“Teachers have only complaints about my boy. Frequently he commits spelling mistakes. He can’t by heart poems. He never completes class works or home works. He is very careless in classes….. Complaints go like this. But his IT teacher says he is very brilliant. He learns anything related to computers instantly. He is aware of anything related to modern technology. IT teacher is often amazed with his knowledge in doing programs and things related to technology. When all the rest of his teachers exclaim that he is a useless boy, his computer teacher is not agreeing with it.” It’s not the reasoning of a parent or two. In most cases where teachers and parents complain about bad habits and less IQ of kids, it’s sure they have recognized his talents wrong.

Have you ever thought why is it happening so? Most parents have noticed similar situations with more or less variations where they find their kids less smart in a particular area. No kid is born without any talents and if we measure their intelligence in terms of their exams marks, we fail in understanding their hidden talents. In fact, intelligence of kids varies from one another and their grasping powers also differ in accordance with it. His talents may be shining in a particular area more, the area which we neglect most.

It’s the biggest drawback of our education system. Most often, we consider the academic marks only to know if a kid is intelligent or not. If a kid is smart in reciting poems or doing arithmetic problems first, teachers call him ‘smart kid’. But it’s most interesting that this smart kid may often fail in art subjects and music. In this educational system, real talent of a kid goes unnoticed and nourishment is being given in those areas where kid not actually desires or deserves! Its outcome is the choice of a career in future for which he was not meant more.

Here, comes the significance of Multiple Intelligence and its recognition. This theory was put forward for the first time by Professor Howard Gardner of Education department, Harvard University in the year 1983. Now this theory is considered seriously when the discussions related to intelligence of kids are considered.

What is Multiple Intelligence?

According to this theory, structure of intelligence differs from one person to another. Also, talents of an individual differ in different zones of studies and subjects. A kid’s talent and his intelligence is a mixture of so many ingredients and components and in a particular subject or a few subjects, his brain has an upper hand. Their talents and interests have a direct link to it. Obviously learning scales of individuals do differ from one another. If you closely observe characteristics and behaviours of a kid, you can easily notice it.

Let me take an example of a small family with 2 kids. They live in the same family atmosphere. But the first kid may be interested in music most while the second kid is attracted towards dance steps. He may be talented in solving puzzles, but his elder brother hates puzzles and logical problems most. What does it point to? It differs due to the variants in Multiple Intelligence. If parents are able to recognize the different shades in kids’ interests, it is possible to give extra emphasis on that talent and perhaps, he may choose it as career option in future too. If so, he will shine in his career and do his job with interest and dedication. That’s the advantage. Yes, most significant is to nod to your kids’ fantasies and desires so that you won’t make wrong choices for him in distant future. Multiple intelligence is normally categorized into 8. But most recently, a 9th group has been found. So, let me describe one by one.

1. Linguistic Intelligence (Word Smart)

This group of kids is proficient in language and its usage. They show interest in reading as well as learning language subjects. They catch new words and their spellings so quickly and lean towards language subjects like Malayalam, Tamil, English or Hindi and Social studies than mathematics. They are interested in learning foreign subjects also. Such kids may be interested in writing poems and short stories also. They have an extra talent to express what they carry in mind, by adding their own flavours and spices.

How to encourage? Give them a lot of books to read and discuss with them about those books. Give them guidance to write short notes and diary. Such smart kids may be interested in doing word puzzles. Give them such puzzles to encourage their talents and train them to write speeches and short essays too. Drama class is another nice idea.

They can reach these positions in future – Poet, Journalist, Teacher, Lawyer, Librarian, Marketing consultant, News cater, Writer, Script writer, Lyricist

2. Logical – Mathematical Intelligence (Number, Reasoning smart)

These kids are most attracted towards digits and Mathematics is their favourite subject. Chess, brain teaser, logic puzzles and experiments are their favourite hobbies. They love computers too.

How to encourage? They like to play with digits. Hence give them questions and games related to mathematics. Chess and games with digits and cubes suit this category most.

They can reach these positions in future – Scientists, Researchers, Accountant Mathematician, Engineer, Economist, Computer Analyst, Computer technician, Computer programmer, Physicist, Network Analyst, Detective, Statistician, Database designer

3. Visual Spatial Intelligence (Picture Smart)

Have you noticed these kids? They are talented in drawing charts and maps and read them easily. They are day dreamers too. They are interested in movies as well as spend their leisure time in drawing and doodling. They are also interested in making models according to their imagination. They find happiness in separating body parts of their toys and later join again. This group of kids like jigsaw puzzles also a lot.

How to encourage? To make their talents bright, give them opportunities to draw, paint as well as colour objects. Clay modeling can also visualize their talents. Give them building blocks to make objects as they like. They make homes, dresses and toys according to their imaginations and colours. You can give these kids an opportunity to decorate rooms and its interior. 

