In the coming weeks, we’ll take a look at the 8 types of intelligence as determined by Howard Gardner. Before I start, however, I want to clarify certain points. At first, although in the majority of people, one or two types of intelligence are particularly more developed than the others and that it is therefore interesting to determine them in order to discover its strengths and weaknesses and therefore to be able to work better there, it should be noted that we have the capacity to develop our skills in each of them if we wish and put the necessary efforts into them. So I will offer you, each week, some ideas to develop the type of intelligence most present in your child, but others that will allow you, while having fun, to also develop the types of intelligence which are the least developed. The objective is absolutely not to make your children or your students geniuses, or to put pressure on them. Only give you ideas to help them develop their full potential in a good mood and fun.
Honey: Golden liquid that is good in my mouth !
Second, according to Howard Gardner, before the age of 15, almost all children have a highly developed kinesthetic intelligence, even if it is not necessarily their main type of intelligence. This is explained by the fact that a large part of basic knowledge is acquired through the use of the 5 senses and the development of gross and fine motor skills. So if learning a concept is difficult for your child, consider incorporating movement or more than one of the 5 senses. This will greatly facilitate his learning.
Third, the brain has the great ability to learn, but it also has the ability to erase all information that it does not think is necessary. So before you start learning anything, it’s always a great idea to take the time to work with the child to define the goal you want to achieve. This will allow him to sort through the information that is transmitted to him and to find real motivation for these new learnings. Obviously, make sure to use vocabulary appropriate for the child’s age and make sure, as soon as possible, to make these learning periods fun. Children never learn better than through play. Studies on this subject are extremely numerous!
Finally, as examples, I will give you, each week, a list of careers where this type of intelligence is often put in the foreground, but obviously, these are only examples, allowing you to better understand. Each of us being a unique combination of our different types of more or less developed intelligence, this should in no case determine a career choice.
Linguistic intelligence
Today, let’s look at one of the most recognized intelligences, since it is one of the most valued by the school and by our society: linguistic intelligence. It refers to the ability to understand a message and express an idea. People in whom this type of intelligence is most developed likes to read, write, express themselves, debate their ideas and opinions or learn new languages or new means of expressing themselves. This obviously includes reading and writing, but also bodily expression. In children, this will often manifest itself at an early age when they will learn to speak quickly and will express themselves particularly well using words that are not expected to be found in the mouth of such a young child. . They will be eager to learn to read and write and very curious about everything related to spelling and written language. They will want to understand the meaning of words, speak a lot and be sensitive to sounds and rhythms. Besides, we will often blame them for talking too much!
This main type of intelligence will be found regularly among writers, teachers, authors, translators, interpreters, journalists, politicians, lawyers, etc.
Ideas to enhance this type of intelligence in a child in whom it is predominant:
- Provide him with a reading space and frequent access to new books adapted to his reading level so that he can discover them himself and at his own pace. Consider offering him all kinds of reading styles, including novels, educational books, comics, etc.
- When traveling or on a special occasion, give him a notebook and a pen so that he can record his observations and keep a record of his memories. You can also give him a diary.
- If he wants to (not everyone with a linguistic intelligence who likes to speak in front of a group), encourage him to speak in public, to participate in debates or public speaking contests. Register him for a drama class.
- They are often children who like to play mini-teachers. You could offer them to pass on their knowledge to a little brother or sister, to a friend in class or even to write a little book on a subject he is passionate about which he can then share with his loved ones.
- With the little ones, sing, play with words, invent stories and nursery rhymes, find rhymes, words starting with the sound of your choice and listen to it! These are children who often need to speak.
Ideas for developing this type of intelligence in a child in whom it is not predominant.
- Make a trip to the library a party! An easy way to do this is to participate in the activities offered by it. You will certainly find one that will interest your child and you can take the opportunity to choose a few books to read together later.
- Take a moment each day to read a story or book on a topic that interests your child. This little moment spent with you should help him enjoy reading.
- Instead of a family movie night, why not organize a family reading activity? Everyone in pajamas, we make a shack on the blanket, a bowl of popcorn and hot chocolate and we all read together!
- With a child who is learning to write and read, why not suggest that he can write certain words on a piece of paper, cut them out and then stick them on the object or person. Offer him comic objects or placed in hard-to-reach places to add movement to the activity.
- If your child can read, write fun instructions on a piece of paper and invite them to make them. You could for example make him do an obstacle course, but where the instructions are written. Or make the cleaning of his room funny by writing to him to put away a toy by jumping on one foot, then a piece of clothing by not touching it with his hands, etc.
- Take every opportunity to chat together. Use a pot of questions during supper (see the video capsule that will be published on Saturday on this subject), ask him to tell you about his day or be interested in a subject that fascinates him. Sing, recite nursery rhymes, etc.
Printable material
This week, I offer two printing tools that can be useful in class if you are a teacher (a version for the youngest is also available if you are an early childhood educator or work with children who do not know read and write) or at home if you are a parent! The instructions are on the documents, but do not hesitate to transform them according to your needs and tastes! Have fun!
