How to Boost Multiple Intelligences at Home
In the year 1983, Psychologist Howard Gardner proposed the theory of multiple intelligences. According to this theory, people possess different types of intelligence that interact and strengthen one another mutually. Today, experts recognize the existence of eight different or independent types of intelligence. With that in mind, we want to tell you how to boost multiple intelligences at home.
It’s important for parents to develop all of these intelligences from the time children are small. But how can we boost multiple intelligences at home? In the article below, we’ll offer a series of recommendations that are sure to be useful.
The theory of multiple intelligences
First of all, it’s important to understand more about the theory of multiple intelligences and what they are. According to Howard Gardner, each person has their own intelligence profile, which depends on how they combine and utilize different intelligences on a variety of levels. In other words, each person develops with greater ease and is more competent in certain intellectual capacities and less competent in others.
“Every human being has a unique combination of intelligence. This is the fundamental educational challenge.”
– Howard Gardner –
The eight multiple intelligences according to Howard Gardner
Below, we’ll look at what each of the multiple intelligences consists of according to this author:
- Linguistics: This is the ability to use verbal and written language. Those who possess this intelligence have an easy time learning languages and achieving goals using language. What’s more, they’re good at understanding the order and meaning of words in writing, reading, speaking, and listening.
- Logical-mathematical: This is the ability to use and represent systems of numerical quantification. In addition, it also involves the ability to solve mathematical problems and analyze problems in a logical manner.
- Naturalistic: This is the ability to observe, analyze, reflect, and formulate ideas in an objective manner. Individuals who excel in this area show an interest in the world and in natural phenomenons.
- Interpersonal: This is the ability to relate to other people and understand their emotions, intentions, and desires.
- Intrapersonal: This refers to the ability to know and understand one’s self, utilizing this information effectively in life.
- Musical: This is the ability to compose, interpret, transform, and evaluate sounds, rhythms, and music in general.
- Visual-spacial: This is the ability to visually represent spaces and images, recognizing and manipulating scenes, remembering and ideating mental images, and detecting details in objects and photographs.
- Bodily-kinesthetic: This is the ability to use the body to express one’s self, solve problems, and create products.
How to boost multiple intelligences at home
To boost multiple intelligences at home, children need to grow up in an enriching environment. This means having a variety of opportunities to develop each one of the capacities we mentioned above.
To meet this objective, it’s important to create spaces where children can practice different types of intelligence. Of course, these spaces also need to be fun and entertaining. Below, we’ll offer a few recommendations.
How to boost linguistic intelligence:
- Reading
- Watching movies in foreign languages
- Maintaining conversations where children must practice active listening
- Games and hobbies that expand vocabulary, such as word searches, crossword puzzles, Password, Scattegories, Scrabble, etc.
How to boost logical-mathematical intelligence:
- Preparing recipes in the kitchen
- Playing board games based on strategy as a family
- Playing store (buying and selling)
- Doing sudoku puzzles
- Playing chess
How to boost naturalistic intelligence:
- Exploring nature
- Going on outdoor excursions
- Playing scientific games and doing science experiments
How to boost interpersonal intelligence
- Playing cooperative games with all of the family members
- Giving children the opportunity to make new friends – for example, in the neighborhood, at camp, in extracurricular activities, etc.
- Playing house by imitating people or characters
How to boost intrapersonal intelligence
- Talking openly about emotions and feeling on a daily basis
- Doing relaxation exercises as a family
- Keeping a journal
Boosting musical intelligence in children
- Listening to music from a variety of genres
- Singing as a family
- Playing musical instruments (even if they’re toys)
How to boost visual-spatial intelligence
- Doing puzzles and tangrams
- Playing building games
- Playing search and observation games
How to boost bodily-kinesthetic
- Dancing
- Performing plays as a family
- Participating in sports and physical exercises
Conclusions regarding how to boost multiple intelligences at home
As you can see, it’s very easy to boost multiple intelligences at home. To do so, you just need to offer children a wide variety of activities. What’s more, be sure to place the same importance on each type of intellectual ability.
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
- Gardner, H. (1995). Mentes creativas. Una anatomía de la creatividad humana. Barcelona: Paidós.