MBLOG#1

How can we get 1% better everyday?

If we learned 1 new thing and we take 1 positive action

We would be 365% better than we were the year before!

How to use this article?

Read with your child. 

Have your child/student read it aloud - they learn new words, new concepts about intelligence, and most importantly something about themselves..

Take turns to read a section. Use the quiz to recap

Take action. Read about a famous person listed in the article, try the game idea shared here, make something with this information - a song, a poster, code, a book that will help you remember this information.

Connect it with the Special Cookie Book

Find out what is your special intelligence.

Use Movies to practice finding what is special about each character.

Read more about the famous people known for their special smarts.

Play a game to find special traits about each person in your family/classroom.

Many Ways to Be Smart!

People used to think being smart meant just being good at math, reading, and solving puzzles. But now we know being smart can mean many different things. Let’s explore the different ways we can be smart!

Discovering Different Types of Smartness

Hey there, young explorers! Did you know that being smart comes in all shapes and sizes? Let's dive into the different kinds of smartness together!

1. Word Smart (Linguistic Intelligence)

What is it? Word smart means you're fantastic with words, like reading books and telling stories.

Like Disney Character: Belle from "Beauty and the Beast",  Belle from "Beauty and the Beast": Belle loves reading books and dreams of adventures in far-off places. She demonstrates linguistic intelligence by her passion for storytelling and her ability to express herself eloquently.

How about Real Life People? 

1. J.K. Rowling: She wrote the amazing Harry Potter books that take you on magical adventures!

2. Dr. Seuss: He wrote fun and silly rhyming books that kids love to read!

How do they learn? Learning Preference: Enjoys reading books and writing stories.

Fun Fact: Did you know that some people can speak more than 5 languages? That's super word smart!

2. Number Smart (Logical-Mathematical Intelligence)

What is it? Number smart means you're awesome with numbers and solving tricky math problems.

Number Smart (Logical-Mathematical Intelligence):

• Hiro Hamada from "Big Hero 6": Hiro is a young genius who excels in robotics and engineering. He demonstrates logical-mathematical intelligence through his aptitude for problem-solving and inventing high-tech gadgets.

Fun Fact: Did you know that some people can solve math problems faster than a calculator? That's super number smart!

Disney Character: Hiro Hamada from "Big Hero 6"

• Learning Preference: Enjoys solving puzzles and building cool gadgets.

Famous Personalities:

1. Albert Einstein: He was a genius scientist who made amazing discoveries about space and time!

2. Shakuntala Devi: She was known as the "Human Computer" because she could solve math problems faster than anyone else!

3. Picture Smart (Spatial Intelligence)

What is it? Picture smart means you're fantastic at drawing and understanding maps.

3. Picture Smart (Spatial Intelligence):

• Rapunzel from "Tangled": Rapunzel is an artistic soul who loves painting and sketching. Her spatial intelligence is evident in her ability to create intricate murals and navigate through the world using her keen sense of direction.

Fun Fact: Did you know that some people can remember exactly how a place looks even if they've only been there once? That's super picture smart!

Disney Character: Rapunzel from "Tangled"

• Learning Preference: Enjoys painting and exploring the world around her.

Famous Personalities:

1. Leonardo da Vinci: He was not only a great artist but also an amazing inventor who drew plans for flying machines!

2. Frida Kahlo: She was a famous painter known for her beautiful and colorful self-portraits!

4. Body Smart (Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence)

What is it? Body smart means you're excellent at sports, dancing, and moving your body.

4. Body Smart (Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence):

• Mulan from "Mulan": Mulan is skilled in martial arts and sword-fighting. She demonstrates bodily-kinesthetic intelligence through her agility, coordination, and mastery of combat techniques during her training and battles.

Fun Fact: Did you know that some people can do flips and jumps like a gymnast or throw a ball like a pro athlete? That's super body smart!

