Howard gardner multiple intelligences for kids: The Different Ways Your Child Learns

The Different Ways Your Child Learns

Almost two decades after Howard Gardner identified multiple intelligences in his ground-breaking book Frames of Mind (1983), educators around the world are using the theory of multiple intelligences in their classrooms. In some ways, parents and teachers have always intuitively known that children learn in different ways and that an activity that grabs one child may not be of interest to another youngster. But many of our traditional ideas about teaching imply that there is a certain way to learn particular skills. As parents, we’ve all had times when we’ve become frustrated by our children’s apparent inability to accomplish a task the way we were taught to do it. When we have a better understanding of their individual intelligences and learning styles, we can provide experiences that speak to how our children learn best.

The eight intelligences are:

1. Linguistic  
2. Logical-mathematical  
3. Bodily-kinesthetic  
4. Musical  
5. Spatial  
6. Naturalist  
7. Interpersonal  
8. Intrapersonal

To understand your child’s learning style, observe her as she plays. Which toys does she tend to choose? Chances are, you’ll notice that her favorites have something in common. Perhaps they all have bright colors and distinct patterns or interesting textures and shapes, or make sounds. Then look at how at how she plays: Does she tend to look at objects intently or to hold and feel them in her hands? Perhaps she is less interested in toys than in rolling, tumbling, and moving around. As you cuddle up with your child and a favorite book, pay attention to what she is most interested in. Is it looking at the illustrations? Listening to the cadence of the words and rhymes as you read aloud? Touching the different objects pictured on the page? Or does she practically leap out of your lap and start to act out the actions in the story as you describe them?

Most children have a number of different intelligences and learning styles and can be engaged in a variety of ways. If you don’t see a strong preference for particular toys or games, it means that your child has more than one primary intelligence or that she isn’t old enough to have developed a strong predilection. In most cases you can begin to see a preference for particular styles at around age two. By then your child will most likely respond best to specific activities and types of experiences.

Respecting individual intelligences and learning styles means offering your child a variety of ways to learn. This doesn’t mean that you should shy away from helping him master certain skills — almost anything can be taught in a way that works well for a specific intelligence. When you identify and respond to your child’s intelligence and learning style, you help him approach the world on his own terms. Playing to his strengths can make mastering new skills less frustrating — and can help him develop a lifelong love of learning.

Many Ways to Learn

One of the benefits of the multiple intelligence theory is that it offers parents many options — if a child isn’t responding to a particular activity, there are many other approaches to try. Once you have a sense of your child’s learning style, take a look at your home environment and routine to see how well it works for the way she learns. If you find that your child gravitates toward music, make sure that she has instruments available. Try playing music throughout the day and using songs as a way to encourage her enjoyment of different activities (a special song for doing the dishes or going grocery shopping can go a long way!). If she seems to have a powerful physical, or bodily-kinesthetic, intelligence, remember that creating fun hopping or jumping games to play while you’re waiting on lines or at the store can help to make these tough times easier.

While understanding your child’s style helps you speak to his strengths, it is also important to give him opportunities to strengthen his weaknesses: Even if you’re sure your child is a linguistic learner, there is plenty to be gained from engaging him in spatial or musical experiences. Here’s a look at each kind of intelligence and the types of activities and experiences children with it tend to excel at:

Linguistic

What it is: Sensitivity to the meaning and order of words. These children use an expanded vocabulary and usually like to tell jokes, riddles, or puns; read, write, tell stories, and play word games.

A good way to engage a language-oriented child in a home science experiment, for example, is to encourage him to describe and record exactly what he is doing and observing. To help him understand a concept such as counting, ask him to create a story in which a character has to count many items. Have paper, writing material, different types of storybooks, and a tape recorder handy.

Logical-mathematical

What it is: The ability to handle chains of reasoning and to recognize patterns and order. These learners enjoy working with numbers, want to know how things work, ask lots of questions, and collect items and keep track of their collections.

