Your child has 1 of 9 intelligence types!

Your child has 1 of 9 intelligence types!

Unlocking Your Child’s Potential with Tomaze Toys and Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences

 

At Tomaze Toys, we are inspired by many philosophers and educational approaches like Reggio Emilia, Maria Montessori, Waldorf, and Howard Gardner. This diverse foundation ensures that our toys are applicable and beneficial for various educational philosophies. In this blog, we focus specifically on Howard Gardner’s theory of Multiple Intelligences to highlight how our purposeful play system supports every child's unique ways of learning and growing.


Howard Gardner’s groundbreaking 1983 book, "Frames of Mind," identifies nine distinct intelligences that represent different ways of processing information and learning. Gardner’s theory helps us understand that intelligence is multifaceted. Unlike traditional IQ tests that measure only certain types of intelligence, Gardner’s framework shows that children can excel in areas beyond just math and literacy.


For instance, a child might struggle with linguistic intelligence but excel in kinesthetic intelligence, making them a talented athlete. This approach ensures that children are not judged by a single standard but are recognized for their unique strengths. If a child excels in just two of these intelligences, they are considered highly capable and intelligent. Understanding these areas allows us to tailor learning experiences to suit each child's natural abilities.


Here’s how you can use this knowledge to support your child:
  1. Linguistic Intelligence:
  • Skills: Reading, writing, storytelling.
  • Potential Professions: Writers, poets, lawyers.
  • Activities: Encourage reading, storytelling, and writing. Play word games and engage in discussions to develop verbal skills.
Example: If your child loves reading and writing, use storytelling to teach math concepts or journaling during nature walks to enhance naturalistic intelligence. Teaching time can involve writing the numbers after reading a clock, and nonfiction books can be used to convey factual information.
  1. Logical-Mathematical Intelligence:
  • Skills: Logical reasoning, problem-solving.
  • Potential Professions: Scientists, engineers, analysts.
  • Activities: Incorporate puzzles, logic games, and math challenges. Encourage your child to solve problems and explore scientific concepts through experiments.
Example: A child strong in logical reasoning can learn many skills through numbers and logic. Use phonics sounds to teach reading or incorporate math into music and kinesthetic activities. For instance, use numbers to teach musical rhythms or physical movements.
  1. Spatial Intelligence:
  • Skills: Mental imagery, spatial reasoning.
  • Potential Professions: Architects, artists, pilots.
  • Activities: Provide building blocks, drawing materials, and puzzles that require visualizing and manipulating objects. Encourage activities like map reading and exploring visual arts.

Example: Encourage drawing plans before building with blocks or creating step-by-step guides for puzzles. Visualizing and documenting their creative process can bridge their interests with other skills.

  1. Musical Intelligence:
  • Skills: Musical composition, performance.
  • Potential Professions: Musicians, composers.
  • Activities: Introduce musical instruments, singing, and rhythmic games. Listen to various types of music and encourage your child to create their own melodies.
    Example: Use music to teach various skills, like counting by 5s or phonics through songs. Play instrumental music during playtime to enhance focus and creativity.
    1. Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence:
    • Skills: Coordination, physical control.
    • Potential Professions: Athletes, dancers, surgeons.
    • Activities: Engage in physical activities like sports, dance, and hands-on projects. Encourage activities that involve building, crafting, and using physical skills.
    Example: Integrate movement into learning, such as jumping to different letter cards to learn the alphabet or throwing a ball while practicing counting. Purposeful play involving movement can make learning more engaging.
    1. Interpersonal Intelligence:
    • Skills: Empathy, social skills.
    • Potential Professions: Teachers, therapists, politicians.
    • Activities: Foster social interactions through group activities, role-playing, and cooperative games. Teach empathy and communication skills through social play.
    Example: Children with strong social skills thrive in leadership roles. Encourage them to teach or lead activities, using their social strengths to learn other subjects.
    1. Intrapersonal Intelligence:
    • Skills: Self-reflection, emotional intelligence.
    • Potential Professions: Psychologists, philosophers.
    • Activities: Support activities that promote self-reflection, such as journaling, meditation, and setting personal goals. Help your child understand their emotions and thoughts.
    Example: Encourage personal narratives and reading books about emotions. This self-awareness can help in understanding and managing their own feelings and thoughts.
    1. Naturalistic Intelligence:
    • Skills: Observation, understanding nature.
    • Potential Professions: Biologists, environmentalists.
    • Activities: Spend time in nature, exploring plants, animals, and environmental concepts. Engage in gardening, nature walks, and activities that involve categorizing and understanding natural phenomena.
    Example: Use nature to teach literacy, math, and science. Reading about nature, observing during walks, and writing about plants or animals can integrate multiple subjects seamlessly.
    1. Existential Intelligence:
    • Skills: Deep thinking, philosophical reasoning, reflection on existence and the universe.
    • Potential Professions: Philosophers, theologians, writers, spiritual leaders.
    • Activities: Engage in reflective journaling, storytelling, nature walks, stargazing, and mindfulness practices. Encourage deep discussions about life's big questions and provide books that explore philosophical themes.
    Example: If your child is fascinated by deep questions, nurture this by engaging in nature walks where they reflect on their place in the world. Provide a journal for their thoughts and have bedtime stories with philosophical themes. Incorporate stargazing sessions to discuss the universe and mindfulness practices to explore their inner world.


    Practical Tips:

    • Holistic Learning: Engage multiple intelligences by mixing activities that cater to different strengths. This provides a well-rounded educational experience.
    • Personalized Growth: Observe which activities your child enjoys most and focus on those to help them develop their unique abilities.
    • Enhanced Engagement: Make learning fun and interactive to keep your child motivated and interested.
    According to Howard Gardner, a child will excel in two or three of these intelligences. Recognizing and nurturing these specific areas allows you to understand and appreciate your child's unique gifts. This approach reduces the pressure of traditional comparisons and embraces each child's individual strengths.

    Advice For Parents:

    By recognizing and nurturing these intelligences, you can help your child build a well-rounded skill set that supports their overall growth and development. Embrace their unique learning style and watch them thrive!

     

    The Power of Purposeful Play:

    Our purposeful play system has been carefully designed by educators, incorporating all facets of science and research from theories such as Gardner’s. We design toys that help children develop their strengths while having fun.

     

    Why Parents Love Tomaze Toys:

    Our toys are designed not just to entertain but to educate. They help children build essential skills like problem-solving, creativity, and social interaction through engaging activities. Whether your child is a budding artist, a mini-engineer, or a future athlete, Tomaze Toys support their journey.

     

    Join The Tomaze Toys Family:

    Understanding and embracing your child’s unique play style can make all the difference in their development. Share your experiences with us and see how our toys can help unlock your child’s potential. Let’s celebrate the diversity of our little ones’ learning journeys together!


    Discover more at TomazeToys.com and see how our purposeful play system can benefit your child’s growth and learning. 

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