Disney Character: Mulan from "Mulan"

• Learning Preference: Enjoys martial arts and physical activities.

Famous Personalities:

1. Serena Williams: She's a tennis superstar who wins lots of trophies with her amazing skills on the court!

2. Michael Jordan: He's considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time, famous for his incredible moves on the court!

5. Music Smart (Musical Intelligence)

5. Music Smart (Musical Intelligence):

• Miguel from "Coco": Miguel has a deep passion for music and dreams of becoming a musician like his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz. He showcases musical intelligence through his ability to play the guitar and his natural talent for composing heartfelt songs.

What is it? Music smart means you're talented at playing instruments and making beautiful music.

Fun Fact: Did you know that some people can play multiple instruments or compose their own songs? That's super music smart!

Disney Character: Miguel from "Coco"

• Learning Preference: Loves playing musical instruments and singing songs.

Famous Personalities:

1. Beyoncé: She's a famous singer who has won many awards for her incredible voice and performances!

2. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: He was a child prodigy who composed beautiful music and played multiple instruments!

6. People Smart (Interpersonal Intelligence)

What is it? People smart means you're great at understanding others' feelings and making friends easily.

6. People Smart (Interpersonal Intelligence):

• Elsa and Anna from "Frozen": Elsa and Anna share a strong bond as sisters, and they both possess exceptional interpersonal intelligence. They demonstrate empathy, understanding, and effective communication in their relationships with each other and the people of Arendelle.

:Fun Fact: Did you know that some people can tell how others are feeling just by looking at their faces? That's super people smart!

Disney Character: Elsa and Anna from "Frozen"

• Learning Preference: Enjoys working in groups and helping friends.

Famous Personalities:

1. Oprah Winfrey: She's a beloved talk show host who helps people all over the world by sharing inspiring stories!

2. Mahatma Gandhi: He was a peaceful leader who helped India gain independence from British rule by understanding and uniting people!

7. Self Smart (Intrapersonal Intelligence)

What is it? Self smart means you're good at understanding your own feelings and knowing yourself well.

• Moana from "Moana": Moana is a courageous and introspective young woman who embarks on a journey of self-discovery. She demonstrates intrapersonal intelligence by listening to her inner voice, trusting her instincts, and staying true to herself despite facing challenges along the way.

Fun Fact: Did you know that some people can figure out what they want to do when they grow up even when they're really young? That's super self smart!

Disney Character: Moana from "Moana"

• Learning Preference: Enjoys spending time alone and reflecting on her thoughts and feelings.

Famous Personalities:

1. Frida Kahlo: She painted self-portraits that showed her inner thoughts and feelings, helping her understand herself better!

2. Albert Einstein: He spent a lot of time thinking about big questions and how the universe works, showing his deep understanding of himself and the world around him!

Isn't it amazing how there are so many different ways to be super smart? Each of us has our own special way of being smart, and that's what makes us all unique and awesome!

1. Word Smart (Linguistic Intelligence)

This means being good with words, like writing stories, learning new languages, or giving great speeches. People like poets, writers, and speakers are word smart.

• How did they Learn ?:

  • Enjoys reading books and stories.

  • Likes writing essays, stories, and poems.

  • Good at remembering information through words.

  • Fun Fact: Did you know that some people can speak more than five languages? They are super word smart!

2. Number Smart (Logical-Mathematical Intelligence)

This is all about being good with numbers, solving math problems, and doing science experiments. Mathematicians, scientists, and engineers are number smart.

• Famous People:

  • Albert Einstein: Known for his genius ideas in physics.

  • Ada Lovelace: The first computer programmer.

• Learning Style:

  • Loves solving puzzles and playing strategy games.

  • Enjoys working with numbers and logical reasoning.

  • Good at problem-solving and conducting experiments.

Fun Fact: Albert Einstein didn’t speak until he was four years old, but he grew up to be one of the smartest people ever!

