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The theory of Multiple Intelligences (MI) says that people have an array of intelligences. Parents who have tuned into this have an advantage - they know how to focus their help. This author coined the term, MI-adept parent, to describe parents who know, or are adept at, recognizing their child’s unique intellectual profile and applying this information in helping their child learn.
To help portray what MI-adept parents do, it seems a case study would be helpful and valuable. Read the following description of the Robertson children. The Robertson’s are MI-adept parents and will be used to discuss how to apply MI theory when helping children with school work.
Tim is a 15 year-old boy who has always been an avid reader. He was reading by the time he was three years old and by the time he was five he was reading the dictionary and encyclopedia. Buying toys for Tim was difficult as he was not interested in typical toys (vehicles, action figures etc.). He wanted real things such as chemistry instruments, telescopes and engines. Although he was studious, he would only apply himself to the subjects he enjoyed. He was very popular and appeared to have a charismatic affect on teachers and peers.
Elizabeth is a 13 year-old who lives for her friends. She has always been socially preconscious and started living to talk to friends on the phone when she was in the third grade. Going anywhere with family, that would keep her away from her friends, would be a tragedy. She has above average intellectual potential as measured by conventional IQ tests and makes good grades in school despite very little study and effort. Her favourite subjects are music, art, and drama.
Todd is a 12 year-old who has had a difficult time in school. He reads adequately but exhibits problems in spelling and written communication. Learning spelling words has always been difficult. He loves music. He sits at the piano and plays from his “soul”. He doesn’t read music as his behaviour has been problematic and music lessons are something he has to earn by appropriate behaviour. Todd is very sensitive and his eyes will fill with tears whenever he is embarrassed or sad about something. He has a heart of gold and holds a place in his heart for his grandparents who passed away. He excels in sports of all kinds.
What do you think? Are the Robertson’s parenting three vastly different children with different learning strengths and challenges? If you answered yes to this question, you’re becoming an MI-adept parent. Parenting Tim, Elizabeth and Todd and helping them learn to be successful in school and life, takes three different approaches.
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