Discover your child’s abilities
It goes without saying that every parent wants the best for their child. We all want to see our offspring grow and develop new skills. Although most of us recognise that our child is unlikely to be another Einstein, that should not stop us from wanting to discover what it is they are good at. There is a growing recognition that children (and indeed adults) can be intelligent in a variety of ways. Once we recognise that children have many different abilities, then we can think about developing those skills, talents and capabilities to the full.
The information on this page will help you recognise your child’s particular strengths and the guidelines below will help you to develop them in your child.
Develop your child’s potential
Discover your child’s interests and abilities.
Be on the lookout for things to praise. We eagerly encourage a baby’s first word or a toddler’s first step – but why stop there? Keep looking for advances in your child’s abilities, then recognise and reward them (not with money or gifts but with praise and encouragement).
Encourage a wide range of interests.
Having discovered what your child is good at, it is a temptation to push them to do even better at this particular thing – but this can be harmful if taken to extremes. By all means encourage your child to develop their interest, but encourage them to explore different aspects – not just “more of the same”.
Never ridicule your child.
Of course, it may be necessary to correct your child if they do wrong – but you should never make fun of your child just because they are “different”, either in their behaviour or interests.
Acknowledge your child’s abilities.
Not just “school-type” things but other things (e.g. model-making, drawing, physical skills). This will help your child to grow in confidence – and be more prepared to tackle other things that they might not be so good at.
Encourage your child to set targets for themselves.
This will help them to develop an “aim higher” attitude to life. It is amazing what they will achieve if only they can be encouraged to set their sights high.
Make learning fun.
Your child is much more likely to want to do something if it is enjoyable. There are lots of games and fun activities that will help to develop your child’s abilities – whether mental, physical or artistic.
Children with strong interpersonal intelligence get on well with people. They are friendly and outgoing and relate well to people both older and younger than themselves. They are good listeners, patient – and may be a “peace-keeper” amongst their friends. They notice how people are feeling and may act as a “comforter”. They have a number of close friends and may be the “leader” of the group (albeit subtly). They prefer team games and working in groups. They are likely to be a member of a club.
Children with strong intrapersonal intelligence are “thinkers”, though they may be seen as “dreamers”. They prefer to “keep themselves to themselves” and may appear shy and withdrawn. They may not respond in class but prefer to talk to the teacher about the topic after the lesson. They usually have a clear idea about their future and will set themselves personal targets & challenges. They are interested in life stories and may keep a personal diary.
Children with strong logical intelligence are likely to score highly in Maths tests. They are good at mental arithmetic and most aspects of Maths. They are interested in science and how things work. They will often counts things for no apparent reason. They may have particular ways of doing things (even to the point of obsession). They can become frustrated by people who cannot see their point of view or way of doing things. They are likely to be well-organised and punctual. They may make lists (perhaps of things to do). They may also enjoy jigsaws and mazes. They often prefer to work alone.
Children with strong linguistic intelligence are likely to “always have their head in a book”. Not only do they like reading, they also write (stories, poems and letters) for pleasure. They usually mention things they have read about. They will have a wide vocabulary, be good at spelling, and are often fascinated by words and their meanings. They explain themselves well and like to teach others. They enjoy word games & puzzles (Scrabble, crosswords, etc.) and may also enjoy quizzes. They may be talkative (but not necessarily).
Children with strong visual-spatial intelligence are “natural artists”. They notice small differences in detail and have a good visual imagination. They will be good at drawing and enjoy drawing sketches, cartoons & doodles. They have a strong sense of colour. Given the opportunity, they will enjoy taking photo’s and making videos. They can find their way around easily. They use their hands when talking or explaining. They may also enjoy jigsaws & maze puzzles.
Children with strong musical intelligence like a wide range of music. They recognise tunes easily and quickly and are quick to learn songs. They may play a musical instrument (if provided with opportunity). They will probably be good singers. They are likely to hum or sing to themselves (or out loud) whilst doing other things. They may tap out rhythms. They are fascinated by different sounds.
Children with strong physical intelligence are good at sport & physical activities. They like practical activities (such as model-making, sewing, cooking, making things). They cannot help touching things and probably use their hands when talking. They have expressive facial features and may be good at drama. They are well co-ordinated with a good sense of balance, and may be good dancers.
Children with strong naturalist intelligence like all kinds of animals and may be responsible for looking after a pet. They may be interested in gardening and the countryside and will probably prefer to be outside. They may show an interest in insects, dinosaurs or archaeology and will enjoy nature programmes on TV. They probably collect things (such as Pokemon cards, etc. but especially insects, bits of rock) and may keep a scrapbook. They may be tidy and well-organised.
Find out more about Multiple Intelligences.