Multiple intelligences

There are many different ways that people learn. This is the
opinion of Harvard School of Education Professor Howard
Gardner, who has developed a theory of multiple intelligences.
Professor Gardner believes that there are eight forms of
intelligence, all both independent and interrelated alike. Each
person will have a stronger presence of one or another form,
but no type is exclusive.

In your opinion, what form of intelligence does your
child use most?

Body Movement
Intelligence
Children who are strong in body
movement intelligence are often
coordinated and good at sports.
They prefer the tangible, prac-
tical dimension of the learning
process. This type of intelligence
calls for putting thoughts into
ideas, i.e. so that they can be manipulated, investigated,
reordered, and constructed in an informed manner.

Engaging Body Movement Intelligence

Body movement intelligence develops through the practice
of recreation and sports, participation in construction
projects and physical activity, and manual labour. For
example, you could ask a child to sing the multiplication
tables or other groups of concepts that he or she is trying to
memorize.

Logic/Math Intelligence

Children who find it easy to calculate, put things in order,
and use logic to categorize and resolve problems tend to
prefer activities that call for mathematical thinking. They
like to explain how and why things work. They like mathe-
matical concepts, analysis and reasoning. This type of
intelligence develops through methodical actions, planning,
and preparing budgets, and by using timetables, calendars,
agendas, or computers.

Engaging Logic/Math Intelligence

Children learn mathematical intelligence by manipulation of
objects and language development. From an early age on,
using games that encourage filing, assembling, object
memory, reasoning, and logic (for example, building and
construction games, puzzles, dominos, computer software,
etc.) encourages the development of this intelligence. One

Learning in your own way

can also use family situations; for example, planning a party
supposes activities based on mathematical concepts—
planning, counting, spatial organization, scheduling, etc.

Spatial Intelligence

Children who are strong in spatial intelligence prefer travel,
landscapes, creating images, and putting plans on paper.
These children may also demonstrate abilities related to space,
orientation, and direction. For example, they often find it
easy to read a map.

Engaging Spatial Intelligence

Spatial intelligence is developed through the practice of
applied or visual arts, handicrafts, preparing diagrams,
drawing, observing, and giving free rein to creativity and
imagination. Visual and applied arts projects are excellent
means of expression for your child. The projects also give
parents opportunities for discussion with their child and a
chance to assess the youngster’s level of self-esteem, self-
affirmation, and self-confidence. By stimulating this form
of intelligence in your child, you will help encourage strong
academic and social success.

Social Intelligence
Children who are able to
communicate, understand,
and work with others exhi-
bit remarkable social skills.
They use empathy, con-
gruity, and unconditional
positive reinforcement in
their interactions. They are also able to acknowledge the
feelings of others. These children like to interact with others
and know how to do so in a respectful climate.

Engaging Social Intelligence

Social intelligence develops through discussions of comments
and judgments regarding the child’s various projects, through
team learning projects, and through group problem-solving.
The child learns best in a cooperative setting and likes to
communicate.

Language Intelligence

Children who are strong in verbal or language intelligence
show an interest in reading, writing, listening to stories, and
learning new vocabulary. These children are gifted writers
and communicators, and are able to express themselves
verbally.

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Jufo-Parents