Many of Kidzmet’s activity suggestions are based on Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences.
The theory is grounded in the belief that there are multiple ways to demonstrate intellectual ability and that an IQ or prediction of future success should not be determined solely on the basis of math and verbal abilities.
Intelligence has been recently defined in Psychology Today by cognitive psychologist Scott Barry Kaufman as a combination of both general understanding and deliberate thinking and spontaneous/implicit learning or the ability to “think fast.”
In an IQ format, logical-mathematical intelligences is tested by how quickly and accurately a child can work through a set of problems with a measurable result. Linguistic intelligence is analyzed by the grasp of vocabulary/word decoding, reading comprehension and the ability to coherently express an idea to another via language or writing. But in the context of multiple intelligences (MIs)…
- how do we measure the acumen of a musician who can not only read musical notes and inflection, but perform them and spontaneously finish musical phrases in a way that “sounds right” or compose and create melodies and harmonies of their own.
- how do we measure the kinesthetic abilities of a soccer player who can think quickly of how to score a goal without knowing what the opposing team will do beforehand…and have his body respond to the ever-changing situation quickly enough to make it to the end of the field?
- how do we measure the visual/spatial abilities of a landscape artist who not only creates a rich color palette with varying plants of many textures and heights, but can anticipate the way that the young plants will grow over time and space them appropriately and “see the future” of how the design will look seasonally through the different bloom cycles of the perennials?
- how do we measure the intrapersonal abilities of an individual who is adept at both setting and meeting goals for themselves, as well as interacts with others in a way that doesn’t compromise their own set of beliefs and can keep emotions in check during stressful situations?
Similarly, kids have different personality type based strengths. What works like a dream with one child may not be as successful, inspiring or engaging for another. It’s our belief that if you want your kids to have a joyful, successful, meaningful life, you need to help them break out of the IQ “ideal” mold and play to their own unique strengths.
All [kids] bright and beautiful,
All [kids] great and small,
All [kids] wise and wonderful.
~ Cecil F. Alexander