DEVELOPING YOUR CHILD’SINTELLIGENCE

By Agyei Tyehimba

© December 5, 2007

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What is intelligence?(The old-school view)

The ability to:

Solve mathematical

problems

Understand ideas and language

Analyze and use

information

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Problems with the old way of defining intelligence

• Only focuses on people that do well in problem solving, critical thinking, and verbal or written expression.

• Leads children without these abilities to view themselves as unintelligent. This contributes to low self-esteem and poor academic performance.

• Leads teachers and parents to choose activities that don’t target how children learn differently

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Multiple Intelligences Theory

In 1983, Professor Howard Gardner challenged the old way of thinking about intelligence. He suggested that there were 7 forms of intelligence!

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The Seven Intelligences

LinguisticMusical

Spatial

Interpersonal

Intrapersonal

Logical-mathematical

Bodily-kinesthetic

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Verbal/Linguistic

• Ability to understand, arrange, and express words.

• Poets, authors, attorneys, teachers, radio show hosts, and politicians tend to use linguistic intelligence.

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Musical/Rhythmic

• Ability to create, perform, and appreciate music

• Musicians, singers, composers, display this form of intelligence

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Visual/Spatial

•Ability to "think in pictures," to perceive the visual world accurately, and recreate (or alter) it in the mind or on paper. •Painters, interior designers, movie directors, and architects display this form of intelligence.

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Bodily-Kinesthetic

• Ability to control body motions and handle objects skillfully

• Athletes, dancers, actors, and mechanics display this form of intelligence.

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Logical-Mathematical

• Ability to use reason, logic, and numbers to solve problems.

• Scientists, mathematicians, engineers, and accountants, display this intelligence

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Intrapersonal

• Ability to be aware of one’s thoughts, feelings, and desires

• Philosophers, psychologists, and researchers use this form of intelligence

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Interpersonal

• Ability to relate to and understand the feelings and motivations of others.

• Teachers, salespersons, businesspeople, ministers, and politicians display this form of intelligence.

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How to identify your child’s intelligence

• Closely observe your child at play, and around friends and family. Identify the things and situations that make them excited, frustrated, and sad.

• Encourage your child to participate in a number of different activities. Expose them to various events and experiences. Provide or direct them to activities and events they are interested in.

• There are several tests a child can take that help determine which intelligence they are strong in. These tests help provide general direction; don’t take them too seriously.– http://www.businessballs.com/howardgardnermultipleintelligences.htm

(This one calculates and prints out a chart for you)

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How to Develop Intelligence

• Try to choose events and activities with your child that allow you to explore and connect several intelligences: drawing, debate, writing, creating a poem, song, or rap, cooking, creating a map, assembling a toy or game, etc.

• Review homework with your child and develop ways to teach those lessons using different methods your child enjoys

• Encourage your child to analyze events and experiences around them

• Encourage your child to try new things and to learn lessons from those activities.

• Develop an exercise routine with your child; encourage them to get involved with athletics, dancing etc.