During the old times, it is recorded in the grading card if a child has outstanding or poor performance. Those students who can solve math problems and intelligently answer questions are called outstanding. What makes it sad is even if there is hidden talent, a student is still considered 'poor' in performance if they cannot answer math problems or questions about the lesson.

Today, instead of listing them as 'poor' students, schools discover their strengths and intelligence. It is indeed a challenge how this must be done for teachers and parents as well.

In 1989, Howard Gardner started to change the world of education by publishing the book Theory of Multiple Intelligence. He established seven intelligence theories and added one more. He believes that each individual is intelligent in different ways. This is based on the activities of the mind and culture acceptance.

1. Linguistic Intelligence - has sensitivity about meanings and definitions of words or any language.
2. Logical Mathematical Intelligence - ability in mathematics and complex logical systems.
3. Musical Intelligence - ability to understand and create music. (Example: musicians, dancers)
   
4. Spatial Intelligence - ability to think or use the imagination to draw what he sees. (Example: artists, architects, designers, sculptors)
   
5. Bodily Kinesthetic Intelligence - ability to use the body effectively to express one's self. (Example: monologue actors, dancers, athletes, actors/actresses)
6. Interpersonal Intelligence - ability to learn and understand other people's moods, desires and motivations. (Examples: politicians, spiritual leaders, skilled parents or teachers, therapists)
7. Intrapersonal Intelligence - ability to understand other's feelings. (Examples: novelists, advisers, counselors)
8. Naturalist Intelligence - ability to classify plants, minerals and animals, all types of flora and fauna.
   

1. Observe your child but be careful and flexible in your conclusions.
2. Enhance the ability by constant practice.
3. Involve yourself and do not take for granted the accomplishments of the child.
4. Know the child's interest and ask why a particular interest gets his attention.
5. Test the ability of the child though some tests could be performed by professionals.
6. Assist your child to succeed in whatever form of intelligence he has.
7. Know your child's limitations.  There are many ways to hone the talent or the skill or the intelligence.