ABC Hut Home Schooling Ideas

In 1983, Howard Gardener published his theory of multiple intelligences.

In his book, Frames of Mind, he introduced seven intelligences that all humans share. Each individual has a different level of competency in various areas.

In order to identify the seven intelligences, Gardener looked for abilities that were distinct and independent from all others.

Studying individuals who possessed above average skills in isolated areas and below level skills in all other areas helped him identify these intelligences.

The Intelligences

The names of the seven mental capacities tend to explain the intelligence that they refer to. For the sake of brevity I will give a very brief description of each of the seven intelligences.

Linguistic intelligence is the ability to use language effectively

In most educational settings this is a vital skill. Children who struggle in this area often do poorly in school even thought they have strengths in other areas.

Logical-mathematical intelligence is the ability to solve mathematical problems quickly

These are the children who know the answer to the question but resist when asked to explain the steps or write down their thought process.

Spatial intelligence is the ability to grasp the relationship of objects or shapes in relation to each other

Often children who struggle with traditional mathematics do well in geometry because it uses a different set of cognitive skills.

It relies on the ability to understand and manipulate shapes with relation to each other.

Musical intelligence is exactly what the name suggests

Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence is the ability to control and move various body parts

Obviously a gymnast would score high in this area but so too would a guitar player.

Interpersonal intelligence is the ability to notice, understand and interpret the moods, temperaments actions of others

Intrapersonal intelligence is the same ability turned inward

Here an individual understands their own self, their actions, motivations, desires and behavior.

Gardner also later added Natural Intelligence, which refers to an ability to understand the intricate balance and system of science and nature.

Although these have been presented in isolation, individuals possess different combinations and levels of these intelligences. Most tasks require the use of multiple intelligences.

One of the benefits of home schooling is the freedom to incorporate your child’s strengths and natural abilities into their daily schooling.

It is worth gathering more information of this approach for it truly allows all children to develop their gifts and natural abilities.

Learning by way of what we are interested in and highly competent at, is a joyous adventure.

Recommended books

Multiple Intelligences: Theory in Practice by Howard Gardner

Seven Times Smarter 50 activities, games, and projects to develop the seven intelligences of your child by Laurel Schmidt

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