Shopping By Multiple Intelligences

What is the Multiple Intelligences concept?

In 1983, Harvard University’s Howard Gardner projected in his book, Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences, the theory that while conventional definitions of intelligence basically measured logical and language-based intelligence in conventional IQ tests, there are in fact now eight kinds of “core intelligences” in each of us.

While many schools and curricula focus on the long-established writing and reading kinds of intelligence, progressive educators and parents realize that children have different levels of strength within each of their multiple intelligences, and that individualized pedological approaches and learning resources are needed to accommodate each child’s strengths and weaknesses in each of the core intelligences.

This way of thinking makes good sense to us, especially if we are parents or teachers. We can easily observe that different children are good at certain things and not good at others, and that different children like to do certain things and not to do other things. Gardner refers to these likes and abilities as tendencies, and that each of these likes and abilities fits into one of his core intelligences.

Think for a moment about what your child likes and is good at doing, or needs to work on to get better at doing, and see if they fit into Gardner’s Multiple Intelligence categories as you are considering your purchases from Bright Pennies. Be sure to think about which of the core intelligences listed here best describe your child as you are selecting your Brilliant Things, and as you shop, be sure to look for the Multiple Intelligences icon associated with each item:

	Linguistic Intelligence.  Written or spoken words are this child’s strength. These children like to read, talk, and write stories, and like to learn by verbal memory, hearing and reading. For items that relate to Linguistic Intelligence, look for this icon.
	Logical-Mathematical Intelligence. Logic and numbers are this child’s strength. These children like to decipher problems, do science experiments, play complicated games such as chess, and like to learn by probing and problem solving. For items that relate to Logical-Mathematical Intelligence, look for this icon.
	Spatial Intelligence. Vision and thinking through issues are this child’s strength. These children like to draw and paint and design and do puzzles, and like to learn by thinking things through, visual memory, engineering and wondering. For items that relate to Spatial Intelligence, look for this icon.
	Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence. Acting, doing and moving are this child’s strength. These children like to make things and enjoy sports and dancing and acting. They like to learn through the movements of their body and doing things with their highly developed fine and gross motor control. They are very hands-on learners. For items that relate to Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence, look for this icon.
	Musical Intelligence. Making music and interpreting sounds are this child’s strength. These children like to sing, play instruments, and write songs. They like to learn through what they hear and often will create songs and tunes to help them memorize facts. For items that relate to Musical Intelligence, look for this icon.
	Naturalistic Intelligence. Working with living things such as plants and animals are this child’s strength. These children like to be outside growing things and being with nature. They like to learn through classifying things and recognizing their place in nature and interacting with the environment. For items that relate to Naturalistic Intelligence, look for this icon.
	Interpersonal Intelligence. Working and socializing with other people are this extroverted child’s strength. These children like to lead and support the work of groups in accomplishing tasks, and like to learn by communicating with others. For items that relate to Interpersonal Intelligence, look for this icon.

You can read more about Howard Gardner and his pioneering work in Multiple Intelligences, and how they succeed in improving learning at Harvard University’s “Project Zero."

How can Bright Pennies and Shopping By Multiple Intelligences help my family?

Having an appreciation for Multiple Intelligences helps you to understand that your child or student has not just one, but several different types of intelligences, and that some are more advanced than others.

Be sure to think about which of the core intelligences best describe your child as you are selecting your Brilliant Things, and as you shop, be sure to look for the Multiple Intelligences icon associated with each item! Always keep in mind that each child has strengths and limitations in each of the areas, so you might strategically select a product to help strengthen an already-developed core intelligence area, or another to help cultivate a less-developed core intelligence area. The games, toys and puzzles that Bright Pennies carry work to both strengthen and develop your child’s learning and cognitive skills.

Each of the products that Bright Pennies offers enhances your child’s creativity and intelligence with hands-on products that will promote higher-order thinking skills, reasoning, self-awareness and most importantly – your child’s imagination!

By knowing your child or student’s preferred core intelligences, you can give them the appropriate Brilliant Thing that will both capture their interest and develop their learning abilities. Again, as you shop, be sure to look for the Multiple Intelligences icon associated with each item! At Bright Pennies, our highly unique products both entertain and educate your child!

Many of the brightest children today have not been identified and accordingly are not as challenged as they should be to nurture their development. Even once they have been identified, frustrated parents and teachers can still find it difficult to meet their distinctive needs. Finding resources that fulfil their needs and support their potential can be daunting. That is why Bright Pennies was created.

The owner of Bright Pennies, Douglas Parker, M.S., M.S.Ed. has been a teacher and school administrator for twenty-five years, and has worked with some of the brightest students in the United States. He has coached national champion debate and speech teams, has trained television quiz bowl teams, has coached Odyssey of the Mind and Robotics teams, and in general has been a friend and mentor for thousands of bright and talented children who have benefited from his attention. As a member of American Mensa, Mr. Parker has access to some of the leading brain-based research on gifted and talented education from around the world.

Together with his son Christopher, Mr. Parker has reviewed the top educational and creative products on the market, and has assembled a unique collection of products and services that can help parents and teachers meet their bright and talented children’s needs!

Why is it so important for bright and talented children of all ages to have these kinds of resources? The latest studies available point out that despite what might or might not happen at school, the bright children’s learning activities and play while at home allow them the time and freedom, and support from their families to develop their gifts in a way that best meets their needs. Outstanding teachers recognize that it is critical for the learning and fun to expand outside of the school, and this is why the products and support that Bright Pennies can offer your family and classroom are so important in today’s world!

Many toys, games and academic supplies that imply that they are intended for bright children simply do not provide the kinds of intellectual stimulation that distinctive products from Bright Pennies do. Bright and talented children need games and toys that will push their abilities and keep them focused, and merely purchasing toys that are labeled for older children isn’t the answer. Our exceptional products are linked to the Multiple Intelligences, and promote age-appropriate independent reasoning, higher-order thinking skills and abstract thinking inside of the classroom or the home – all characteristics of a bright and gifted child.  And, they’re fun!