Most people leave IQ tests with an air of superiority or a feeling of inadequacy. I am one whose confidence sank after a high school IQ test. Sure, I could draw and sing well, had a huge imagination and wrote poems. But according to that esteemed test, I was “below average.”
Thankfully, research proves otherwise. According to Harvard psychologist, Dr. Howard Gardner, IQ tests merely test for “logical mathematical intelligence,” one of nine different intelligences. In his Theory of Multiple Intelligences, Gardner lists: linguistic, spatial, musical, logical-mathematical, bodily-kinesthetic, interpersonal, intrapersonal and naturalist intelligence.
Every person has a splendid combination of these intelligences. For instance, a master gardener likely has a combination of naturalist and spatial intelligence; a songwriter has linguistic and musical skills. A dancer and a carpenter may both have bodily-kinesthetic intelligence, but the dancer has strong large motor skills along with musical intelligence whereby the carpenter has strong fine motor skills accompanied by logical-mathematical knowhow.
Researchers have created free assessments to identify intelligences, even in young children. Once I discovered my combination of linguistic and intrapersonal intelligences, those old insecurities fell off and I could live out my strengths with confidence and joy. Next, I was eager to discover my children’s natural bents.
I found that my nine-year-old son has strong naturalist and intrapersonal intelligences. The results confirmed what my heart knew- he needs time alone outside every day. My seven-year-old daughter chattily climbed a doorway while I tallied her survey. Unsurprisingly, her intelligences are bodily-kinesthetic and interpersonal. No wonder she loves ballet and playdates. Knowing her bent convinces me to keep her always in athletics and on a team. My five-year-old’s numbers showed logical-mathematical skills. This must be why he loves puzzles. And my three-year-old is already showing signs of interpersonal intelligence. Knowing their individual strengths and interests equips me to help them thrive.
Understanding multiple intelligences is like holding a figurative basket of verbal goodies to hand out. God designed the gambit of personality types, talents, interests, learning styles, love languages, spiritual gifts and intelligences then whisked them together artfully to form individuals.
When parents, grandparents, teachers and mentors know children’s intelligences, they can encourage kids in their God-given strengths and provide them with the space and resources to hone their skills and pursue their interests. As their proficiency grows, their confidence will grow too. As we nurture children’s natures, they feel seen and valued as they are; they feel loved. And love knits our hearts together in a life-giving bond.
This article was printed in the Winnsboro News in May 2021.
Take the intelligence survey here.
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Thank you Heather! I saved the survey so I can use it with the kids. We miss you!
I miss you too!! Thank you Jody.