Impactful Reads for Your Homeschool: You're Smarter Than You Think by Thomas Armstrong

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One of the most impactful books I - and my kids - have ever read during our years of

homeschooling would be a book that they may likely have forgotten. That’s not to say it was boring, but it was information that has become so ingrained with how we do life together, that they may not remember it came from a book first! You’re Smarter Than You Think: A Kid’s Guide to Multiple Intelligences by Thomas Armstrong, Ph.D., is a book that explains Multiple Intelligences in written format and visuals that kids can understand.

What are ‘multiple intelligences’? The theory was first proposed by Howard Gardener, and it’s the idea that people have different talents and bents (as opposed to one general ‘traditionally academic’ view of being ‘smart’) that, when engaged and strengthened, move the student or person ahead in their ability to learn and process information. This implies that when the student shows interest in a topic or way of learning, they are going to receive information in that field or ‘intelligence’ easier because it’s playing to their strengths.

An example of this would be “People Smart”. Taken from the book on page 109, Armstrong says, “On a basic level, you enjoy working, learning, helping, and being with other people. You may have a good natural understanding of how people are feeling, what they want or need, and why they do what they do…[It] also means that you genuinely care about people and enjoy finding ways to help them.” In summary, this strength might be that people with this intelligence can intuit how to engage with people in many different situations, work collaboratively in various ways, and perhaps even be strong in leadership roles.

Why was this book impactful? I read it aloud with my kids who were struggling with academics, but I could see the brilliant minds, creativity, and learning happen when ‘school’ wasn’t pressuring them. I’ve written in other places that my kids have language-based learning disabilities (dyslexia, among others) and they needed to hear that there were different, interesting, and acceptable ways of engaging and working within the world that weren’t outcomes of workbooks.

Each chapter (‘smart’) in this book has the following: a ‘quick quiz’ to determine if you relate to this intelligence, a summary of what it might look like, including ways it might come about already in one’s life, how this intelligence can help you in the future (work, interpersonal relationships, etc.), “Did You Know” graphics that relate other people throughout history that have shown signs of this intelligence, ways to improve this intelligence in oneself (a section of ‘improving’ this smart whether you relate to it, and one if you don’t!), and the types of vocations or jobs that relate to this type of intelligence.

My kids (and I!) each related to a few of the 9 intelligences which are: Word, Music, Logic, Picture, Body, People, Self, Nature, and Life. There are so many opportunities for kids to see themselves and their future within the abilities, talents, and bents they already have developed within their individual personalities. It’s a way to broaden a child’s horizons on what their future might look like (an exciting prospect that flows into who they already are) and give them supportand encouragement when academics are challenging for long stretches at a time.

I recommend this book for anybody, whether the child has learning differences or not. Anyone - even parents - can find inspiration in how their ‘multiple intelligences’ are playing out in their interests and strengths in life! I also think this book creates resilience. The information helps kids build a positive outlook on who they are even when challenges or difficulties come their way, in school or life. We can lean on our God-given talents and strengths - our intelligences - to keep moving forward.