To interest a logical-mathematical learner in a picture book, have her sort and classify the different items or animals she sees in it. Asking her to compare the different sounds and tones various instruments can make is a good way to help her explore musical concepts. Good items to have on hand include puzzles, blocks, and small manipulatives to count with.

Bodily-kinesthetic

What it is: The ability to use the body skillfully and to handle objects adroitly. Kinesthetic learns enjoy sports and love to be physically active. They tend to use body language, dance, act, or engage in mime.

Kids with this intelligence tend to learn well through movement games and dramatizing scenes and situations. Playing a game of hopscotch will help your physical learner grasp math concepts more easily than counting items. A good science experiment for a bodily-kinesthetic child is to compare how far he can throw different types of objects. Try to have dress-up clothes and props for role-playing, bean bags, and other age-appropriate sports equipment around the house.

Musical

What it is: Sensitivity to pitch, melody, rhythm and tone. These children love to listen to and play music, sing, hum, move to the rhythm, and create and replicate tunes.

Singing songs and making audio tapes can be the best way to engage your child in activities. To teach your musical learner math concepts, have her count drum beats or make musical patterns with an instrument. Provide plenty of instruments to explore (including kitchen utensils to bang!), a tape recorder, and a variety of songs and sounds to listen to.

Spatial

What it is: The ability to perceive the world accurately and to recreate or transform aspects of that world. These learners doodle, paint, draw, and build with blocks; enjoy looking at maps, doing puzzles and mazes; they can take things apart and put them back together.

Showing your child photos and pictures will help him grasp new information better than verbal explanations. To involve him in science experiments, ask him to draw his observations. Provide plenty of books with bright, bold graphics, as well as a variety of art materials for your child to explore.

Naturalist

What it is: Recognizing and classifying the numerous species, the flora and fauna, of an environment. These kids like to spend time outdoors observing plants, collecting rocks, and catching insects, and are attuned to relationships in nature.

When possible, use photos and books about animals and the natural world to explain topics. Going outside to observe concepts such as cause and effect in action is the best way to teach them to a naturalist. A terrarium, microscope, and bird feeder are good items to offer your little naturalist.

Interpersonal

What it is: Understanding people and relationships. These children have many friends and tend to mediate between them and to be excellent team players.

Whenever possible, involve your child in group games and discussions. Turning a science experiment into an activity to do with friends can be the best way to engage an interpersonal learner. Your child will probably enjoy playing with puppets, dolls, and small figures.

Intrapersonal

What it is: The ability to use one’s emotional life as a means to understand oneself and others. Children with this type of intelligence control their own feelings and moods and often observe and listen. They do best when working alone.

Encourage your child to think about how new experiences make him feel and offer him plenty of chances to explore topics on his own. To involve an intrapersonal learner in a science project, ask him to describe his experiences and emotions. A camera, drawing pad, and blank journal can help your child record and think about his observations.

How to identify and encourage multiple intelligences in early childhood

by Rainforest Learning Centre

In the education world, it is well known that children benefit from having multiple ways of engaging with content and showing their understandings. Some may explain this simply by saying that each child has their own ‘learning style.’ In other words, some kids may be identified as wanting to move around all day, while others might prefer to sit down and read a picture book. But what is this talk about multiple intelligences in early childhood?

This is a common theme you may hear of throughout your children’s education. However, Dr. Howard Gardner of Harvard University suggests that everyone actually possesses nine different forms of intelligence to varying degrees. This means that we should not label children with a particular learning style or intelligence, since they have them all! In fact, knowing about this pedagogical theory can help educators understand human learning in a whole new way.

See related: Is my toddler or preschooler gifted? What are the early signs of intellectual giftedness?

Recognizing the multiple intelligences in early childhood

Even in the early years of childhood, you can begin to identify which intelligences a child may be stronger in. Below are all of Gardner’s multiple intelligences, along with a few identifying factors as examples to help you recognized them. These were mostly adapted from Very Well Mind and The Child Development Institute.

