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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Rooms Without Books

Photo: thepepperexpress.co.za 

“A room without books is like a body without a soul.”         
                              ~Marcus Tullius Cicero

One of my greatest loves has always been reading.  Books are a huge part of my life, whether I am reading one to myself in the quiet of the morning, or presenting an interactive storytelling program to a classroom of children, or writing one of my own.

Books help us learn on many levels. They bring us closer to other people, Faraway Places and to ourselves. I heavily depend on books and storytelling for all of my programming to help bring learning to life.

For as much as we all depend on the internet and all of our useful electronic devices, its so hard for me to imagine my office, my home and a world without books.

I just came across this article below that I wanted to share with you all. Maybe it will inspire you to get involved in some small way.

Queens Library: Peninsula Branch
Photo: libraryjournal.com 

Most of us are aware of the countless losses suffered in NY & NJ in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. At this writing, 2 weeks later, there are still about 150,000 without utilities and looking to secure food, temporary housing, and hundreds of schools have been closed due to damage or power issues.

In an effort to provide some support and learning materials to these families, educators and students who need them, Scholastic Inc. has just announced that they will donate one million books to schools and libraries in NY and NJ affected by Hurricane Sandy. They are partnering with K.I.D.S Children's Charity to help distribute materials to the hardest hit areas.

In addition to books, many teachers also lost lesson plans and other resources collected and developed over many years. Scholastic is also making lesson plans and activities available for these teachers as well.

Read the full article here and find links to resources for children's social and emotional recovery, and learn how you can apply for a book grant, make a donation or request a book grant for someone you know.

Photo: WTNH.com 

If everyone does what they can, even if its just a little bit, we can help with the rebuilding and transition of the libraries and schools that suffered huge losses. Together we can work to ensure there are no rooms left without books.


Do you have another Hurricane Relief resource you would like to share? Please post in the comments section below!