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5. The Application of Multiple Intelligences Theory to Kindergarten Classes
The theory of multiple intelligences helps children succeed on their own terms. Therefore, forget the standard I.Q. meaning of genius then understand that
each child will be a genius in a very different way from another child. There are seven description of multiple intelligences of children written by
May Lwin, Adam Khoo, Kenneth Lyen, Caroline Sim in their book How to Multiple your Child’s Multiple Intelligences 2003, and the appropriate activities for each
intelligence.
a. Verbal-Linguistic Intelligence
Verbal-Linguistic intelligence refers to the ability to form thoughts clearly and be able to develop these competently through words to express these thoughts in
speech, reading, and writing. It involves sensitivity of spoken and written language. A person with high verbal language will not only display a sound command of the
language, but also be able to tell stories, debate, discuss, interpret, report, and undertake a variety of other verbal and writing related tasks.
The importance of Verbal-Linguistic intelligence is to improve reading skill, writing skill, listening skill, and to build self-presentations and general linguistic
skills. Furthermore, there are activities to enhance verbal development to expose
children to basic linguistic skills. They are providing opportunities for doing simple conversation, teaching children the joy of reading, exposing children to music, and
playing word games. PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
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b. Mathematical-Logical Intelligence
Mathematical-Logical intelligence
consists of the capacity to analyze problems logically, carry out mathematical operations, and investigate issues
scientifically. In Howard Gardners words, it entails the ability to detect patterns, reason deductively and think logically. This intelligence is most often associated with
scientific and mathematical thinking. The importance of Mathematical-Logical intelligence is to enhance logic and
strengthen reasoning skills, to discover the working of patterns and relationship, to enhance number sense, to develop problem solving skills, to improve ability to
classify and categorize, and to enhance memory. To enhance Mathematical-Logical intelligence, there are some activities like
working with patterns, practicing and solving math problem, experimenting and developing a sense of science, using computer, and playing logic and strategy games.
The activities for working with patterns can be shaping connection, collecting things in the bag, making fruit sticks, and so forth. Then for practicing and solving math
problem, some games such as counting games, making egg cartoon train, hopping and counting can stimulate children’s awareness of numbers and math.
Children should be encouraged to conduct their own experiments based on their observation of things around them and gain better awareness of the natural
world they live in. The activities that can expose children to the idea of experimentation are making chocolate-dipped frozen bananas, creating colors, and so
forth. Additionally, using computer can help children in learning numbers and PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
27 geometric shapes, colors, and movement with the help of many commercially
available CD-ROMs with mathematical programs. Furthermore, the activity like playing simple logic games through story telling
with children can encourage them to predict what will happen next in the play or story. The example of logic games are puzzle center, mystery story with a riddle, little
riddles, and so forth. Children are subconscious learners and can perceive patterns and sequences
around us from a young age. Therefore, decorate the wall at home with posters depicting different patterns, shapes, and colors.
c. Visual-Spatial Intelligence
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