3. Picture Smart (Spatial Intelligence)

This means being able to understand and use space, like drawing, making sculptures, or designing buildings. Artists, pilots, and architects are picture smart.

• Famous People:

  • Leonardo da Vinci: Famous for his incredible paintings and inventions.

  • Frank Lloyd Wright: A brilliant architect who designed amazing buildings.

• Learning Style:

  • Likes drawing, painting, and making art.

  • Enjoys visualizing and creating mental images.

  • Good at understanding maps, charts, and diagrams.

Fun Fact: Leonardo da Vinci could draw with one hand while writing with the other at the same time!

4. Body Smart (Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence)

This is about using your body to do things, like dancing, playing sports, or performing surgery. Dancers, athletes, and doctors are body smart.

• Famous People:

  • Michael Jordan: One of the greatest basketball players ever.

  • Martha Graham: An amazing dancer and choreographer.

• Learning Style:

  • Learns best through physical activity and hands-on experience.

  • Enjoys sports, dancing, and acting.

  • Good at using body movements to express ideas and solve problems.

Fun Fact: Michael Jordan was cut from his high school basketball team, but he didn’t give up and became a superstar!

5. Music Smart (Musical Intelligence)

This is being good at making and understanding music, like playing instruments, singing, or composing songs. Musicians and singers are music smart.

• Famous People:

  • Ludwig van Beethoven: A legendary composer of classical music.

  • Beyoncé: A superstar singer and performer.

• Learning Style:

  • Enjoys listening to and creating music.

  • Good at recognizing musical patterns and rhythms.

  • Learns best through songs, rhythms, and musical activities.

Fun Fact: Beethoven continued to compose beautiful music even after he lost his hearing!

6. People Smart (Interpersonal Intelligence)

This means understanding and getting along well with others, like teaching, acting, or helping people. Teachers, actors, and social workers are people smart.

• Famous People:

  • Mahatma Gandhi: Known for his peaceful leadership.

  • Oprah Winfrey: A beloved talk show host who connects with many people.

• Learning Style:

  • Enjoys working in groups and collaborating with others.

  • Good at understanding and empathizing with others’ feelings.

  • Learns best through social interaction and communication.

Fun Fact: Oprah Winfrey was once fired from her job as a news reporter because she was "unfit for TV," but she became one of the most successful TV hosts ever!

7. Self Smart (Intrapersonal Intelligence)

This is about knowing yourself, understanding your own feelings, and thinking deeply about things. Philosophers, psychologists, and spiritual leaders are self smart.

• Moana from "Moana": Moana is a courageous and introspective young woman who embarks on a journey of self-discovery. She demonstrates intrapersonal intelligence by listening to her inner voice, trusting her instincts, and staying true to herself despite facing challenges along the way.

• Famous People:

  • Sigmund Freud: The father of psychoanalysis, a field that studies the mind.

  • Anne Frank: Known for her powerful diary written during World War II.

• Learning Style:

  • Prefers to work alone and reflect on personal thoughts and feelings.

  • Good at self-awareness and understanding inner motivations.

  • Learns best through independent study and self-reflection.

Fun Fact: Anne Frank’s diary has been translated into more than 70 languages and read by millions of people around the world.

Other Types of Smarts

Nature Smart (Naturalistic Intelligence)

Being good with nature and the environment, like understanding plants and animals.

• Famous People:

  • Charles Darwin: Famous for his theory of evolution.

  • Jane Goodall: Renowned for her work with chimpanzees.

• Learning Style:

  • Enjoys being outdoors and studying nature.

  • Good at recognizing and categorizing plants, animals, and natural phenomena.

  • Learns best through hands-on interaction with the natural world.

Fun Fact: Jane Goodall was the first person to discover that chimpanzees make and use tools, just like humans!

Big Question Smart (Existential Intelligence)

Thinking about big life questions, like why we are here and what life means.

