Over two decades after Howard Gardner identified multiple intelligences in his ground-breaking book Frames of Mind (1983), educators around the world are using the theory of multiple intelligences in their classrooms. In some ways, parents and teachers have always intuitively known that children learn in different ways and that an activity that grabs one child may […]
Enhance bath-time learning with this homemade rainmaker. • Plastic milk container • Large sewing needle Punch holes in an empty plastic milk container. Using a large sewing needle, create an interesting pattern of holes around the bottom of the container. The more creative the arrangement is, the prettier your water streams will be. Fill the container with water. […]
 Let your child’s fingers do the reading. • fabric pieces and other materials with different textures • cardboard • glue • hole punch • yarn • copies of family pictures Cut out pieces of fabric. Glue each to a separate piece of cardboard. Punch holes in the cardboard and tie the pieces together with yarn to make a book. Encourage your child […]
Learn letters the tactile way, with refrigerator magnets.  • Magnetic letters — it’s best if you have more than one set, and both upper- and lower-case letters 1. Play a matching-letter game: Invite your child to match capital letters to lower-case ones. With help from you, he can begin to see the relationship between the two […]
This hands-on paint alternative is perfect for younger children.  • 1 cup each flour, salt, and water • empty plastic squeeze bottles • watercolor paints • spoon and bowl for each color • cardboard squares or heavy paper With your child, mix flour, salt, and water in a bowl. Stir in paint until the mixture is the desired color. […]
A reflective look at how two halves make a whole.  • construction paper • markers, crayons • scissors • safety mirror Ask your child to draw a few simple pictures of familiar objects. Then cut the pictures in half lengthwise.  Let him place the mirror next to each half-picture. What does he see? Draw half a shape on a […]
This sticky situation is perfect for toddlers.  • clear contact paper • collage materials — felt, ribbon, paper scraps (construction, wrapping, tissue) • construction paper (optional) Cut a piece of clear contact paper — approximately 12 to 15 inches square — and peel off the back. Provide your child with collage materials, and encourage her to stick them […]
 ½ cup dippity-do hair gel Food coloring Zip lock bag  Add food coloring and dippity-do to ziplock bag- make sure it is sealed well, and let children manipulate. For visual interest, you can add small items and / or glitter to the gel before sealing.
