Multiple dimensions of yo ...
Multiple dimensions of your child’s development
In 1983, Dr. Howard Gardner, a professor from Harvard, identified that a child’s brain grows in multiple dimensions like Logical, Visual, Kinesthetic, Intrapersonal, etc. and developed the theory of ‘Multiple Intelligences’. Over centuries, thanks to the Industrial Revolution, we have given importance only to linguistic and mathematical/logical intelligence. This is very limiting according to Dr. Gardner as he explains that we are gifted with 8 types of intelligence:
• Linguistic intelligence (word smart)
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• Logical-mathematical intelligence (number/reasoning smart)
• Visual intelligence (picture smart)
• Kinesthetic intelligence (body smart)
• Musical intelligence (music smart)
• Interpersonal intelligence (people smart)
• Intrapersonal intelligence (self-smart)
• Naturalist intelligence (nature smart)
These intelligences have a bearing on the personality of the child and parents can help shape their children’s future by nurturing their intelligence. Children learn through experiences and we need to provide multiple stimulating experiences to stimulate growth in the different intelligences for the holistic development of the child.
| How to identify | Which personality trait this helps in | How to nurture | How to leverage this for other aspects | |
| Musical Intelligence | -Clap and Tap to Music -Sing and Make up Songs -Play an instrument | -Active listening -Creative thinking -Development of fine finger motor skills | -Playing different kinds of music -Using songs to encourage doing different activities -Learning a musical instrument or studying music -Getting songs and rhyme books | - Teach numbers by using drum beats, rhythm - Teach alphabets by creating musical mnemonics |
| Linguistic intelligence | -Love to read -Enjoy word games -Love storytelling | -Multitasking (especially Bilingual Babies) -Improvement in cognitive skills - Communication skills | -Playing word games, crosswords -Teaching a new language -Getting a personal journal to write -Reading books of various genre | - Teach alphabets through scrabble and other word board games - Teach concepts through story telling |
| Logical intelligence | -Love to play with numbers -Like problem solving -Love to lay strategy games | -Problem solving -Critical thinking -Analytical reasoning | -Stimulate thinking skills by classifying objects -Encourage to ask questions -Mathematic puzzles, anagrams, abacus training | -Teach language using jumble words -Teach history with timeline and chronology |
| Visual intelligence | -Think in pictures -Love art -Play around with shapes -Enjoy building things | -Creative thinking -Observational power (attention to details) -Analytical reasoning -Communication skills | -Through art & craft (sketching, painting, origami etc.) -Gadgets like camera for older kits -Getting Building games and Puzzles | -Household items like peas, oranges to teach numbers - Teach vocabulary using gestures eg – tall, short, etc - Teach countries on globe |
| Kinesthetic intelligence | -Love movement -Love dancing and acting -Like outdoor activities | -Development of gross and fine motor skills -Dexterity and agility -Hand-eye coordination | -Enrolling for sports, theatre, dance -Doing outdoor activities -Getting them hands-on construction kits on different concepts (shapes, science experiments etc.) | -Teach numbers through hopscotch -Use balls to teach subtraction, addition -Play simon says for teaching alphabets |
| Interpersonal intelligence | -Love people -Make friends easily - Care about others | -Emotional Intelligence -Social and lingual skills - Self-confidence | -Taking up team sports -Through Theatre and Public speaking platforms -Arranging play dates | -Teach subjects through group learning Teach history through role play |
| Intrapersonal intelligence | -Love time to themselves -Think about their feelings -Set goals for themselves | -Emotional intelligence -Self dependence -Higher order thinking -Self awareness | -Through contemplation, meditation, yoga -Reflective thinking through brain teasers -Provide a personal journal | -Connect concepts of Maths with real life -Create stories of historical figures and imagine to be in their place |
| Naturalistic Intelligence | -Love being outdoors -Like plants and animals -Collect leaves, rocks, bugs etc. | -Environmental ethics -Social Responsibility -Reduce attention disorder, depression, anxiety -Cognitive thinking | -Go for nature camps, outdoor camping, forest trailing -Visit Botanical and Zoological Parks -Let the child take up scouts and guides -Getting magnifying glass, binoculars etc. for nature exploration | -Teach amths using rose petals, stones, etc. -Teach about climate, weather, etc via outdoor learnign |
Like I mentioned in module 1 stating the criticality of brain development for a child - by the age of 6, 90% of the brain development takes place.
With brain development being so important in these formative years, it is of utmost importance to understand how can we provide the right stimulating experiences to stimulate their brain as can be understood from above and nutrition that aids this rapid brain development.
IIIrd Module. The important nutrients for their development
Research has shown that certain nutrients like DHA, Choline, Iron, Zinc, Iodine and Vit B help in brain development. They help in brain’s physical formation, memory, nervous system, etc. The deficiency of these nutrients have implications on the child’s cognitive abilities. Hence, it is important to understand the right nutrients and their role in the brain development. However, Nowadays with children being fussy at eating sometime or them having a smaller appetite, it gets difficult to give the required nutrients in adequate quantities daily.
Nutrition & Stimulation For Brain Development
So, parents, nutrition in required quantities as well as mental stimulation in the form of interaction with family, surroundings and positive learning experiences are crucial for brain development across the multiple dimensions of your child.
I hope this article was helpful for you. Do share your thoughts with me in the comments section below.
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and recommendations expressed in this article are solely those of the author and intended as an educational aid. Please consult your doctor for professional advice concerning specific health/medical matters. This article is supported by Junior Horlicks.
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