Every Wednesday, I’ll post about multiple intelligences so we can better understand children and why they do what they do. — Howard Gardner’s research that determined we each have eight intelligences has certainly encouraged thousands and thousands of people. I’ve enjoyed writing about each of the eight intelligences in detail these past two months. Today, we finish this series with details about self smart, or intrapersonal intelligence. Although last in our list, it’s not last in importance. The importance of each is determined by our call, passions, and purposes. For some people, this intelligence is key to their success so they’d rate it high in importance. Others wouldn’t. As I explained in their posts, word … [Read more...]
Explaining Our Smarts Part 7 – People Smart
April 10, 2013 by · 1 Comment
Every Wednesday, I’ll post about multiple intelligences so we can better understand children and why they do what they do. — I sometimes joke that people-smart children go to school for their friends and teachers get in their way. People laugh. It’s not exactly true. It’s close, though. People smart, or interpersonal intelligence, is the seventh of our eight intelligences I’m presenting in this series of posts. As with the other smarts, everyone has at least some of it. It may be your strength and your child’s strength. Or, it may not be. Those of us with people-smart strengths think with other people. We talk even more when we get excited. You know you’re people smart if your ideas are clarified … [Read more...]
Explaining Our Smarts Part 6 – Nature Smart
April 3, 2013 by · 2 Comments
Every Wednesday, I’ll post about multiple intelligences so we can better understand children and why they do what they do. — “It sure is ugly outside today.” “What do you mean?” “You know. It’s so cloudy and foggy. It’s dark and the air just looks heavy today.” “It’s just another kind of beauty.” “What?” “It’s just another kind of beauty.” A friend and I had this conversation. I’m the one asking “What?” with disbelief in my voice and a perplexed expression on my face. My friend is so nature smart that she sees beauty in it all. Because of her, I’m more nature smart then I used to, but I’m still not as nature smart as she is. Nature-smart children would rather be outside than inside. … [Read more...]
Smart Interactions: An Orlando Example
February 13, 2013 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. — We walked past many unique stores and restaurants. We noticed one restaurant up ahead with a patio area looking over the water. We headed there. We settled into our table. Blue water was off to my left. The large Fulton’s Crab House, designed as a river boat, was also there. Straight ahead sat my good friend, Christine. Past her, I noticed many red geraniums planted on the walk way. I hadn’t noticed them when walking to the patio. After attending a leadership retreat in Orlando with 70 colleagues, most of us were spending several hours at Downtown Disney. Christine Sneeringer and I began by … [Read more...]
Motivating Children is Not a “One Size Fits All” Situation – Part 2
January 16, 2013 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. — When children misbehave or lack motivation, sometimes consequences help them improve. Both punishments and rewards can help. They’re most effective when both are used and when they’re related to the issue you’re hoping changes. As I pointed out in last Wednesday’s post, matching incentives and negative consequences to children’s smarts can also be effective. “One size fits all” does not work. Last week, I explained how to consider a child’s word-smart, logic-smart, picture-smart, and music-smart strengths when setting consequences. Today, I’ll cover the other four. Body smart: They … [Read more...]
Intentional Thankfulness (Part 2 of 2)
November 21, 2012 by · Leave a Comment
In my first post in this two-part series, I shared how we can express gratitude effectively when we consider people’s multiple intelligences. This is true whether we’re simply expressing our appreciation or buying something for them to say “thanks.” I covered word, logic, and picture smart in that post. Let’s consider the other five smarts. Music smart – Write a note describing their value to you or the beauty of your friendship with musical terms such as classical, melody, in tune, harmony, and composer. (This may seem crazy at first, but I’ve done this. It is possible!) Buy them symphony tickets, make sure to attend their recitals, listen to their favorite songs on their I-pods, and spend time at a store listening to new … [Read more...]
Studying With All 8 Smarts
November 14, 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. — As the semester continues, are you hearing more complaints from your students or children? Are they less motivated to complete their homework well than they were when the school year began? Is it harder to get them to focus and persevere? Remember that studying and practicing with all eight smarts helps motivation and comprehension. It can also enhance memory and, therefore, the application of truth. Depending on what’s being learned and studied, all 8 could be used for quick repetition in one study session. It’s also wise to use them over time. Children can use one-two each night when reviewing … [Read more...]
Strengthening Smarts + Olympics = Winning Combination!
August 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. — Last week, I wrote about the reality that intelligences can be paralyzed and I mentioned that I’d write this week about how to strengthen each smart. This is important to do. Rarely, if ever, will a smart become a child’s natural strength simply by awakening it. Even if it’s never paralyzed, it’s wise to strategically interact in such a way that each smart is strengthened. But, here’s my dilemma. I’d like to write about the Olympics and I forgot they’d be taking place when I committed to writing about strengthening the smarts. What if I can do both? Yes, I think that’s possible. You … [Read more...]
The Universal Relevance of Multiple Intelligences
July 11, 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. — Yesterday, it was my joy to share about multiple intelligences with students in a graduate education program at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, TX. Friday and Saturday, I’ll be teaching 1000 men and women who work with young children in church settings about multiple intelligences . Next Wednesday, I’ll talk with soldiers transitioning from the Army to civilian life. And, guess what? I’ll be teaching them about multiple intelligences. What is it about multiple intelligences that makes it so universally relevant? “Smart” is a power word and it always will be. … [Read more...]
Blessing School Children at End of Year the Smart Way
May 16, 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. — Many important things occur at the end of the school year. Papers are written, content is studied, finals are taken, grades are figured, and report cards are distributed. Desks and lockers are emptied. Bulletin boards are taken down. Whole rooms are closed, not to be opened until sometime in August. What if I suggested that one of the most important things that must occur at the end of the year is something said, not something done? That’s right. Children must hear they are smart so they go into the summer with a positive view of themselves. Last memories of this year will definitely affect next … [Read more...]
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