There Is No Stupid Child!
There is no stupid child
if the child does not quickly grasp the math or language lesson
the child must be smart in other fields
because every child is smart
As teachers, when we find our students are not easy to understand math, can we judge them stupid? Of course not. There is no stupid child.
As teachers, we should believe that our students have strengths in certain fields. Some students are good in math, some other are good in sport or other fields. As Dr. Howard Gardner argued in his research about multiple intelligence. Therefore, the intelligence of children is not only seen from IQ but can be from other intelligences. They are:
Linguistic Intelligence
This intelligence is arisen and developed through reading, writing ideas. This intelligence is seen in the child's ability to produce language and complex things such as poetry, humor, metaphors and symbolic thinking.
Logical Mathematical Intelligence
This intelligence is the ability to analyze "problem logically"
Musical Intelligence
Involves the capacity to understand and use rhythmic and tone and the sensitivity of the sound from the surroundings.
Bodyly-Kinesthetic Intelligence
Ability to use all parts of the body to solve problems or perform a motion that produces the movement.
Spatial Intelligence
Ability to organize and manipulate images and wide room. This ability is usually owned by a pilot, a navigator, a chess player.
Interpersonal Intelligence
Understand the intentions, motivations and desires of others and consequently work effectively with others. This ability is usually owned by teachers, politicians, nurses, salespeople.
Intrapersonal Intelligence
The ability to understand own self. Utilizing information to manage self-sufficiency
Natural Intelligence
The ability to recognize and classify species, flora, fauna and the environment.
Existstential Intelligence
Ability to position yourself politely in the universe.
Spiritual Intelligence
Ability to understand and follow values, religious rules.
With the understanding of the various types of multiple intelligence, hopefully we can further understand that every child is smart. So as teachers, we continue to learn to educate children with creative ways so that their intelligence will grow and develop.