Strengthening Multiple Intelligences At Home – Being Parents

Eight different and independent types of intelligence are  currently recognized  which interact and reinforce each other. The latter were defined by psychologist Howard Gardner, who created the theory of multiple intelligences.

Therefore, it seems obvious to think that  all these intelligences must be developed from the first years of children’s life.  But how do you do it? How can we strengthen multiple intelligences at home? We are now going to give you some recommendations that may be of use to you.

The theory of multiple intelligences

According to Howard Gardner,  the eight multiple intelligences combine and use each other to varying degrees in personal and unique ways. Each person therefore has their own intelligence profile, which means that they develop certain intellectual capacities more easily than others – and are more competent with some.

The eight multiple intelligences according to Howard Gardner

We will now see what each of the multiple intelligences defined by this author consists of:

1. Linguistics : ability to use verbal and written language, demonstrating an ease in learning languages, to achieve certain goals using language and to understand the order and meaning of words in reading, writing, speaking and listening.
2. Logical-mathematical : ability to use and represent numerical quantization systems, to solve mathematical problems and to analyze problems in a logical way.
3. Naturalist  : ability to observe, analyze, reflect and formulate ideas objectively, showing interest in the world and natural phenomena.
4. Interpersonal  : the ability to relate to other people and understand their intentions, motivations and wishes.
5. Intra-personal : the ability to know and understand oneself, making effective use of this information in life.
6. Musical  : ability to compose, interpret, transform and evaluate sounds, rhythms and music in general.
7. Visuo-spatial : the ability to visually represent spaces and images, to recognize and manipulate plans, to remember and imagine mental images and to detect details in objects or photographs.
8. Kinesthetic : the ability to use the body to express itself, to solve problems or to create products.

Empower multiple intelligences at home

To strengthen each of the multiple intelligences to some degree,  it is fundamental that children grow up in a nurturing environment. They would thus find different opportunities to develop each of the intellectual capacities described above.

Therefore, to achieve this goal, it is important to create, at home, spaces of diversion and fun where the little ones could practice the different types of intelligence. Here are some recommendations now.

Strengthen linguistic intelligence

• While reading.
• Watching movies in their original version.
• Or by maintaining conversations where one would practice active listening.
• By making games and hobbies to expand your vocabulary  (letter soups, crosswords, Arabic telephone,  Tutti frutti , etc.).

Strengthen logical-mathematical intelligence

• By making cooking recipes.
• By playing strategy-based board games with the family.
• Another option: by playing buy and sell.
• By making sudokus.
• By playing chess.

Strengthen naturalistic intelligence

• By exploring the natural environment.
• By carrying out excursions in the open air.
• Or by playing science games and doing home experiments.

Strengthen interpersonal intelligence

• By playing cooperative games with all the members of the family.
• By exposing yourself to new friendships (in the neighborhood, in summer camps, during extra-curricular activities, etc.).

• Another idea: to play, at home, imitating people or characters.

Strengthen intra-personal intelligence

• By talking openly about their emotions and feelings on a daily basis.
• By practicing relaxation exercises with the family.

Strengthen musical intelligence

• Listening to music of different genres.
• Singing with the family.
• Or by playing an instrument (even if it’s just a toy).

Strengthen visuospatial intelligence

• By doing puzzles or puzzles.
• By playing construction games.
• Another possibility: play research and observation games.

Strengthen kinesthetic intelligence

• Dancing.
• By staging theatrical works with the family.
• Or by doing some type of sport or physical exercise.

About multiple intelligences at home

Ultimately, as you can see, it is very easy to empower multiple intelligences at home. It is enough to offer children a wide variety of activities  and to give equal importance to all types of intellectual abilities.