• Famous People:

  • Socrates: A philosopher who asked big questions about life.

  • Martin Luther King Jr.: A civil rights leader who thought deeply about justice and equality.

• Learning Style:

  • Enjoys pondering deep questions and philosophical ideas.

  • Good at thinking about the big picture and abstract concepts.

  • Learns best through discussions, debates, and reflection on life’s mysteries.

Fun Fact: Socrates loved to ask questions to make people think deeply about their beliefs. This method is now known as the "Socratic method."

Conclusion

So, whether you’re great at writing stories, solving math problems, drawing, dancing, making music, getting along with others, understanding yourself, caring for nature, or thinking about big questions, there’s a kind of smart for you! Celebrate your unique intelligence and keep exploring all the amazing ways to be smart!

Understanding Different Types of Smartness

Emotional Intelligence (EI)

Emotional Intelligence (EI) means understanding and managing feelings in a good way. Let's look at some Disney friends who are really good at this:

1. Simba from "The Lion King":

   • Feeling Feelings: Simba knows when he's happy, sad, or scared. He learns it's okay to feel all kinds of feelings.

   • Caring for Friends: He understands how his friends feel and helps them when they're sad or scared.

2. Elsa from "Frozen":

   • Controlling Feelings: Elsa learns to control her icy powers and her feelings. She finds ways to be calm when things get tough.

   • Being a Good Friend: Even when she's scared or worried, Elsa still helps her sister Anna and makes new friends.

Practical Intelligence

Practical intelligence, or "street smarts," means being good at solving real-life problems. Let's see how some Disney pals show this:

1. Aladdin from "Aladdin":

   • Quick Thinking: Aladdin is really smart in tricky situations. He thinks fast and finds clever ways out of problems.

   • Making Plans: He makes plans to outsmart bad guys and help his friends, like using his monkey friend Abu to help him steal food.

2. Mulan from "Mulan":

   • Making Good Choices: Mulan makes brave choices to help her family and friends. She thinks carefully about what to do, even when it's hard.

   • Being Creative: Mulan comes up with creative ideas to solve big problems, like dressing up as a soldier to protect her family and her country.

Conclusion

Disney friends teach us about different kinds of smartness. They show us how to understand our feelings and help others, and they also teach us how to think fast and solve problems in real life. By learning from these friends, we can grow up to be smart and kind too!

Can Human Intelligence Change as We Grow Older?

Yes, human intelligence can change as we grow older. Let’s understand how with some simple ideas and fun facts!

Growing Up and Getting Smarter

As kids grow up, they learn a lot from school, playing, and exploring the world. Their brains get better at remembering things, solving problems, and thinking about new ideas.

Example: When you first learn to read, it might be hard. But as you practice, you get better and faster at reading.

Fun Fact: Did you know that reading can actually make your brain grow? It’s like giving your brain a workout!

Changes in Adults

Different Types of Intelligence:

• Crystallized Intelligence: This is the knowledge you gather over time, like facts and words you learn in school. It usually gets better as you grow older.

• Fluid Intelligence: This is your ability to solve new problems and think quickly. It’s usually strongest when you’re young and can get a bit slower as you get older.

Example: Your parents might be really good at solving puzzles (fluid intelligence) when they were younger, but now they’re great at remembering lots of facts and telling interesting stories (crystallized intelligence).

Fun Fact: Your parents’ brains are like treasure chests full of knowledge and stories they’ve collected over the years!

Older Adults and Their Brains

Getting Older and Thinking Skills:

Sometimes, older people might find it harder to think as quickly or remember things easily. But they can still learn new things and keep their brains active.

Example: Grandparents might take longer to learn how to use a new phone, but they can still enjoy learning new games or hobbies.

Fun Fact: Grandparents who play video games can improve their thinking skills. So, invite them for a game night!

Brains Can Change:

Your brain can always learn new things, no matter how old you are. Doing new activities helps your brain stay strong and flexible.