1. Linguistic-Verbal Intelligence

• Has a strong acumen for reading, writing and telling stories.
• Gives good explanations and can articulate well through vocabulary.

See related:

• 4 Benefits of kids telling their own stories
• Why is literacy crucial in the early years? How can parents and preschools help with reading skills?
• What is the best way to teach word recognition to early childhood readers?
• How to teach digraphs to preschool children (6 ways)

2. Logical-Mathematical Intelligence

• Demonstrates problem-solving skills, especially in mathematics.
• Curious about how things work.

See related:

• How to teach toddlers and preschoolers to count, and learn their numbers
• 8 Ideas to teach preschoolers about money management and why it’s important
• How to find and use teachable moments as an early childhood educator
• 13 apps to help young kids learn
• How to teach preschoolers about viruses, bacteria and sickness prevention (cold and flu teaching tips)
• 4 Easy science experiments for toddlers and preschoolers, and more

3.

Visual-Spatial Intelligence

• Able to recall visual details.
• Skilled at visual recognition, such as by completing puzzles easily or recognizing graphical patterns.
• Enjoys creating and engaging with visual arts.

See related:

• Ideas for teaching shapes in preschool and daycare
• The benefit of process art in preschool classrooms
• Essential props to have or make for your preschool dramatic play corner
• How to teach colours to toddlers and preschoolers

4. Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence

• Generally good at sports or dancing, and skills that require dexterity, or the body in some way.
• Enjoys creating things with their hands, and physically touching objects.

See related:

• The benefits of dancing at daycare and preschool
• Why teach kids yoga at daycare? Here are 3 great reasons!
• Preschool sports ideas to play in early childhood, and their benefits
• What is normal gross motor development in early childhood, and why is it important?
• Why sensory development skills are important at daycare

5.

Musical Intelligence

• Understands their ‘world’ through traits that music requires, such as rhythms, patterns, compositions, and so on.
• Generally good at picking up instrument skills.
• Easily recognizes musical patterns and tones, especially when sounds are off-key.
• Sensitive to sound, and responds emotionally to music.

See related:

• How music affects young children and their learning
• 5 Preschool guest instructors to invite to your early childhood classroom

6. Interpersonal Intelligence

• Able to empathize with others.
• Able to recognize the moods and inner feelings of those around them.
• Enjoys helping others with problem-solving, or by being a good listener and understander of what they’re experiencing.
• Develops healthy relationships, and enjoys people.

See related:

• What is normal emotional intelligence in toddlers and preschoolers?
• 3 ways early childhood educators can help kids get along and feel included
• 4 Benefits of daycare ‘buddy time,’ when older kids mentor preschoolers
• What is social competence in the early years?

7.

Intrapersonal Intelligence

• Shows independence and individuality in their work and personal life.
• Can express how they are feeling, and are generally aware of what is going on inside them, emotionally and psychologically (considering that some life situations can create inner ‘confusions’ for many people).

See related:

• How to teach impulse control in early childhood
• What are age-appropriate manners for preschoolers in early childhood?
• How to know if your child is emotionally ready for school
• The importance of teaching kids decision-making skills in early childhood
• 3 ways to build self-awareness in early childhood

8. Naturalistic Intelligence

• Enjoys learning about plants and animals.
• Enjoys playing in water or with pets and bugs, and generally enjoys all things outdoors.
• Passionate about nature conservation efforts.

See related:

• Preschool activities to start, grow and maintain an edible classroom garden
• Reasons and ideas to teach preschoolers about recycling
• 4 Top benefits of outdoor education in early childhood
• 5 Fun, purpose-driven walks to go on with daycare kids or preschoolers
• Community service learning ideas for early childhood education and daycare

9.

Existential Intelligence

• Questions subjects such as the meaning of human life and our existence.
• Leads a spiritual life, or one that is inquisitive about the ‘unseen.’

