Multiple Intelligences
Sep 21, 2002 Homeschooling
I just read a book called In Their Own Way by Thomas Armstrong, Ph.D. He’s a former special ed teacher and the book is about what’s getting called “multiple intelligences.” Basically that means the different ways that people learn. He gives short definitions of the various intelligences and is clear that we are all gifted in more than one. It was interesting to read and find Brett and myself in them but of course I was reading for Noah.
The seven intelligences are: Linguistic (I see Noah here), Logical-Mathematical (possibly Noah), Spatial (not sure yet for him but this is very Brett), Musical (definitely Noah), Bodily-Kinesthetic (Noah is very expressive with his body), Interpersonal (again, I don’t see Noah here very strongly), Intrapersonal (all of us but really rings true for Noah).
The Intrapersonal info is this:
Like those who have interpersonal intelligence, intrapersonal children possess strong personalities. Yet many of them tend to shy away in isolation. They have a deep awareness of their inner feelings, dreams, and ideas. They may keep a diary or have ongoing projects and hobbies that are semisecretive in nature. There’s a certain quality of inner wisdom, intuitive ability, or even a psychic nature that accompanies many of these children throughout their lives. This deep sense of self sets them apart and causes them go off on their own toward some goal known only to themselves. … Intrapersonally talented children:
* display a sense of independence or strong will;
* react with strong opinions when controversial topics are being discussed;
* seem to live in their own private, inner world;
* like to be alone to pursue some personal interest, hobby or project;
* seem to have a deep sense of self-confidence;
* march to the beat of a different drummer in their style of dress, their behavior, or their general attitude;
* motivate themselves to do well on independent study projects.
Later in the book Armstrong writes about the way intrapersonal children learn:
Children inclined in this direction learn best when left to themselves. These youngsters are self-motivating. Provide them with the chance to pursue independent study, self-paced instruction, and individualized projects and games. It’s very important for them to have their own private space at home where they can work on hobbies and interests undisturbed and spend time in quiet introspection. In the same way, they need a special place out in nature — a tree house or fort, for example — where they can get away to think things over. Respect their privacy, let them konw that it’s okay to be independent, and provide them with resources they need to help them pursue their particular interests.
Noah is very private about his play and I can tell he’s getting annoyed with people who ask him what he’s learning at homeschool. He feels very self-conscious. I need to think of activities that he can control and do without my help. Mostly I am struck by how spread out Noah’s skills are.
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