They can reach these positions in future – Mechanist, Architect, Sculptor, Interior designer, Photographer, Navigator, Pilot, Strategic planner, Urban planner, Web master, Artist, Film animator, Graphics artist, Surveyor

4. Bodily Kinesthetic Intelligence (Body smart)

Interest in sports, reluctance to stay at a place quiet for a while, talent to drive attention of others, extra interest in activities where manual talents are exhibited, expert in eye, hand and leg movements – It’s very easy to recognize kids belonging to Body Smart group. If kids exhibit such mannerisms, no need to search for another category of ‘Multiple intelligence’.

How to encourage? Give them full support in participation in sports and other extracurricular activities. Dance classes exhibit their talents fully. Drama practices and theatres for kids are best choices too. To nourish fine motor eligibility, art of stitching and paper aero planes can help a lot.  

They can reach these positions in future – Surgeon, Athlete, Actor, Dancer, Computer game designer, Fire fighter, Crafts person, Forest ranger, Jeweler, Personal trainer, Sports therapist

5. Musical intelligence (Music smart)

Deep interest in music is the distinct peculiarity of kids belonging to this tag; they have great fascination to music instruments too. They bi-heart lines of songs easily. They have sweet voice too. They are always seen with a humming in their lips and always try to find rhythm in everything they observe. They even try to compose their own tunes and hence we can recognize Music smart kids easily.

How to encourage? You should give them an opportunity to learn music as well as musical instruments. Allow them to participate in school bands and church choirs. Show interest if they want to perform live in school competitions.

They can reach these positions in future – Composer, Music conductor, Audiologist, Disc jockey, Music critic, Music teacher, Sound editor, Singer, Song writer, Speech pathologist, Music therapist, Musician, Recording engineer

6. Inter personal intelligence (People smart)

They are team leaders always and always seen as leaders among the group of friends. They enjoy that position too. They have a helping mentality and win everyone’s heart too. They have a unique talent in solving problems of others and never carry selfishness in mind, if the matter is regarding his group of members. He cares them a lot and hence, so easy to point out this group of kids.

How to encourage? These kids are always interested in group activities. Hence allow them to mingle with friends at school as well as home, while doing some activities. Introduce them to books about different cultures and societies. At school, give them preference to leadership activities as well as stage shows. Mingling with people of society will surely well-polish their talents.

They can reach these positions in future – Administrator, Nurse, Communication manager, Politician, Customer service representative, Human resource manager, Marketing specialist, Psychologist, Teacher, trainer, Social worker.

7. Intra personal intelligence (Self smart)

This group of kids is always self dependent. They remain cool and silent when they are alone. They are well aware of their positives as well as negatives. They are interested in learning alone as well as playing alone. Such kids may keep certain interesting hobbies that they never tell anyone. They have a lot of self respect feeling as well as dignity and their minds are smart enough to learn something new from their successes as well as failures.

How to encourage? Encourage them to do activities that they can do alone. You can discuss with him about his aims and destinations. Even if you find strange hobbies and peculiarities at him, never laugh at him and isolate. Instead appreciate, encourage and honour.

They can reach these positions in future – Philosopher, Professor, Researcher, Teacher, Spiritual counselor, Theologian, Therapist, Writer, Wellness counselor, Healer, Personal counselor, Career counselor, Consultant, Program planner, Small business owner, Futurist, Trend predictor

8. Naturalist Intelligence (Nature Smart)

Does his normal talk always reflect matters about his pets and living beings around him? Is he interested in closeness to nature and zoo visits? Does he collect flowers and leaves? Are Biology and Zoology his dearest subjects? Does he observe nature closely and ask doubts related to it? Then no doubt, he is nature smart.

How to encourage? It’s great encouragement to such kids if you take them to zoos, natural parks and science museums. You can give him guidance to write about plants and animals he observes. Cultivate hobbies like collecting dry leaves and flowers. Gift him a pet dog or cat and nourish his interests in gardening too. Binoculars and telescopes can help him to observe nature close. Encourage him to take photographs of beautiful natural scenes, plants and animals. Parents should assist them in these habits. 

They can reach these positions in future – Animation health technician, Anthropologist, Botanist, Astronomer, Environment activist, Environmental lawyer, Farmer, Forest ranger, gardener, Geologist, Landscaper, Natural photographer, Veterinarian, Wild life expert, Ecologist

9. Existential Intelligence (Philosophically smart)

Scientists have most recently proved the existence of ninth group too. This group of kids is different from others. They always carry along with them, doubts related to birth and death. They think too much about their doubts too. They are interested in serious books and they carry countless doubts about life and universe. In future, they may turn to scientists, writers, philosophers, religious priests etc.

How to encourage? Face their doubts with patience and mature mind. Never discourage him or his doubts. You can read him highly philosophical books if he is interested and make him understand its meanings in simple words.

They can reach these positions in future – Scientists, Writers, Philosophers, Religious priests

Preference to certain zones

Though intelligence is divided into such distinct zones, a person may be smart in three or four zones. Though the kid is very intelligent in all the subjects, he will be extra smart in a particular zone or two. In certain zones, their talents may be negligibly nil. It depends on those facts, if they grasp a particular subject or not. It’s the duty of parents to recognize those areas and give opportunities. But they should be given opportunities in all the learning styles also. Then only his mental development happens in all zones; he may go back in certain subjects too. One child should have minimum knowledge in all subjects he studies. Then only he can pass the exams. Otherwise it adversely affects his studies too. Parents should take care of this factor also.