See related:

• 12 Space-themed crafts & activities for preschool or daycare classrooms
• 5 examples (types) of informal education in early childhood
• 5 Imagination games to play with toddlers and young kids
• Why are ‘home values’ important for child development and in early childhood education?

Sources on how to develop multiple intelligences with early childhood education

As we hinted above, your child may show signs of strength in a few of these above-mentioned intelligences. But this doesn’t mean they can’t become strong in all of them! According to Edutopia, it is important to give children “multiple ways to access content,” along with “multiple ways to demonstrate knowledge and skills.” These two practices will not only help to captivate students and increase their learning, but will help to develop interests and skills they might not have much experience with. Children can also learn to dive into subjects more deeply, giving them broader understandings that affect all the intelligences they have within them.

The American Institute for Learning and Human Development also points out that you could provide eight different pathways to learning for a single topic that align with these multiple intelligences.

Another idea that Early Childhood News suggests is having learning centres for young learners that focus on each of these eight intelligences. For example, you could have a cooking area, sensory learning centre, an art centre, and an instrument or sound-creation centre. The idea is that each of these centres would help strengthen a different intelligence in young learners.

Scholastic also has a very detailed list of specific ideas for developing eight of the intelligences in a classroom or daycare, which you can check out here.

Plus, see related articles on our blog:

• What is experiential education in early childhood, and why is it important?
• Why sensory development skills are important at daycare
• The benefits of Emergent Curriculum in preschool
• What makes a good daycare space design?

Use the theory of multiple intelligences to make useful observations of young children

As your children begin their education, it is definitely important to make observations of how they approach learning. This will help you, and early childhood educators, to determine the best learning environment, or methods for your child. Not only that, you can take a step beyond looking at your child’s ‘learning style.’ You can use these observations to identify the intelligences they lean more towards. This can give you the opportunity to help your child develop all eight – or even nine – of Gardner’s proposed intelligences. Or, it can help make children well-rounded learners early in life.

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Development Tips – Child Development

In today’s society, it is generally accepted that a child’s performance in school is the only indicator that determines his potential. When a child gets older, many parents want him to become well-rounded and successful in various areas of life. But before he goes to school, you need to understand that your child is smart, despite his grades and physical condition.

Scientists say that there are different types of intelligence (there are 8 in total), and a child can have any of these eight types. In some way, he is bound to be strong.

Parents should recognize the signs that characterize their type of intelligence from an early age. If you start developing these traits from an early age, you will be able to appreciate his potential and realize that it may be more important than academic performance in math or physics. Consider how to determine the type of intelligence of your child.

Theory multiple intelligence

The American psychologist Howard Gardner proposed a theory that explains various types of intelligence. The scientist suggests that reducing the definition of a child’s intelligence to a simple test of IQ is not enough. Academic achievement is undoubtedly important, but just as important are the child’s inclinations for drawing, music, dancing, entrepreneurship, etc. All these inclinations must be taken into account when determining the child’s potential. This is how the theory of multiple intelligences arose, which proves that 1 or 2 of the 8 types of intelligence can dominate in a child.

8 types of intelligence

Howard Gardner’s theory quickly found followers all over the world. Educators from different countries began to include the theory of multiple intelligences in their education systems.

Let us consider in more detail the types of intelligence that are found in children.

1. Bodily-kinesthetic

Children with bodily-kinesthetic intelligence usually excel in sports and other physical activities. They move a lot and their movements are well coordinated. If your child shows interest in outdoor games and can coordinate the movements of his body well, then it is safe to say that he has developed this type of intelligence. Watch him to better understand his tendencies. Is he too fussy? Is he always in good shape? Can’t he sit in one place for a long time? Small details like these can help you identify a child’s bodily-kinesthetic intelligence. Many famous athletes, actors and dancers have it.

2. Visual – Spatial

This type of intelligence determines how well a child can visualize objects, places, and even their dreams. Children of this intelligence are talented in drawing, modeling, and other similar pursuits. They are good at determining the size of objects and can reproduce past events in detail. They also tend to express their thoughts and feelings in a visual way.

