Discover your child's potential

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INTERPERSONAL (People)

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.

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LOGICAL (Numbers)

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.

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Discover your child�s abilities

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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.

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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.

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Develop your child�s potential

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INTRAPERSONAL (Self)

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.

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LINGUISTIC (Words)

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).

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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).

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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�.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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VISUAL-SPATIAL (Pictures)

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.

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MUSICAL (Music)

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.

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PHYSICAL (Body)

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.

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NATURALIST (Nature)

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.

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This page - in the form of a two-sided A4-sized leaflet - can be downloaded as a pdf file.

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Click here to find out more about Multiple Intelligences