be good at memorizing names, places, dates and trivia. The child learns best by saying, hearing, and seeing words. They like word game puzzles, and they are always successful learners by listening and hearing.
MI-2 – Logic Smart
The child enjoys performing experiments, figuring things out, working with numbers, asking questions, and exploring patterns . The child may be good at math, reasoning, logic and problem solving. The child learns best by categorizing, classifying, and working with abstract patterns and relationships. The child may enjoy strategy games and using computers.
MI-3 – Picture Smart
The child enjoys drawing, building, designing and creating things, daydreaming, looking at pictures, watching movies and playing with machines. The child may be good at imagining things, sensing changes, mazes, puzzles, reading maps and charts. The child learns best by visualizing, dreaming, using the mind’s eye and working with pictures. Child can visualize three-dimension objects. They take information and translate it into images. These children are often good at geometry, visual arts, sculpture, architecture and photography.
MI-4 – Body Smart
The child enjoys moving around, touch, talk, and use of body language – they use their body to communicate and solve problems. The child is good at physical activities (sports/dance/acting), and crafts. The child learns best by touching, moving, interacting with space and processing knowledge through bodily sensations. Also, using games, hands-on tasks and building help the learning process.
MI-5 – Music Smart
The child enjoys singing, humming tunes, listening to music, playing an instrument and responding to music. The child may be good at picking up sounds, remembering melodies, noticing pitches/rhythms and keeping time. The child learns best by using rhythm, melody and music.
MI-6 – People Smart
The child enjoys having many friends, talking to people and joining groups. The child is good at understanding people, leading others, organizing, and communicating. The child learns best by sharing, cooperating and interviewing. The child will care about people and their feelings and interact effectively with them. They approach people with empathy, recognize differences among people and value their personal view with sensitivity to their moods.
MI-7 – Self Smart
The child enjoys working alone and pursuing their own interests. The child is good at understanding self, focusing inward on feelings/dreams, following instincts, pursuing interests/goals and being original. The child learns best with individualized projects, self-paced instruction and having their own space. They have the ability for self discipline to achieve personal goals.
MI-8 – Nature Smart
The child enjoys being outside, being with animals, plants, rocks, trees, flowers, the weather, and interacting with surroundings. The child is good at categorizing, organizing a living area, planning a trip, preservation and conversation. The child learns best by studying natural phenomenon, in a natural setting, learning about how things work. They like to fish, hike and camp. They may collect flowers, rocks or other things to do with the outdoors. These kids show an interest towards biology, astronomy, meteorology and zoology.