Example: Just like practicing sports makes your body stronger, doing puzzles or learning music can make your brain stronger.

Fun Fact: The brain is like a muscle. The more you use it, the stronger it gets!

Lifelong Learning

Keeping Your Brain Busy:

Doing lots of different activities, like reading, playing games, and learning new skills, helps your brain stay healthy and smart as you get older.

Example: If you keep learning and playing games, you build up "brain muscles" that help you stay sharp even when you’re older.

Fun Fact: People who stay active and keep learning new things are like superheroes for their brains, fighting off the effects of aging!

Conclusion

Our intelligence can change as we grow up. Some parts of our intelligence can get even better, while others might slow down. But by keeping our brains busy and learning new things, we can stay smart and healthy throughout our lives.

Fun Fact: Your brain is amazing and can keep growing and learning no matter how old you get. So, keep being curious and have fun learning new things every day!

Sure! Here are examples of famous people known for their strengths in each of Howard Gardner's multiple intelligences:

1. Linguistic Intelligence

• William Shakespeare: Renowned playwright and poet, known for his mastery of the English language and contribution to literature.

• Maya Angelou: Celebrated author, poet, and civil rights activist, known for her powerful use of language in her writings.

2. Logical-Mathematical Intelligence

• Albert Einstein: Physicist famous for his theory of relativity and contributions to theoretical physics.

• Ada Lovelace: Mathematician and writer, recognized for her work on Charles Babbage's early mechanical general-purpose computer, the Analytical Engine.

3. Spatial Intelligence

• Leonardo da Vinci: Artist, scientist, and inventor, known for his incredible artwork such as the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper, as well as his detailed anatomical sketches.

• Frank Lloyd Wright: Architect renowned for his innovative designs and contributions to modern architecture.

4. Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence

• Michael Jordan: Professional basketball player, widely regarded as one of the greatest athletes in history.

• Martha Graham: Influential dancer and choreographer, known for her contributions to modern dance.

5. Musical Intelligence

• Ludwig van Beethoven: Composer and pianist, known for his significant contributions to classical music.

• Beyoncé: Singer, songwriter, and performer, recognized for her musical talent and influence in contemporary music.

6. Interpersonal Intelligence

• Mahatma Gandhi: Leader of the Indian independence movement, known for his ability to connect with and inspire large groups of people through nonviolent resistance.

• Oprah Winfrey: Media mogul and talk show host, known for her ability to empathize with and engage a wide audience.

7. Intrapersonal Intelligence

• Sigmund Freud: Neurologist and the father of psychoanalysis, known for his deep understanding of human psychology and introspective theories.

• Anne Frank: Diarist whose personal reflections during World War II provided profound insights into her inner life and experiences.

8. Naturalistic Intelligence

• Charles Darwin: Naturalist and biologist, best known for his theory of evolution by natural selection.

• Jane Goodall: Primatologist and anthropologist, renowned for her groundbreaking research on chimpanzees and conservation efforts.

9. Existential Intelligence

• Socrates: Classical Greek philosopher, known for his contributions to ethics and epistemology, and for his method of questioning to explore profound existential questions.

• Martin Luther King Jr.: Civil rights leader, known for his philosophical insights into justice, freedom, and human rights.

These individuals exemplify how different types of intelligence can manifest and lead to remarkable achievements in various fields.

Conclusion

Our intelligence can change as we grow up. Some parts of our intelligence can get even better, while others might slow down. But by keeping our brains busy and learning new things, we can stay smart and healthy throughout our lives.

Simple References for Kids

1. Growing Smarter: Kids get better at reading, solving problems, and thinking about new ideas as they practice.

2. Types of Intelligence: Adults might be slower at solving puzzles but better at remembering facts and stories.

3. Brains Can Change: Our brains can always learn new things, no matter how old we are.

4. Keeping Busy: Reading, playing games, and learning new skills help keep our brains healthy and smart.

References

Gardner, H. (1983). Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences. Basic Books.

