Multiple Intelligences for Kids

I just ordered You're Smarter Than You Think - A Kid's Guide to Multiple Intelligences by Thomas Armstrong from Amazon, received it today and read it this evening.  It is an excellent, kid-friendly description of multiple intelligences and different kinds of "smarts".

I have always thought that Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences was an excellent description of the way that God made us all different with strengths and weaknesses in different areas - all designed so that that we may live our lives to glorify Him and benefit others as well as find joy in living life as we were designed to live.  We are fearfully and wonderfully made by God exactly like we are supposed to be.  It reminds me of the Bible verse in Proverbs that we should bring up our children in the way they should go, or more accurately, the way they are "bent" or made. 

This book takes Howard Gardner's ideas and makes them extremely accessible to kids. He calls the areas: 

1. Word Smart
2. Music Smart
3. Logic Smart
4. Picture Smart
5. Body Smart
6. People Smart
7. Self Smart
8. Nature Smart

He mentions often that we are all smart in each area but we may be stronger in some areas than others.  Each chapter begins with a quiz to pinpoint some ways that you might be smart in that area.  After the quiz, Armstrong defines what it means to be that type of smart, lists fun ways to become more smart in that area, what to do if you aren't strong in that area, and what to do if you are strong in that area.  He then lists future careers that use that strength and finally, resources (such as books, music, software, and websites) to "get smart" in that intelligence.  He also sprinkles "Did You Know?" boxes throughout the text with fun facts and ideas. 

I plan to have Daniel and Heather read at least some of this book for homeschool. It is important to me that both of my kids know that God has made them just like they are supposed to be and that they are smart in many areas.  Even though they may not be good at a certain area academically, they can get better and even though they may be good at a certain subject, they can still improve in that subject or area of intelligence, as well.  I know they can really use their gifts and "smarts" to live a fulfilling, joyful, creative, valuable and Godly life that glorifies God and helps others. 

It would be useful to anyone, young or old, to get a better sense of their strengths and areas they can stand to improve and this book is an easy and enjoyable read to start one on the path to a greater self awareness.  This book is a great way to do that!