If your child pays attention to details and is able to remember the smallest details of everyday events, he has developed visual-spatial intelligence. Children who possess it can become artists, architects or specialists in similar fields.

3. Logic-mathematical

Logical intelligence is related to the child’s ability to mathematical calculations and reasoning. An important part of logical-mathematical intelligence is the ability to solve various problems. If your child is observant, able to think outside the box, reason logically, explain, understand hints, he has developed this type of intelligence. Such children are inquisitive and often ask questions. They have a good understanding of the language of numbers, graphs and diagrams. Many famous mathematicians have developed this type of intelligence.

4. Musical

If a child likes to listen to music, it does not mean that he has musical intelligence. This type of intelligence is developed in children who love to compose music, sing and tap different rhythms. They understand music better than others. If your child has a beautiful voice, he has a sense of rhythm, distinguishes between keys and is interested in playing musical instruments, then he undoubtedly has a developed musical intelligence. However, it is important to understand that musical intelligence is a fairly broad concept, and it can manifest itself in different ways in different children.

5. Linguistic

Children with linguistic intelligence tend to have well developed language skills. If your child has beautiful handwriting, loves to read, understands grammar well and knows how to write complex words correctly, he has developed this type of intelligence. Such children love to play with words and solve crossword puzzles. They usually have a large vocabulary, they easily memorize new words. They also have developed the ability to tell stories.

6. Existential

Existential intelligence should not be confused with introversion or self-centeredness. It is associated with a person’s ability to enjoy loneliness. If a child, being alone, is not bored and not afraid, then this type of intelligence is developed in him. This type is associated with such qualities as responsibility, self-awareness and independence. Children with existential intelligence are aware of their strengths and weaknesses. If your child is confident in the correctness of his actions, despite the fact that others think otherwise, he has developed this type of intelligence. These kids are confident in everything they do. They listen to others, but do what they themselves think is right. These kids grow up to be successful entrepreneurs.

7. Interpersonal

Children with developed interpersonal intelligence are able to communicate well with others. They usually have many friends and like to be in company. If your child constantly spends time with his friends and likes to communicate with people, he has developed this type of intelligence. Such children are able to find a common language with different people and understand how to cope with different situations. In company, they seem calm and relaxed. With friends, they are compassionate, kind and helpful. Such children grow up to be good diplomats, leaders and teachers.

8. Naturalistic

If your child is interested in gardening, taking care of pets, then he has developed this type of intelligence. These kids love nature. They are interested in various natural phenomena, like to walk in parks, near rivers and wherever there is no asphalt. They are also concerned about the conservation of nature.

When you know how each of the eight types of intelligence manifests itself, you can determine where your child is strong. Watch him, notice his abilities and help develop them. Appreciate his talents from an early age and you won’t have to worry about his future.

Howard Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences

Have you ever wondered why children in the same class learn the program so differently? Or why, after graduating from the same language school, the guys choose completely different professions? Of course, you say, everyone has different abilities. And you will be right. But the point is not in the level of IQ, but in the direction of thinking and perception of the world.

In 1983, the American psychologist Howard Gardner developed the theory of multiple intelligences. Based on his observations, Gardner came to the conclusion that instead of a single intellect, a person has several different intellectual abilities. He writes about this in his book, widely known throughout the world, “The Structure of the Mind. The theory of multiple intelligences. There is also another translation of the title: “Boundaries of the Mind. The theory of multiple intelligences.

The essence of Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences

one who cannot cope with these tasks. He just has a different way of thinking. He may know all about insects or play three musical instruments.

Gardner emphasizes that the intellect is not an object or some mechanism in our head. This is a resource that allows you to use different forms of thinking. Intelligence is the ability to solve problems or create products, due to the cultural and social environment.

