8 Kinds of Smart:

Building on a Child's Assets for Success in School and Life

Thomas Armstrong, Ph.D. (www.institute4learning.com)

SmartKids Asia 2014

Singapore Expo, Hall 5

March 23, 2014

The Eight Intelligences

Word SmartWord Smart Logic SmartLogic Smart Picture SmartPicture Smart Body SmartBody Smart Music SmartMusic Smart People SmartPeople Smart Self SmartSelf Smart

Criteria for MI Theory

• Symbol Systems

• Cultural Value

• Developmental History

• Exceptional Individuals

• Brain Structures

Boyle's Law – 8 Ways

Boyle’s Law

Word Smart – definition

Logic Smart - equation

Picture Smart – visual metaphor

Music Smart – mnemonic chant

Body Smart – mouth experiment

Nature Smart – scuba diving example

People Smart – cooperative simulation

Self Smart – personal reflection (“think of a time in your life….”)

MI Learning Strategies Map

Objective

Word Smart - How can I use the spoken or written word?

Logic Smartl - How can I bring in numbers, calculations, logic, classifications, or critical thinking?

Picture Smart - How can I use visual aids, visualization, color, art, or metaphor?

Music Smart - How can I bring in music or environmental sounds, or set key points in a rhythmic or melodic framework?

Body Smart - How can I involve the whole body or the use of hands-on experiences?Nature Smart - How can I

incorporate living things or systems?

People Smart - How can I engage students in peer sharing, cooperative learning, or large group simulation?

Self Smart - How can I evoke personal feelings or memories, or give students choices?

Books - 8 Ways

Linguistic - Talking

Books

Logical-Mathematical - Number Books/Math and Science Books

Spatial - Pop-Up Books

Musical - Keyboard Books

Bodily-Kinesthetic - Build-It

Books/Hands-On Books Naturalist -Nature Books

Interpersonal - Interactive Books

Intrapersonal - Emotional Books/Self-Publishing Different

Kinds of Books

Text - 8 Ways

Linguistic – delight in sounds of words

Logical-Mathematical – focus on references to numbers (of sleepers in the world) Spatial – enjoy the superb

pictures and images

Musical – emphasize the Seuss rhythms

Bodily-Kinesthetic – read it in bed; mimic yawning, tooth-brushing, and other actions in bookNaturalist – examine how animals

of different kinds sleep, build nests

Interpersonal – act out sections of the book as a group (e.g. yawns)

Intrapersonal – share sleep experiences (talking, walking, snoring, dreaming etc.)

Dr. Seuss’s Sleep Book

Phonics - 8 Ways

Linguistic - word patterns

Logical-Mathematical - Venn diagram

Spatial –

Musical - apples and bananas song

Bodily-Kinesthetic - ee and oo gestures

Naturalist - bird sounds

Interpersonal - ee and oo groups

ee and oo sounds

Intrapersonal - oo and ee sounds connected to emotions

Multiplication – 8 Ways

Times Tables

Word Smart - Storytelling

Logic Smart -Pattern Seeking

Picture Smart -Modular Math

Music Smart - Clapping Rhythms

Body Smart -Math Calisthentics

Nature Smart -Multiples In Nature

People Smart - Cooperative Circle

Self Smart - Self-Discovery

MI Learning Strategies Map

Linguistic -Logical-Mathematical -

Spatial -

Musical -

Bodily-Kinesthetic -

Naturalist -

Interpersonal -

Intrapersonal -

Learningis a broad, holistic experience that begins early in the life course

During the first 3 years, the early foundations of learning – including language & visual development, reasoning, memory and problem solving – are established

Optimal growth and development early in the life course can serve to prepare children for lifelong learning and later accomplishments in school and beyond.

““Good health and nutrition are needed to achieve one’s full Good health and nutrition are needed to achieve one’s full educational potential because nutrition affects intellectual educational potential because nutrition affects intellectual

development and learning ability”development and learning ability”

- World Health Organization (WHO) Information Series on School Health

Nutrition Can ImpactEarly Brain Development & Learning

• Early childhood is a critical period for cognitive, Early childhood is a critical period for cognitive, social and emotional growth.social and emotional growth.

Key Contributors to Learning• Key contributors to learning impacted by nutrition include:

Perception Cognition Physical Vitality

• Described as perception through sensory development

• A child employs all 5 senses to form their perception of the world around them

• Described as the ability to think and encompasses such intellectual processes as:�̶Reasoning �̶Recognition�̶Problem-solving

• Continuous experiences support cognitive development by improving neuronal connections and memory efficiency2,3

�̶These experiences also facilitate infants to handle more complicated tasks, promote cognitive development, and ultimately help to learn4

• Described as the ability to actively engage in one’s environment and in opportunities to learn

• Supported by growth, digestive health, and immunity�̶ Optimal growth & motor development allows child to interact with the world�̶ Proper digestion and absorption ensures bio-availability of essential nutrients �̶ Healthy immune system enables greater opportunity to learn