Kolb, D. A. (1984). Experiential Learning: Experience as the Source of Learning and Development. Prentice Hall.

Gündoğdu, K., & Yüksel, A. (2014). The Relationship Between Multiple Intelligences and Learning Styles: A Study on the Students of the Department of Physical Education and Sports. Journal of Research in Education and Science, 4(2), 31-45.

Sternberg, R. J., & Grigorenko, E. L. (2000). Teaching for Successful Intelligence: To Increase Student Learning and Achievement. Skylight Professional Development.

Handout for after school reading

How to Get Smarter as You Grow!

Hey there, future geniuses! Do you ever wonder how you can get smarter every day? Just like you have to eat your veggies to grow big and strong, there are fun things you can do to grow your brain power. Let’s explore some cool ways to become a smarty-pants!

1. Read, Read, Read!

Reading is like a superpower for your brain. When you read stories, your brain imagines new worlds and learns new words. Try to read a little bit every day. It could be a book, a comic, or even a magazine.

Fun Fact: Did you know that J.K. Rowling, who wrote the Harry Potter books, loved to read as a kid? She got a lot of her ideas from books she read when she was your age!

2. Play Puzzles and Games

Playing puzzles and games is like doing exercise for your brain. Try playing games like Sudoku, chess, or even jigsaw puzzles. They help you think and solve problems, which makes your brain stronger.

Fun Fact: Albert Einstein, one of the smartest people ever, loved to play puzzles and games. It helped him think up amazing ideas!

3. Ask Questions

Never be afraid to ask questions. Curious kids are smart kids. If you don’t know something, ask a teacher, a parent, or look it up in a book. The more you ask, the more you learn.

Fun Fact: Thomas Edison, the guy who invented the light bulb, asked a ton of questions when he was a kid. His curiosity led him to invent amazing things!

4. Get Moving

Did you know that moving your body helps your brain too? When you run, jump, or play sports, your brain gets more oxygen and energy, which helps you think better. So, make sure to play outside and stay active.

Fun Fact: Serena Williams, a famous tennis player, stays super smart by staying active. Playing sports helps her keep her brain sharp!

5. Eat Brain Food

Just like you need food to grow tall and strong, your brain needs good food too. Eat lots of fruits, veggies, nuts, and fish to keep your brain healthy.

Fun Fact: Eating blueberries is like giving your brain a special treat. They are full of good stuff that helps your brain work better!

6. Get Plenty of Sleep

Your brain needs rest to grow. When you sleep, your brain processes everything you learned during the day. Make sure you get enough sleep every night.

Fun Fact: Even Albert Einstein knew the importance of sleep. He used to sleep for 10 hours a night!

7. Practice, Practice, Practice

Whether it’s math, reading, or playing an instrument, practicing helps you get better. The more you practice something, the smarter you get at it.

Fun Fact: Beethoven, the famous composer, practiced the piano for hours every day. That’s how he became so amazing at making music!

8. Stay Positive and Have Fun

Always believe in yourself and stay positive. Having fun while you learn makes everything easier and more exciting. Remember, it’s okay to make mistakes. That’s how you learn and get better.

Fun Fact: Walt Disney, who created Mickey Mouse, always stayed positive and had fun. Even when things were tough, he kept going and made the happiest place on earth!

Conclusion

Becoming smarter is a fun and exciting journey. Just remember to read, play games, ask questions, stay active, eat well, sleep enough, practice a lot, and keep a positive attitude. You’re already on your way to becoming the next big genius!

Sources:

1. American Academy of Pediatrics: Healthy Active Living for Families

2. Harvard Medical School: The Importance of Sleep

3. National Institute on Aging: Brain Health

So, what are you waiting for? Start these fun habits today and watch yourself get smarter every day!

ASKING FOR A SALE