---
title: Types of strengths in kids
description: Get examples of different kinds of child strengths. Explore this list and download a kid-friendly activity to help identify strengths.
slug: types-of-strengths-in-kids
author: Amanda Morin
reviewer: Donna Volpitta, EdD
published: '2019-10-16T11:43:29.938Z'
date_modified: '2024-08-16T00:00:00.000-07:00'
thumbnail: https://cdn-images.understood.org/p0qf7j048i0q/2DFACE1DF65D43939D9541038DE6A0D4/2aa62bf5e0eec250016e355fca05d7d5/i892944322.jpg
source_url: https://www.understood.org/en/articles/types-of-strengths-in-kids
lang: en
---

# Types of strengths in kids

Kids have many different kinds of strengths, not just academic ones. Sometimes they’re obvious, like when a child is really good at drawing or playing sports. But other strengths can be harder to notice — like being a good listener or working well in groups. Kids who are strong in these areas often don’t get credit for it.

Recognizing and talking about these strengths can help kids thrive. This is especially true for kids who are struggling in school. Use this list to help [identify a child’s strengths](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/5-steps-for-recognizing-strengths-in-kids).

## Character strengths

- Is honest and trustworthy
- Is caring, kind, and [empathetic](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/teaching-empathy-activities)
- Helps others
- Shows loyalty
- Works hard 
- Is [resilient](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/building-resilience-in-kids)
- Shows independence
- Cooperates

## Language and literacy strengths

### Language strengths

- Uses words to express needs, wants, and ideas
- Participates in discussions at home, at school, and with friends
- Can [change tone of voice](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/how-to-help-your-child-notice-voice-pitch-and-tone) when telling a story or asking a question
- Tells stories that have a clear beginning, middle, and end
- Uses lots of words and likes [learning new words](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/7-ways-to-improve-vocabulary)
- Can answer “who,” “what,” “when,” “where,” “why,” and “how” questions in conversation (or about a story)
- Understands jokes, puns, and sarcasm

### Reading or literacy strengths

- [Understands the structure of sounds](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/phonological-awareness-what-it-is-and-how-it-works); can do tasks like rhyme
- Can [sound out unfamiliar words](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/decoding-what-it-is-and-how-it-works)
- Easily recognizes [sight words](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/what-are-sight-words)
- Can remember details and retell stories after reading them
- Can make predictions based on what’s happened so far in a story
- Reads with expression, like the way an actor talks on TV shows
- Makes connections between reading material and personal experiences

## Math and logic strengths

- Has strong [number sense](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/number-sense-what-you-need-to-know), like knowing which is larger and which is smaller
- Sees and understands patterns in nature and in numbers
- Remembers math facts (like 5 + 4 = 9)
- Can do [mental math](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/how-various-learning-and-thinking-differences-can-cause-trouble-with-math) (“in your head”)
- Uses math concepts in the real world (like doubling a recipe)
- Understands math terms used in word problems
- Solves puzzles or word problems

## Social strengths

- Shares, takes turns, and can compromise
- Puts effort into making friends and keeping them
- Is a good listener
- Accepts differences in others
- Asks for help when needed
- Accepts personal responsibility for actions (good and bad)
- Tells the truth and [can apologize](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/how-to-give-a-genuine-apology) when needed
- Has a good sense of humor

## Study skills strengths

- Understands and sets goals; can plan ahead
- Is a self-starter
- Stays focused on tasks
- Tries different approaches ([flexible thinking](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/flexible-thinking-what-you-need-to-know))
- Organizes thoughts and physical items (like a backpack)
- Follows rules and routines well
- Learns from mistakes and solves problems

## Other strengths and talents

- Is creative/artistic
- Dances, acts, sings, or plays a musical instrument
- Plays sports or games (including video games)
- Practices yoga, [mindfulness](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/mindfulness-kids-who-learn-think-differently), or meditation
- Takes care of animals and/or younger children
- Entertains people by telling jokes or stories
- Does community service projects

## Download: Strengths chain activity for kids

Use this hands-on activity to help kids identify their strengths. Download the printable and follow the directions on how to connect individual strengths into a paper chain (called a “strengths chain”). 

[Make a strengths chain](https://cdn-assets.understood.org/p0qf7j048i0q/4l2eWUgJIVK3FvCKth3YVx/9e929401c65c6c54f73815da26f5c407/Make_a_strengths_chain_Understood_Accessible.pdf)

### More resources

- Get tips on how to [talk with kids about strengths and challenges](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/what-to-say-when-child-says-i-cant-do-it). 
- Learn [how to identify signs of resilience](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/6-signs-your-child-is-resilient). 
- Download a list of activities to [help kids develop a growth mindset](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/download-growth-mindset-activities-for-kids).

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