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...]
Answering The “Who Am I?” Question is Critical for Ongoing Health
February 13, 2012 by · Leave a Comment
Every Monday, I’ll post about discovering genuine hope and authentic answers for living a healthy life. — What’s important to understand about identity? One of the most important things is that identity controls behavior. Who we think we are is who we will be. Therefore, how we define ourselves is critically important. How do you answer the identity question of “Who am I?” I’m spending this week with wounded warriors from Iraq and Afghanistan. I’m privileged to do so! One of my goals is to help them find and embrace new identities. They can’t always think of themselves as wounded or they may never achieve what they’re capable of. Although they may have wanted to stay in the military until retirement, they’ll … [Read more...]
What Does Security Look Like? Here’s An Example from a Family in Flight
February 6, 2012 by · 3 Comments
Every Monday, I’ll post about discovering genuine hope and authentic answers for living a healthy life. — What does security look like? Here’s one example: The dad took the seat across the aisle from his wife and young daughter. They settled in for the flight to Mobile, Alabama, and discussed an activity they’d do when spending time with her grandparents. After we took off, the girl fell asleep. She awoke when the pilot began our descent from 35,000 feet and pressure in her ears caused pain. The mother handled her daughter’s discomfort brilliantly. For the remaining 15 minutes of our flight, she leaned over to get even closer to her daughter. She maintained close content, often stroking her hair. She regularly had … [Read more...]
Thought Provoking Discussion Starters #5: What questions would you like to ask your parents?
February 3, 2012 by · Leave a Comment
Every Friday, I’ll post thought-provoking discussion starters. — What questions would you like to ask your parents? Last Friday, I asked you to think about what questions you wish your parents would ask you. Today, think about what questions you’d like to ask your parents. What do you want to know? Go find out! … [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...]
What is The Purpose of Snow?
January 23, 2012 by · Leave a Comment
Every Monday, I’ll post about discovering genuine hope and authentic answers for living a healthy life. — What’s the purpose of snow? Is it something to shovel or something to have fun with? Something to avoid? Something that makes road dangerous and interrupts your plans? All of the above? Your experiences matter. What’s your purpose? Your experiences matter. Growing up in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, I learned how to shovel snow at a young age. My dad didn’t purchase a snow blower until my brother and I were long gone. Snow was something to shovel. My family enjoyed going to various sledding hills when Dave and I were young. We built snow forts in our front and back yards and had vicious (but fun) snowball fights with … [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...]
Keeping Our Emotional and Intellectual Tanks Full
January 16, 2012 by · 1 Comment
Every Monday, I’ll post about discovering genuine hope and authentic answers for living a healthy life. — Keeping Our Emotional and Intellectual Tanks Full Over Christmas and New Year’s, did you expend a lot of emotional energy? I did. I enjoyed lots of great times with great people: my brother, his wife, two nieces, Katie’s boyfriend, one nephew, friends over for dinner more than once, women at a party, golfing, and bowling at a birthday party. Sometimes, I was just with lots of people: large church services, concerts, airports, airplanes, crowded stores, … Honestly, it was exhausting, even though it was wonderful. It took a lot of emotional and mental energy to stay focused at times and engage in … [Read more...]
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