Developing a child’s smarts at an early stage can go a long way in that child’s future success. They are likely to become successful if they can unlock their unique intelligences at a young age. This will help them thrive in a globally competitive landscape.
Howard Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences has revolutionized educators’ (and parents’) perception of learning. It offered a new way to look at how kids are taught and developed to become smarter and highly equipped individuals in the future. The theory underscored how intelligence is multifaceted.
Gardner’s theory states that there are eight unique intelligences (logical-mathematical, linguistic, musical, interpersonal, spatial, naturalist, and intrapersonal) that are present in each child. These unique combinations of intelligences help shape how young learners observe and comprehend the world. Ultimately, the multiple intelligences influence the way children relate to their environment.
Developing these intelligences is crucial to the success of these young individuals. But to do that successfully, it requires a customized approach–one that recognizes each child’s individual strengths while cultivating aspects that need growth.
Traditionally, educational systems often focus on linguistic and logical-mathematical skills. While these two areas are crucial, they represent only a portion of a child’s potential. Focusing on a wider range of intelligences will help educators to create a more conducive and inclusive learning environment that will allow students to excel in different areas from social leadership to sports and arts.
Programs that are designed to nurture multiple intelligences will help nurture well-rounded students and future-ready leaders.
So what are practical strategies to develop multiple intelligences in children?
Identify unique strengths and interests. Observe and pay close attention to activities kids naturally gravitate towards. This could be drawing, music, math, or sports. These tendencies can help determine each child’s dominant intelligences.
Expose kids to a wide range of experiences. Repeated exposure is crucial to cultivating intelligences. Once you have identified a child’s interests, put them in situations where they can be repeatedly exposed to such activities. Examples would be music lessons, sports training, or art workshops.
Utilize a holistic approach. Incorporating various aspects to a child’s learning program will also help parents have a strong grasp of what they can mirror at home, when teaching their kids. This can encourage a more collaborative–and even fun–approach to learning.
Since children learn in many unique ways, it’s important to tailor the learning approaches to their interests and demonstrated abilities. Some examples could be movement-based activities, hands-on lessons, and team-based projects.
Encouragement by recognition. Celebrate their achievements. Making it known to them that their success is celebrated will help them value their unique capabilities more. When they know their efforts are recognized and appreciated, children will strive to do better.
Enhancing a child’s multiple intelligences will require a collaborative effort. It’s true: it takes a village to raise a successful child. Parents, teachers, and the educational system need to come together to create a learning environment that is conducive to learning–a place where young learners feel supported so they can be inspired to embrace their unique skills and abilities and use them.