How Your Child is Smart

Once in a while, you’ll come across people that think your child isn’t as “gifted” or “talented” as their child. That parent’s idea of child intelligence may be based on figuring out math problems or being able to create impressive buildings out of Legos. What that parent doesn’t realize is that just because your child isn’t proficient at solving math problems doesn’t mean they aren’t smart.

Everyone is a genius.  But if you judge a fish on its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing it is stupid. – Albert Einstein

Einstein says it best that “everyone is a genius” in their own way.  Some parents focus on teaching their children using the same method that was taught when they were in school, a verbal linguistic and logical mathematical type of learning.  This is further supported by traditional schools that may still use the same methods of teaching.  What these parents and schools may not realize is that a child’s educational journey is best served by teaching in ways the child can learn best.

Howard Gardner’s theory on Multiple Intelligences helps you understand the different ways your child is smart.  Gardner challenged the widely held notion that intelligence is a single capacity but instead could be reflected in a number of intelligences that ultimately yield a unique cognitive profile of each person.  Edutopia’s article delves deeper into the theory from an educator’s point of view: “Many educators have had the experience of not being able to reach some students until presenting the information in a completely different way or providing new options for student expression.”

The importance of knowing how your child is smart and how they learn best can’t be overstated.  This holds true for both you as a parent and for educators in the classroom.  We at FasTracKids support Gardner’s theory, knowing that a “one-size fits all” education will leave some students behind.  Let us collaborate with you and your child on your learning journey.  We can’t wait to discover all of ways your child is smart!

---