The 5 Key Aspects of IQ Testing: Fluid Reasoning

My name is Elizabeth Blaetz, and I'm Head of School at Vanguard Gifted Academy. We've been diving into IQ scores in this series, and today we’ll be talking about fluid reasoning.

Fluid reasoning is the ability to think beyond the facts by making connections to prior knowledge or applying common patterns or rules. Gifted children engage in fluid reasoning much more than the average child. They enjoy stretching beyond the content in creative ways and relish complexity. They love puzzles and figuring out a challenge, so keep finding ways to push your unconventional thinker in this area.

In a school setting, fluid reasoning is the ability to think beyond the lesson presented to them. In a traditional classroom, though, teachers may interpret their excitement as purely disruptive.

For instance, if they're learning about long division in math, a fluid reasoner may interject, “Oh, wait a minute! In science, we're talking about bacteria and viruses and how they multiply and divide. Now I know how to figure out this science problem!” A teacher may respond by saying, “Stop, you're distracting the class. We're trying to do long division here.” The child is using his or her fluid reasoning in such an amazing way –– making connections across the brain and solving a problem in a novel way –– but some teachers don’t recognize that.

When a child thinks fluidly, and their school has a divided, subject-specific class structure, they don’t get the chance to use their fluid reasoning skills to the fullest. But if you can transition your child to a school that offers problem-based learning, they could learn how to use their fluid reasoning productively. In this venue, when they make connections between math and science, and then science and writing, teachers appreciate their depth of understanding. It is so very important for them to realize those connections are there and that they are valuable to make. After all, as they get older, these insights will help them think beyond their field and enable them to work well with other people.

If you’re looking for some resources for your fluid thinker, consider picking up a book called Frindle by Andrew Clements. It features a gifted child who uses his fluid reasoning to distract his teacher and avoid homework. It's an all-around great story that your child will relate to and enjoy.

Thank you so much for joining us. We have now covered the five major topics included in IQ testing. If you join us for one more episode, I'll be putting it all together and showing you how the interaction between these five areas can best be served. If you recognize your child’s tendencies toward fluid reasoning, we encourage you to learn more about Vanguard’s admissions process and how we’ve served children just like your own.