Multiple Intelligences:

Setting the Stage for Children’s SuccessThomas Armstrong, Ph.D. (www.institute4learning.com)

Wyeth Nutrition

The Fullerton Hotel - Singapore

March 21, 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 Nature SmartNature Smart

Evidence for MI Theory

• Symbol Systems

• Cultural Value

• Developmental History

• Savants

• Brain Structures• Evolutionary Plausibility

• Other Species

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….”)

Infant Stimulation

Word Smart – exposure to spoken/written words of all kinds

Logic Smart – exposure to counting songs, number rhymes, pattern songs and stories Picture Smart – exposure to

visual images of all kinds

Music Smart – songs, lullabies, and other music of all kinds

Body Smart – opportunity to move and use hands

Nature Smart - exposure to the natural world (plants, animals, rocks, clouds, etc.)

People Smart – immersion in a rich social milieu

Self Smart – opportunities to experience emotions and self-initiated behaviors in a safe setting

Toddler Play

Word Smart – word block play, emergent literacy activities, lots of conversation play

Logic Smart – lots of manipulative play, especially with materials emphasizing logical, mathematical or science domains

Picture Smart – art play, block play, play with other construction materials

Music Smart – Music Smart instruments (including real and toy) to play around with, music to sing to, sound effects to play with

Body Smart – manipulative, block play, spaces to move around or dance around in, space for simple non-directive sports

Nature Smart - opportunities to play around pets, play in nature, play with materials of nature (rocks, twigs, leaves, etc.).

People Smart – opportunities to play with other kids, engage in social play (e.g. playing house, dress up, construction workers etc.)

Self Smart – spaces for solo play, materials for challenging oneself\ space to express feelings in safe environment

Preschool Environments

Word Smart – storytelling center; reading area

Logic Smart – science discovery area

Picture Smart – picture library; drawing center

Music Smart – song-writing center

Body Smart – letter gymnasium, whole body and hands-on centers

Nature Smart – Nature Smart museum

People Smart – magic circle, simulated environments (castle, rocket ship, play house)

Intrarpersonal – spaces for privacy, areas for individual work

Advice to Give Parents

• Start by Identifying Strengths

• Encourage ALL Your Child’s Intelligences

• Be Sparing with Technology

• Choose a Developmental Preschool

• See the Gifts in Children with Special Needs

• Provide Simple Experiential Learning Activities

• Supply Proper Nutrition to Nourish the Brain

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.