Howard Gardner developed the Theory of Multiple Intelligences to more accurately define the meaning of intelligence and to measure human cognition in its fullness.
Linguistic Intelligence
Children who are “word smart” most likely enjoy reading and writing for pleasure and talking about what they have read. They effectively use language to express themselves and have a wide vocabulary. Often fascinated by words, they enjoy playing word games and puzzles.
Logical-Mathematical Intelligence
“Number smart”, these children display the capacity to analyse problems and reason logically. Frequently scoring well in mathematics tests, they like number games and counting. They are also interested in science and love detecting patterns and figuring how things work.
Musical Intelligence
“Music smart” children are fascinated by sounds. They love singing or humming (either to themselves or as a performance). Appreciative of music, they have the capacity to recognise songs and create their own rhythms and tunes. They may also play musical instruments.
Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence
Kids who particularly enjoy physical or hands-on activities are “body smart”. Skillful at using their bodies, they may display good balance, coordination and agility and love sports, drama or dancing. When engaging others they use plenty of hand and facial gestures and are very tactile.
Visual-Spatial Intelligence
“Picture smart” kids have wonderful visual imagination. Drawing, doodling and artwork come naturally to them and they love books with lots of pictures and colours. They easily recognise places and have no trouble reading maps. They may also enjoy putting puzzles together.
Interpersonal Intelligence
“People smart” children get along well with other kids. They love the company of people irrespective of age and are able to relate to them. They have the capacity to understand the needs of those around them and have good listening skills. Friendly and outgoing, others tend to come to them for support.
Intrapersonal Intelligence
“Self smart”, these are the thinkers who tend to keep to themselves. They exhibit a matured ability to understand and appreciate their own feelings, fears and future. Quickly learning from their own mistakes, they set personal challenges and expectations for themselves.
Naturalist Intelligence
Keeping insects, rearing pets, watching nature programmes on television, and playing in the garden are hallmarks of “nature smart” children. They are able to recognise, categorise and appreciate plant life, animal species and other features of the environment.
How to Discover Your Children’s Potential
Observe and pay attention to what comes naturally to them. What are they good at? What do they enjoy doing? What captures their attention? What are they like when they are on their own? How do they behave around other people? Where do they like to play? What do they like to play with?
Listen to what they talk about most. Is there a specific topic or theme to their conversations? What do they daydream about? What do they ask from you and of you? Do they take the lead in group situations or are they predominantly listeners who allow others to speak first?
Speak to those who spend a lot of time with your children. Who influences your children? Who witnesses their growth? What are their comments and observations? Listen to the facts and not simply their opinions. For example a child who “who can’t sit still and is naughty” may simply exhibit the behaviour of one with a strong bodily-kinesthetic intelligence.
The eight intelligences do not operate independently and are not mutually exclusive. They complement one another and help you recognise your child’s unique blend of capabilities through their behaviour. The key to realising their potential lies in recognising those strengths and developing them.
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