Summary: Over the past 6 weeks we’ve been discussing Howard Gardner’s 8 multiple intelligences or learning archetypes as well as specific study strategies for each of them. Adam Sikinski's blog inspired this current series of podcasts/blogs. Though he doesn't specifically address Naturalistic Intelligence, he's detailed much useful information. Today's topic is Naturalistic Intelligence or Being Nature Smart. Being nature smart means having an understanding and being curious about the environment. Nature smart kids notice what’s around them, no matter where they may be, and enjoy identifying and classifying such things as plants or animals. What are the benefits of being nature smart? Being observant of one’s surroundings Realizing the importance of the environment Learning and appreciating everything in nature Examples of everyday activities enjoyed by Nature Smart Kids: Hiking; dinosaurs; visiting science museums, zoos or aquariums; collecting things found in nature such as rocks, bugs, feathers; bird watching; nature walks; the weather; volunteering at the humane society; growing a garden or house plants; cooking; star-gazing. Examples of Nature Smart Jobs: animal trainer; archeologist; astronomer; geologist; landscape designer; nature guide; paleontologist; veterinarian; zoologist Nature smart individuals help to advance our world by showing us ways to understand our world through their observations and discoveries. 3 Study strategies for Nature Smart Kids: One of THE most effective study strategies for those that are nature smart is to take studying outside. Whether you set up a study area in the backyard or hide out in a fort or playhouse, being outdoors may inspire those that are nature smart to boost their learning potential. 1. Take learning mobile Enjoying a walk, riding a bike, or simply exploring may do more than give nature smart kids an escape. These outdoor activities when done while thinking about or recalling any topic can increase learning enjoyment. If you’ve even taken a walk to clear your head or gain clarity, you understand the power of being out in nature. The physical act of moving ones body in the outdoors while pondering any topic may bring new clarity. Observing subtleties such as the direction of the wind, the shapes in the clouds, or the slope of a road, may aid in remembering topics and enhance learning. 2. Ask questions and make observations relating to phenomena or objects found in nature Creating a list of questions and heading outdoors to ponder the answers or staging a re-creating may do wonders in helping your child gain a deeper understanding about any topic. For example, when learning history, nature smart kids could easily fashion action figures, castles, and more out of rocks, sticks, or dirt. They could create a scene from history and have their action figures reinact them. Talk about living in the moment! Not only are nature smart kids in their preferred environment, they are using objects that have significance for them. When learning math, gather objects found in nature such as rocks, sticks, feathers, or blades of grass, to represent anything from single numbers to equations. This activity is not unlike using manipulates such as blocks and balls in preschool. Manipulating these objects (adding, subtracting, multipying, dividing) will leave a lasting impression on your nature smart child. 3. Make music from instruments found in nature. If you listened to or read my previous post/podcast regarding study strategies for Musical Intelligence, this idea may sound familiar. Creating lyrics and musical accompaniment (from objects found in nature) about any topic could lead to deeper learning. If your child isn’t quite up for making music, creating poetry about a topic and relating it to something naturalistic may be a huge benefit for your child.
