Every Wednesday, I’ll post about multiple intelligences so we can better understand children and why they do what they do. — Multiple intelligences is a strength-based way of looking at children, teens, and even adults. That’s one reason I enjoy teaching the Model. All of us are born with a capacity to develop all eight smarts. Although it’s never too late to awaken them, the earlier they’re awakened, the better. It’s a greater likelihood they’ll develop as strengths. Let me share four awakening strategies, in no particular order. We want to create “crystallizing experiences,” a term coined by Dr. Thomas Armstrong. These are turning points that spark the birth of an intelligence. Next Wednesday, I’ll share … [Read more...]
The Most Music-Smart Generation Ever
February 15, 2012 by · 1 Comment
Every Wednesday, I’ll post about multiple intelligences so we can better understand children and why they do what they do. --- If intelligences were based on interest alone, it would be safe to say that today’s young adults and teens may be the most music-smart generation ever. This is largely due to the iPod. It was invented in 2001 and iTunes was voted the invention of the year just two years later. Because music has always been readily accessible, this generation highly values it. They enjoy it. They prioritize it. They know it. But, when considering intelligences, ability must be factored in. Because of the quantity and variety of music on iTunes, bands on YouTube, and television shows they watch like American Idol, … [Read more...]
Helping Teachers See Students In A New Light
February 8, 2012 by · 1 Comment
Every Wednesday, I’ll post about multiple intelligences so we can better understand children and why they do what they do. — Helping teachers see their students in a new light, with a healthy perspective on why they have the strengths they have, is one of the best things we do at Celebrate Kids, Inc. Being able to identify and classify strengths as intelligences is empowering and refreshing. When teachers know their students are smart, they are more likely to strategically teach to all eight smarts of the brain. This allows students to be more motivated and successful and feel smarter. This results in them actually being smarter because more intelligences are awakened and applied to the topic. It’s such a win-win! Last … [Read more...]
Multiple Intelligences In Concert … Literally
February 1, 2012 by · Leave a Comment
Every Wednesday, I’ll post about multiple intelligences so we can better understand children and why they do what they do. — The Sunday before Christmas, I attended a concert because my brother was part of the orchestra. It was amazing and definitely one of the most fun concerts I’ve ever attended. The concert provided a beautiful example of multiple intelligences as the performers were exceptionally talented. Picture two men and two women on four grand pianos backed up by an orchestra and choir. One of the pianists also played the full organ on some of the songs. I’m not sure a wrong note was played all night. Eight hands flowed over the black and white keys in perfect rhythm. The pianists smiled and appeared to be … [Read more...]
Logic Smart Kids May Struggle with Spelling
January 25, 2012 by · 4 Comments
Every Wednesday, I’ll post about multiple intelligences so we can better understand children and why they do what they do. — Do you know any children who struggle with spelling? I do. I also make spelling errors. Spelling can be confusing if we are logic smart because we think spelling “rules” should work. And, we think one combination of letters should have one sound. Right? Of course. That makes sense! Why don’t break and freak rhyme? Horse and worse? Cord and word? Cow and low? What about comb, tomb, and bomb? Doll and roll? Home and some? Paid and said? (Pay and say rhyme!) The English language is confusing so mistakes will be made. It’s not necessarily because children are not smart. It might be because of … [Read more...]
Being Intentional With Your Social Life
January 18, 2012 by · Leave a Comment
Every Wednesday, I’ll post about multiple intelligences so we can better understand children and why they do what they do. — Being Intentional With Your Social Life In Monday’s post, I wrote about needing to refill my emotional tank after a people-full and people-busy Christmas break. Doing so was essential to my self-security and ability to belong in healthy ways to others. This same topic is relevant to multiple intelligences. You might be able to relate. I’m people smart so I do most of my best thinking and problem solving when talking with others. Bouncing ideas back and forth and asking and answering questions are keys to my discovering new ideas and becoming more sure of their significance. Therefore, I often … [Read more...]
Hair On Fire
January 4, 2012 by · 1 Comment
Every Wednesday, I’ll post about multiple intelligences so we can better understand children and why they do what they do. --- Hair On Fire James confidently walked from his seat to the platform as he does almost every Sunday morning. He grabbed the microphone and made a comment about hoping everyone had a good week. Then, glancing at the worship leader, he continued, “I had such a crazy week that when Kyle sent me an email asking me to help with something, I communicated my busyness by saying, ‘There’s so much going on in my mind, my hair is on fire.’” Because James is bald, most in the large congregation quickly laughed. I didn’t. During announcements, my sister-in-law leaned over and asked, “Did you see … [Read more...]
End of Year Contributions: Help Celebrate Kids Influence More in 2012
December 29, 2011 by · Leave a Comment
You are the reason I blog. Believe me, it’s not because I like to write or have so much to communicate. I write because you read. Based on feedback we receive, we know you’ve grown as our influence has affected your heart and mind. You’ve been teachable, you’ve trusted us, and you have benefited. We’re grateful! Many who read my blog also connect to Celebrate Kids through my speaking and our products, email newsletter, and website. New beliefs, new ideas, new strengths, healthier relationships, deeper connections, lasting change, smarter children, fewer frustrations, more peace. Praise God! You can help us influence more parents, teachers, grandparents, teens, and children with an end-of-year contribution. We have ongoing … [Read more...]
It’s Not About Me; How Can I Bless You?
December 12, 2011 by · 3 Comments
My sister-in-law, Debbie, is a fabulous cook. She makes delicious food and consistently puts the right foods together to make a great meal. When I visit her, my brother, and their children over the Christmas holiday, I will eat very, very well. Because Debbie enjoys cooking, it’s easy to visit her. She enjoys having others in her kitchen and she never makes anyone feel like they’ve made her work any harder than she wanted to. I appreciate that. Debbie learned from the best. Her mom was an amazing cook, as well. That might be especially true when I think about their many Christmas cookies. Dorothy taught Debbie well and Debbie has passed the tradition on to her children. And, even others. This year, like several others. Debbie … [Read more...]
Year End Tradition – Taking a Spiritual Inventory
December 1, 2011 by · 1 Comment
As the last month of the year begins today, allow me to share one of my end-of-year traditions. Although I do this regularly, I especially look forward to doing it as one year closes and another begins. What is it? A spiritual inventory. Some will write (as we’ve already done in this week’s Celebrate Kids email newsletter) that the focus this month should be on Jesus and not decorating, shopping, making more and better cookies than our neighbor, or whatever you and your family get caught up in. What if I suggest that our life’s focus should be Jesus? Let’s get our focus correct this month and continue it into 2012. He doesn’t just want to be our priority this month, but every day of every month. To assess how I’m doing, … [Read more...]
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