Logical Intelligence

• In this article let us learn about Logical or Mathematical Intelligences.
• Mathematical intelligence does not just mean you are good at maths. It is much more than that. It includes reasoning, understanding quantities, recognizing patterns and their relationship, critical thinking and logically analyzing problems.
• If we talk to children who struggle with maths, we will find common underlying factors – they do not like dealing with numbers and are not interested in it because it does not make sense to them. These children try to memorize it rather than understand the concepts and when they forget, they fail.
• Hence, it is very important that we as educators make sure children understand the concepts and basics of maths. Counting is the starting point of almost all mathematics. Get your pre-schooler into the habit of counting everything. For example, Counting buttons on the shirt, climbing steps, counting objects, counting chips on his plate etc. are some simple but very effective ways to introduce numbers and their values. Climbing stairs and clapping are ideal ways for your child to record the concept of numbers in a physical sense. Counting can also be done with a song or a poem to explore different rhythmic themes. Number songs like 10 little Indians, 5 green bottles, etc. make learning numbers informal, relaxing and fun.
• We often have parents asking us, “How can I teach my child maths?” The answer is very simple - involve them in the kitchen! A kitchen is the best maths corner one can give to a child. It teaches them simple concepts like soft and hard, full and empty, big and small, less and more, etc. Allow your child to sort by various characteristics like colour, shape, and size. Your child will sense the difference in quantity, weight and sizes and will eventually understand these concepts.
• Following are some more activities that will develop your child’s logical & mathematical intelligence –

• Collect a variety of leaves and classify them in different ways - sizes, colour, shape.
• Solve puzzles, mazes, crosswords (a good variation would be to create these puzzle for someone else).
• Listen to music, rhymes, and songs.
• Measure different things with your various body parts. Compare the lengths of different items in your house.
• Predict the ending of a book you are reading.
• Create new riddles and share them with your friends.
• Write directions for completing a task and then give them to someone else.
• Think of a problem you are currently facing and illustrate a machine that you would create to help you solve the problem.
• Create patterned number sequences and have someone else identify the pattern. Try creating patterns with shapes or words as well.
• Create a secret code and write it down in a code key format. Write letters using your code key. Share your code key with someone else and see if they can decipher your message.
• Choose one of your favorite books and write the next episode or continuation of the story.
• Follow a recipe to make a cake from scratch. Illustrate the recipe.
• Create a dance using ten different dance steps. Teach the dance to a friend.
• Create a “paint by numbers” picture for someone else to color.