Role of Nutrients that Support

LearningKey

Contributors Nutrient

Associated Processes

Structural Impact Functional Benefits

DHA1,2 Synaptogenesis Myelin

Global Visual cortex, retina Cortex

Supports visual and cognitive development

Lutein 2,3 Antioxidant, filters

blue UV light

Retina and macula Frontal, auditory,

occipital cortex, and hippocampus

Supports visual development and may support brain development

Choline 1

Acetylcholine synthesis

DNA methylation Myelin synthesis

Global Hippocampus White matter

Supports brain and memory development

High Quality Alpha Protein

Rich source of essential amino acids

Growth and development

Gastrointestinal tract

Supports growth outcomes and gastrointestinal tolerability similar to breast milk fed infants. Reference: Trabulsi study

Dietary Fibre (Oligofructose)6

Promotes growth of bifidobacteria

 Gastrointestinal tract

Softens stools and promotes the growth of healthy gastrointestinal bacterial

Website: www.institute4learning.com

Email: thomas@institute4learning.com

Blog: http://institute4learning.com/blog/

Twitter: Dr_Armstrong

Contact Information

ReadingsArmstrong, Thomas. Neurodiversity in the Classroom: Strength-Based Strategies to Help Students with Special Needs Achieve Success in School and Life. Alexandria, VA: ASCD, 2012.

Armstrong, Thomas. The Power of Neurodiversity: Unleashing the Advantages of Your Differently Wired Brain. Cambridge, MA: DaCapo/Perseus, 20101

Armstrong, Thomas. Multiple Intelligences in the Classroom, 3rd Ed.. Alexandria, VA: ASCD, 2009.

Armstrong, Thomas. 7 Kinds of Smart: Identifying and Developing Your Many Intelligences: Revised and Updated with Information on 2 New Kinds of Smart. , New York: Plume, 1999.

Armstrong, Thomas. In Their Own Way: Discovering and Encouraging Your Child’s Multiple Intelligences. New York: Tarcher/Putnam-Penguin, 2000.

Armstrong, Thomas. You’re Smarter Than You Think: A Kids’ Guide to Multiple Intelligences. Minneapolis, MN: Free Spirit, 2003.

Armstrong, Thomas. The Myth of the A.D.D. Child: 50 Ways to Improve Your Child’s Behavior and Attention Span without Drugs, Labels, or Coercion. New York: Plume, 1997.

Gardner, Howard. Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences. New York: Basic Books, 1983.

Gardner, Howard et al. (eds). Building on Children's Strengths: The Experience of Project Spectrum. New York: Teachers College Press, 1998.

Gardner, Howard. Multiple Intelligences: New Horizons in Theory and Practice. New York: Basic Books, 2006.

MI Inventory – Young Child Check those statements that apply:Word Smart__ is attracted to words (e.g. letter blocks etc.)__ enjoys talking__ engages in emergent writing (or is an early writer)__ engages in emergent reading (or is an early reader)__ likes to listen to and/or take part in verbal conversations.__ has a good memory for facts

Logic Smart __ asks lots of ‘’why’’ questions__ is attracted to numbers (e.g. number blocks etc.)__ likes to count__ likes logical patterns (e.g. one red block, two yellow blocks, one red block, two yellow blocks etc.)__ shows interest in science related topics.__ does well on Piagetian-type assessments of logical thinking

Picture Smart __ is attracted to pictures and images (e.g. illustrations in a book etc.)__ is highly imaginative__ enjoys art-related activities.__ draws well for age__ enjoys watching video other visual presentations.__ likes building with blocks or other construction sets

MI Inventory (cont’d)Body Smart__ is good with hands (e.g. building, making things, etc.)__ puts his/her hands all over something he’s/she’s just seen.__ enjoys running, jumping, wrestling, or similar activities__ shows ability in one or more sports__ has a dramatic way of expressing herself/himself.__ loves tactile experiences (e.g. finger painting, clay, etc.).

Music Smart__ is attracted to music (e.g. on TV, radio, CD etc.)__ loves to sing__ enjoys interacting with a Music Smart instrument__ remembers melodies of songs__ has a good sense of rhythm.__ has a melodic way of speaking

People Smart__ enjoys socializing with peers.__ shows qualities of a natural leader.__ likes to play games with other kids.__ makes friends easily__ has a good sense of empathy or concern for others.__ is good at resolving social conflicts

MI Inventory (cont’d)Self Smart __ displays a sense of independence or a strong will.__ does well when left alone to play.__ has a good sense of self-direction.__ prefers working alone to working with others.__ accurately expresses how he/she is feeling.__ has a good sense of self-esteem.

Nature Smart__ relates very well to animals (e.g. pets).__ loves to be out in nature__ has strong feelings for protecting the natural world.__ is able to identify different kinds of birds, plants, or other living things.__ enjoys activities in nature such as bird watching, rock or insect collecting, or raising animals.__ expresses interest in a career relating to nature (e.g. forest ranger, veterinarian etc.).