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Every Child is Gifted: Understanding Howard Gardner’s 8 Intelligences

16 May 2025 by
Every Child is Gifted: Understanding Howard Gardner’s 8 Intelligences
Yuvrajsinh Parmar

Introduction

Have you ever wondered why some children excel in music while others are great at solving puzzles, painting, or leading a group? Traditional education systems often reward only one kind of intelligence—usually language or math. But what about the child who tells amazing stories, dances effortlessly, or comforts friends during tough moments?


Dr. Howard Gardner, a developmental psychologist from Harvard University, gave the world a powerful insight: every child is intelligent, just in different ways. His theory of Multiple Intelligences changed the way we understand learning.


What Are the 8 Intelligences?

Gardner said intelligence isn’t just one fixed number. Instead, he identified 8 types:

  1. Linguistic – word-smart (likes reading, writing, storytelling)
  2. Logical-mathematical – number-smart (likes puzzles, logic, math)
  3. Musical – music-smart (understands rhythm, sounds, melody)
  4. Bodily-kinesthetic – body-smart (learns through movement and doing)
  5. Spatial – picture-smart (thinks in images, enjoys drawing/design)
  6. Interpersonal – people-smart (understands others, enjoys teamwork)
  7. Intrapersonal – self-smart (reflective, understands their own feelings)
  8. Naturalistic – nature-smart (loves animals, plants, outdoor learning)


Why This Matters to Parents

When parents understand their child’s intelligence style, they can support learning at home in a more meaningful way. A child struggling in math might be amazing in music or storytelling. Recognizing this helps parents stop comparing and start supporting.


How We Apply This at The Heritage Public School

At The Heritage Public School, Surendranagar, we use this theory in daily teaching. Our classrooms are designed to identify and nurture different intelligence types. Whether your child is linguistic, musical, or bodily-kinesthetic, we help them grow with confidence.


What Parents Can Do

  • Watch your child during play and learning
  • Notice what activities excite them
  • Encourage those interests
  • Remember, intelligence is not just about marks—it’s about passion and purpose


Conclusion

Every child has a unique spark. The job of education—and parenting—is to discover it and help it shine. Intelligence is not just one thing. It comes in many forms. Your child already has it—you just have to see it.


Want to discover your child’s intelligence style?

Take our free 2-minute quiz here: www.thps.in/quiz

Or WhatsApp us at 8758582020 for a personal consultation.