smart_childWhen considering children's intelligence, early childhood professionals have always looked at the whole picture. Psychologist Howard Gardner's Multiple Intelligence Theory reinforces the fact that there are a lot of ways for children to be smart. Instead of asking, "How smart is this child?" a better question may be, "How is this child smart?"
Children learn how to get along with others and meet their own needs during the early years. These factors, along with many others, contribute to children's intelligence – something far too complex to be measured by a standardized test, or even by how quickly children learn to speak or walk.
Each of us possesses seven "intelligences," or ways to be smart, according to Multiple Intelligence Theory. Some of us are good at making rhymes, or singing songs, others are more adept at using hands. Every type of intelligence gives us something to offer to the world. The way each intelligence expresses itself in our lives makes us unique.
smart_childWe can help children enhance their individual strengths by recognizing multiple intelligences. But don't be too quick to label your child as a future accountant, artist, or athlete without giving her a chance to explore the world, work on her skills, and develop her own abilities.
Comprehending multiple intelligences means more than focusing on individual characteristics. Just imagine a grown person who could do nothing but write poetry, or solve algebra problems. But to do other things like drive a car or follow a recipe, a person needs to be smart in more ways than one.
Children learn how to get along with others and meet their own needs during the early years. These factors, along with many others, contribute to children's intelligence – something far too complex to be measured by a standardized test, or even by how quickly children learn to speak or walk.
Each of us possesses seven "intelligences," or ways to be smart, according to Multiple Intelligence Theory. Some of us are good at making rhymes, or singing songs, others are more adept at using hands. Every type of intelligence gives us something to offer to the world. The way each intelligence expresses itself in our lives makes us unique.
smart_childWe can help children enhance their individual strengths by recognizing multiple intelligences. But don't be too quick to label your child as a future accountant, artist, or athlete without giving her a chance to explore the world, work on her skills, and develop her own abilities.
Comprehending multiple intelligences means more than focusing on individual characteristics. Just imagine a grown person who could do nothing but write poetry, or solve algebra problems. But to do other things like drive a car or follow a recipe, a person needs to be smart in more ways than one.
