Supporting Multiple Intelligences in the Early Years

 Supporting Multiple Intelligences in the Early Years

Why Every Child Deserves to Be Seen, Heard and Valued

In every early years classroom, children learn in beautifully different ways. Some love to sing, some build towers, some tell stories and others observe quietly. Yet, traditional education often focuses mainly on language and math, missing the many other ways children are intelligent.

Dr. Howard Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences reminds us that intelligence is not one-size-fits-all. Instead, children possess a combination of different strengths that develop at their own pace.

In the early years, when the brain is rapidly developing, recognising and supporting these intelligences can build confidence, creativity and a lifelong love for learning.

What are Multiple Intelligences and why does supporting Multiple Intelligences matter in Early Years?

Gardner identified eight core intelligences that every child has in varying degrees:

  1. Linguistic – learning through words, stories and conversations.
  2. Logical–Mathematical – learning through patterns, numbers and problem-solving.
  3. Visual–Spatial – learning through pictures, building and visual thinking.
  4. Bodily–Kinesthetic – learning through movement and hands-on experiences.
  5. Musical – learning through rhythm, sound and songs.
  6. Interpersonal – learning through social interaction and teamwork.
  7. Intrapersonal – learning through self-reflection and emotional awareness.
  8. Naturalistic – learning through nature, animals and the environment.

Every child is a unique mix of these intelligences.

When we value different intelligences, we:

  • Build confidence and support holistic development by celebrating strengths.
  • Encourage engagement and curiosity by creating inclusive classrooms.
  • Reduce unnecessary labelling of children.

This aligns beautifully with child-centred and play-based approaches that you often advocate.

Simple Strategies to Support Each Intelligence

Linguistic

  • Storytelling, puppet shows, rhyming games.
  • Daily conversations and open-ended questions.

Logical–Mathematical

  • Sorting objects, pattern games, simple puzzles.
  • Counting during play and routines.

Visual–Spatial

  • Drawing, block play, visual schedules.
  • Matching games and picture cards.

Bodily–Kinesthetic

  • Action songs, role play, obstacle courses.
  • Sensory play like sand, clay, water and parachute.

Musical

  • Singing routines, sound games, clapping rhythms.
  • Exploring instruments and body percussion.

Interpersonal

  • Group games, partner tasks, sharing circles.
  • Cooperative projects.

Intrapersonal

  • Quiet corners, emotion charts, journaling through drawing.
  • “How do you feel?” check-ins.

Naturalistic

  • Gardening, nature walks, caring for plants.
  • Sorting leaves, stones and shells.

Conclusion

Every child is intelligent, just not in the same way.
By nurturing multiple intelligences in the early years, we move from teaching the child to teaching the whole child.

When we honour how children learn, we don’t just build skills; we build self-belief, joy and lifelong learners.

 

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