Recognition at which age?

There is no particular age at which he explicitly shows his interests and smartness. Observe him closely from early childhood. He is attracted to which type of toys most? Is it racing cars or colour pencils and crayons? What does he do when he takes his toys in hand? Is he interested in hearing stories? Is he happy while seeing story books? Does he observe nature and surroundings? Observe even his simple mannerisms and hobbies.

Then, you can ask his interests and tastes. You can ask, “What do you want to become in future?” He may reply as pilot, doctor, engineer, teacher etc. Kids reply according to their imaginations. But who knows, it’s his taste and zone chosen for his future! Very often, his interests are hidden in those answers too. Through his plays, hobbies and small mischiefs too, you can find his interests. Such kids may repeat the same mischiefs even after getting your scoldings. It shows that his mind is slightly bent towards that activity. When you have identified his zone of smartness, just you need to do is to support and encourage him. Neglect his defects, appreciate his efforts and see the results.

For parents note:

‘All kids are smart’ - every parent should know this simple logic. Only thing is that it may belong to a particular zone you are not interested at. Just think that every person has his own identity and individuality and we can’t impose on them, our interests even though they are our own kids. Just take care of these points.

1. Never give him mental pressure for lower marks and grades scored in exams. Never behave as if we are in despair.
2. Observe your kids and behave without making pre-assumptions.
3. Allow them to play in natural way.
4. Read their minds and do what they need, before they express through words.
5. Never impose your desires on your kids. If you are a doctor, it doesn’t imply your kid should also become a doctor. Similarly, never see them as roads or paths to fulfill your dreams and desires. If you aimed and failed to win IAS, it doesn’t mean it’s the duty of your kids to fulfill your wish through their deeds and hard work.
6. Each person has his own individuality and desires and do pay respect to him even if he is your child.   
7. Never desire that all his talents should reach a particular destination. Your kid may have talent in dancing. But it doesn’t mean he should become a professional dancer in future. Only thing you can do is to encourage him. If he really feels so, he will try and win at last.
8. Help him to take decisions, but never give him pressure with your ambitions. Never believe that talents should always get fame, money, popularity etc. Sometimes, such hobbies are for personal happiness also.
9. Let the kid show his talent the way he likes. Only duty you have to do is to give him a paper and pencil. Let him decide what to and how to draw in that canvas. If you interfere and put him in your own boundaries, your kid may lose his natural talents and imaginative power. He may draw what you want to and it should never happen so.
10. Sometimes, hidden talents are shown in strange words. When you ask him to cut pictures with scissors he may be observing the functioning of scissors than the pictures he cut. It depends up on his smartness and interests.
11. Observe his plays and hobbies. Somewhere in his hobbies, his tastes, talents and interests are hidden too.
12. You can directly ask him about his interests. Then learn also, why he is interested in that particular subject or topic.
13. You can talk with his close teachers. They have a better idea of his interests.
14. When they grow up, their interests and likes may change. Parents should notice this factor too.
15. Primary classes are the best to observe their hidden talents and favourite zones. During this stage of life, kids are normally innocent and they express what they like most without hiding. Though parents can recognize their talents during upper primary and high school classes, it’s always advisable to know them near at younger age. As a child grow up, he learns a lot from his surroundings and he suppresses his feelings and interests a lot! A lot of controls come into play and they may lose some natural characteristics.
16. Parents can easily identify natural talents than school teachers. In homes, kids behave freely and at school, they study in discipline. Obviously their natural talents blossom when they are along with his family members.

Role of teachers

Certain kids are not smart in learning lessons. Teachers should keep in mind the fact that all fingers are not the same! Never discourage them with harsh words. Instead try to find if that particular student has some extra talent. Now I remember the movie ‘Tare Zameen par’, where Aamir Khan identifies the hidden talent in his student who is not smart in learning. It’s easy for teachers to know multiple- intelligence of the students. A kid who scores fewer marks in science and mathematics may be good painter.

Teacher is the best guide of a student and his punishments should make positive impulses on kids. If teacher is able to encourage that particular talent of the kid, it increases the self confidence level of the kid a lot. Instead of thinking ‘Why he can’t do?’ make him feel, ‘I can do this particular activity excellently’.
Along with studies, teachers should take primary steps for extracurricular activities. Dance and music classes, arts and crafts, pencil drawing, drama, word puzzles, sports, field trips to nature protected areas, photography – let kids explicitly show his talents in other wonder activities too. If teacher feels that student is very weak in a particular subject, he should be given extra attention.

When kids reach a position that’s most interesting to them, they will enjoy both their work and life. Otherwise he may be needed to give extra pressure and take extra steps to yield requiring results. It’s always better to model the next generation in such a way that they help our nation grow by using their natural talents than artificially added ones. That’s the biggest plus point of identifying multiple intelligence and cultivating natural talents. It increases the happiness and level of confidence of your kid also.

Chart prepared by author herself.