The seven types of intelligence identified by the psychologist are equivalent to each other. They do not depend on each other, but work as independent systems. Each species is a way of interacting with the world, and valuing some intelligences more than others is purely a cultural tradition.
Multiple intelligence, according to its discoverer, has the following types:

• linguistic;
• logico-mathematical;
• musical;
• spatial-visual;
• bodily-kinesthetic;
• interpersonal;
• intrapersonal.

Later, while continuing to work on his theory, the scientist added two more:

• naturalistic;
• existential.

So we see 9types of thinking. Let’s take a look at each of them.

Linguistic or verbal-linguistic intelligence

This is the ability to use speech in its various manifestations, orally and in writing. People who are characterized by this type are excellent speakers. They know how to talk interestingly about everything, holding the attention of the public. It is easy for them to memorize texts, write essays.

Toddlers with this type of thinking learn poetry easily and recite them with pleasure. The alphabet is easy for them. They start reading and writing early, love books. Such children quickly learn foreign languages, love word games. They like to participate in performances.

People with this type of intellect become writers, politicians, journalists, editors, translators. They are also suitable for the professions of teachers of literature, coaches, TV presenters, lawyers.

Logical and mathematical intelligence

This is a manifestation of logical and abstract thinking, the ability to compare objects mentally, not having them in sight. These are lovers of mathematical precision and calculations, the method of deduction and analysis, finding causal relationships.

Children with a logical-mathematical type quickly learn to classify, understand abstract concepts and draw conclusions and conclusions. They like logic puzzles, puzzles, games with numbers and all sorts of calculations. They love scientific experiments and books with a bias in science.

The choice of future profession is also usually associated with science. Such people become mathematicians, physicists, astronomers, engineers, accountants, programmers.

Musical Intelligence

This is the ability to play various musical instruments, to sing, to understand the rhythmic pattern, strength and height of sounds. People with musical intelligence are well versed in music. They have excellent hearing, which allows them to distinguish the purity, height, and timbre of sound. They convey and feel the rhythm well.

Babies with this type already from the first months of life listen to music and react emotionally to it. They prefer musical toys to others. As they get older, they easily memorize and reproduce music. They can start studying at a music school earlier than their peers. In teaching, it is better for them to use listening and listening methods. Lessons are easier for them to do with music.

These are future composers, musicians, singers, artists, DJs, sound engineers.

Spatial or spatial-visual intelligence

It speaks of the ability to modify information, transform it into visual images. The ability to mentally act with these images in three dimensions.

Adults have a great sense of color and shape, lines and sizes. They have excellent visual memory. They easily remember faces, objects, pictures, and even pages of text. They easily find their way on the map, remember what, how and where it is located.

Children with dominant spatial thinking easily imagine any images and transfer them to their own world: fantasies, games, crafts, drawings.

These are sculptors, painters, designers, photographers, architects, builders. This type of intelligence is inherent in chess players and engineers, stylists and image makers, as well as drivers.

Body-kinesthetic intelligence

This is the ability to use all parts of the body to perform tasks. This includes the control of gross and fine motor skills, body movements, agility, balance, coordination in space. As well as the use of environmental objects.

People of this type move a lot, go in for sports and dance. Most often they have an athletic figure. They watch their body, with the help of which they try to assert themselves.

Children are very flexible, dexterous and active from an early age. They can control and coordinate their movements well. For example, they start riding a two-wheeled bicycle earlier than their peers. They love outdoor games, running around, they cannot sit still for a long time.
Usually athletes, dancers, jugglers, surgeons, firefighters have this type of intelligence.

Interpersonal intelligence

The ability to recognize the feelings of people, capture their mood, understand the language of their behavior and mood.
These are people who quickly converge with others, feel their state, support them. They have a high empathy for others, understand how they can help. They are kind and attentive to loved ones, and their emotions are well controlled.

Small children with this way of thinking immediately react to a change in the face, tone of voice, gestures of a significant adult. They try to smooth out conflicts, love playing with other children, and often take on the role of leader. Even in childhood, such guys perfectly understand other people, they try to help, guide, support, and reassure.

