In Case You Missed It: ALL Kids are Smart Kids

When the S.M.Art Kids® Programs were born, it was with the idea that ALL kids are smart kids.

We recognize that each child has their own skills, gifts and talents and each child learns at a pace and manner that is unique to him or her. Some of these skills and talents are difficult to measure quantitatively.

The elements of our programs (stories, movement & art) were not selected randomly. They were included deliberately with sensory-challenged children in mind . Each element addresses & integrates one or several of the senses.

In addition, each element is linked to one of the 8 Intelligences . Angela Moorad SLP from OMazing Kids Yoga calls them, the 8 Pathways to Learning. (See first article link below for an article with 2 great diagrams.)

The idea, or theory of Multiple Intelligences, developed by Harvard researcher Howard Gardner, is that humans have potential in a variety of areas and learn in different ways.

What Are the 8 Intelligences?

•   Linguistic Intelligence (“Word Smart”) – The ability to use words effectively; effective use of spelling, vocabulary, and grammar. [Examples in Everyday Life: talking, listening, reading (e.g., traffic signs, novels, poems), writing (e.g., letters, e.mail, reports, poetry]
• Logical Mathematical Intelligence (“Numbers Smart”) – the ability to work well with numbers and/or to be adept at logic or reasoning. [Examples in Everyday Life: balancing checkbook, understanding the national debt, understanding budgets.]
• Spatial Intelligence (“Picture Smart”) – The intelligence of pictures and images. The ability to visualize pictures or objects in one’s mind, to abstractly create in 2 or 3 dimensional form. [Examples in Everyday Life: arts & crafts, decorating your house, landscaping.]
• Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence (“Body Smart”) – The intelligence of the body or body parts (e.g., hands), fine-motor coordination. [Examples in Everyday Life: playing sports, dancing, working under the hood of a car, unscrewing a jar of mayonnaise.]
• Musical Intelligence (“Music Smart”) – The capacity to carry a tune, remember musical melodies, have a good sense of rhythm, enjoy and appreciate music.[Examples in Everyday Life: sing in a choir, play a musical instrument, enjoy music.]
• Interpersonal Intelligence (“People Smart”) – The ability to understand and work with people. [Examples in Everyday Life: listening to others, encouraging or understanding others, motivating others.]
• Intrapersonal Intelligence (“Self Smart”) – The intelligence of self-understanding or self-knowledge, of knowing who you are, of knowing what you are good at and what you are not good at. [Examples in Everyday Life: reflecting on one’s goals and beliefs.]
• Naturalistic Intelligence (“Nature Smart”) – The ability to identify and/or a sensitivity to natural forms (e.g., birds, flowers, trees, animals, clouds, geological formations).[Examples in Everyday Life: gardening, camping, supporting ecological causes.]

Proposed 9^th Intelligence

•  Existential Intelligence (“Life Smart”) – The intelligence concerned with ultimate life issues.[Examples in Everyday Life: reflecting on the meaning of life, reflecting on religious or philosophical issues.]

We all have the intrinsic ability to learn in each of these ways, but in general, we primarily gravitate towards one or two of these qualities that we prefer, or are uniquely 'wired' to learn in one way over another.

Many educators are beginning to recognize the unique ways in which children learn and are finding creative ways to incorporate these concepts into the classroom.

How do you learn best? Find out! Take this Learning Style Quiz at Edutopia.

This week's links center around the science of learning. Enjoy!



Eight Pathways to Learning

Research Projects: Multiple Intelligences

Autism & the Fear of Intellectual Variability

A Creative Brain for All Children

When Students Seem Stalled

The Motor Story: Teacher's Corner

How Classroom Layout Affects Student Learning

Autism, Overactive Brains & Teen Social Adjustments

Kindergarten Readiness

The Connection Between Emotions and Learning

The Best & Worst Learning Tips 


*Do You have a "Learning Link" or resource to add? Please leave it in the comments section below!




Contact: barbara@bodylogique.com 



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