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What if your child isn’t struggling—but just smart in a different way? In 8 Great Smarts, Dr. Kathy Koch (pronounced “Cook”) expands the traditional idea of intelligence and helps parents—and especially homeschool parents—understand how their children learn, thrive, and express themselves.
This book is a breath of fresh air in a world that tends to overvalue academic achievement while overlooking the rich variety of human intelligence. Dr. Koch helps you reframe your child’s abilities, behavior, and interests through a compassionate, God-centered lens.
The 8 Smarts Explored
Dr. Koch introduces the idea that intelligence isn’t one-size-fits-all. Instead, every child has a unique blend of these eight smarts:
- Word Smart – Thinks with words
- Logic Smart – Thinks with questions and reasoning
- Picture Smart – Thinks with images and visuals
- Music Smart – Thinks with rhythms and melodies
- Body Smart – Thinks with movement and touch
- Nature Smart – Thinks with patterns in nature
- People Smart – Thinks with and about others
- Self Smart – Thinks deeply and reflectively
You’ll learn how to recognize each smart in your child’s daily behavior—and more importantly, how to encourage and develop them, especially the ones that may not be obvious at first.
Why This Book is a Game-Changer for Homeschool Families
1. Tailored Teaching, Not Just Teaching
Homeschooling gives you the freedom to teach in a way that aligns with your child’s strengths. 8 Great Smarts helps you discover how your child is wired so you can adapt lessons in ways that make learning feel exciting and natural.
2. A Cure for Comparison
It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing your homeschooler to public or private school students—or even to their siblings. This book reminds you that every smart matters, and academic success is just one piece of a much bigger picture.
3. Encourages Confidence—for You and Your Kids
Dr. Koch’s message empowers parents to see strengths where they once saw struggles. If your child fidgets constantly, maybe they’re Body Smart. If they’re always doodling in the margins, they could be Picture Smart. This shift in perspective fosters grace, patience, and confidence.
Practical Homeschool Applications
| Smart Type | How to Support in Your Homeschool |
|---|---|
| Word Smart | Encourage writing, storytelling, and read-alouds. Let them narrate lessons. |
| Logic Smart | Use puzzles, patterns, and science experiments to teach through questioning. |
| Picture Smart | Let them draw diagrams, comics, or visual notes during lessons. |
| Music Smart | Use songs or rhythms for memorization and transitions. |
| Body Smart | Incorporate movement into lessons—hopscotch spelling, math relay races. |
| Nature Smart | Take lessons outside; study patterns in leaves, stars, animals. |
| People Smart | Encourage group projects, co-op learning, and discussions. |
| Self Smart | Offer journaling, quiet thinking time, and space for reflection. |
8 Great Smarts is one of those books that can truly transform how you parent and homeschool. It’s a powerful reminder that our children are wonderfully made—each with their own combination of strengths and learning styles. Dr. Koch’s framework not only gives you insight into your child’s gifts, but also encourages you to nurture those gifts with grace, intention, and joy.
If you want to homeschool with more confidence, better communication, and a deeper understanding of your child’s heart and mind—this book belongs on your shelf.
Purchase it here → Amazon – 8 Great Smarts by Kathy Koch