They grow into excellent sensitive leaders, public figures, teachers, doctors, psychologists, volunteers, rescuers.

Intrapersonal intelligence

This is also the ability to recognize feelings, but not other people’s, but your own. This is necessary to determine self-consciousness, self-development, perception of oneself in the world and with other people.

Most often these are introverts who strive to develop themselves, make life orderly, follow the rules. They are able to negotiate with themselves in order to change their attitude to some situations.

Such children are very organized from an early age. They can evaluate their actions, deeds, see their strengths and weaknesses. They understand what they really want. Thanks to this, they are able to decide whether they will do it or not.

Like people with an interpersonal type, these people choose similar professions. Psychologist, teacher, philosopher, historian and others where the qualities of this intellect are needed.

Naturalistic intelligence

The ability of a person to interact with nature, to feel its significance and influence on people and the world around. Such people are interested in studying all living things, as well as observing the weather, collecting stones, and studying changes in the environment.

Previously, they were those who collected berries, mushrooms, herbs. Now they are mainly ecologists, naturalists, zoologists.

Children with naturalistic intelligence love outdoor activities. They like to go hiking, go to the mountains. They are happy to help adults in the garden and in the garden. They have been interested in animals and plants since childhood. Gerald Durrell possessed this type of intelligence. You can learn about this from his books, starting with the first “My family and other animals”, where he describes himself as a child.

It used to be customary to take children to lessons in the surrounding world in nearby parks. Such activities best help children with this type of intelligence learn the program.

Existential intelligence

This is the ability to perceive and study the world through religion, philosophy and meditation. Usually this type of intelligence, according to Howard Gardner, have children who are brought up from birth in religious families. But it happens that the child himself begins to be interested in these topics.

Such children often ask questions about the meaning of life, about death, about God or higher powers. They love history, scripture, spirituality talk. Growing up, they go to study as philosophers, journalists, analysts. They become public figures, yoga teachers, priests.

So, according to the author of the theory of multiple intelligences, it includes 9 types or directions. It rarely happens that a person possesses only one of them. As a rule, people have several abilities that manifest themselves already in childhood. More precisely, in each of us, to one degree or another, there are all kinds of intelligence. But, depending on the environment, only some of them develop.

How to apply the theory to an individual child

Why is it important to know which types of intelligence predominate in a child? First of all, in order to choose the way of learning that suits him. Yes, in ordinary schools it is almost impossible to organize the educational process based on the individual characteristics of each student. However, parents and teachers should understand how it is easier for the child to absorb the material.

On the other hand, Gardner believes that the child will develop those abilities that are most often used. So, if a child is fascinated from an early age with counting, reading, word games, then with a high probability we can assume that he will form logical-mathematical intellects along with verbal-linguistic ones.

But it’s easy to say “to captivate a child.” Some kids can’t get carried away with books, board games for a long time. They are restless, mobile, they often need to change the type of activity. Attempts to seat them to collect a mosaic or puzzles end in crying. Do not rush to scold such a child. Offer him other activities, such as outdoor games. And already through physical activity, try to add familiarity with letters and counting.

Conclusions based on the theory of Howard Gardner

In conclusion, we emphasize that:

• all types of intelligence are interconnected and can be developed. By developing one ability, we will help develop other abilities related to this one. Usually, children have two or three types of intelligence well developed. Others need a little help to turn on. Some will require serious effort.
• The type of intelligence indicates not only the ability of a person. It is also a clue as to what style and methods of training are appropriate to develop this ability in the best possible way.
• Using a way of cognition that is convenient for us, we increase the effectiveness of learning many times over. By selecting tasks for the child, taking into account his characteristics, we help him not only to learn new things, but also to learn with joy.
• Poor grades in school do not indicate a child’s low intelligence and learning disability. This is primarily an indicator of an unfinished education system.
• A student with poor grades has equal chances of success with excellent students in the future if he develops his type of intelligence.
• IQ tests cannot reliably assess a person’s intelligence and ability.