More than IQ: A Perspective on Success

I recently came across an article that suggests IQ--the traditional measure of logical, linear intelligence--is a poor predictor of life success. Instead, it reinforces the idea that other measures of intelligence, such as EQ (Emotional Intelligence), MQ (Moral Intelligenc) and BQ (Bodily Intelligence) are more important attributes in determining future success. I would add SQ (Spiritual Intelligence) to that list, but that's a topic for another time!

The article also provides suggestions for developing each of these "alternative" intelligences.

Here's a link to the article:

Intelligence is Overrated: What You Really Need to Succeed

Focus on Innovation and Caine's Arcade

I came across the following two items completely independently but they compliment each other so well and are so useful that I couldn't help but share them together here under the common theme of "Innovation."

The first item is an article/interview with author Tony Wagner on his new book Creating Innovators. The article does a nice job of distilling the major points and recommendations from the book. They include food for thought for me as a teacher, you as a parent and all of us as a community. Here's a link to the article: http://www.thedailyriff.com/articles/creating-innovators-22-insights-from-tony-wagners-new-book-905.php

The second item is a video about a young boy who demonstrates an inspiring level of innovation and perseverance. I first heard about it as a radio story on NPR, but felt compelled to track down the video and see this young man's creation for myself. Parents and kids should find it equally inspiring. It's called "Caine's Arcade" and is a fascinating example of how an innovative mind can do A LOT without MUCH.

Myers-Briggs Super Hero Projects

Perhaps you've had a chance to explore the Voki which describes each dimension of the Myers-Briggs personality assessment that our 4th and 5th graders took. One way we used the data and insight about our personalities was to develop a "Super Hero" with super traits based on our personality profiles. Before we got too carried away though, we also had to analyze our profiles for possible weaknesses, and imagine those onto our alter egos as well (hey, even Superman has kryptonite!)

These are up in the room at both campuses, and you'll get to see them when they come home with most of our work toward the end of the year. One of our most popular heroes has been "Neona" from Hannah at Isbell (an "INTP"). Next time I'm in trouble, I hope she's nearby!

"Embrace the Intensity": A Thought-Provoking Article from Dallas Child

A parent alerted me to this pretty direct and even controversial look at "What Do I Do With This (Gifted) Kid?"

I highly recommend it. You will probably be able to empathize and it also includes some useful advice for parents.

Personality Profiles: True Colors and Myers-Briggs

One of our major focuses since coming back from Winter Break has been on discovering truths about our own personalities and how we relate to the world and others. Different grade levels used different personality tools, and below you'll find a Prezi presentation for both of the profiles we used. Videos are used to highlight characters who demonstrate the discussed personality traits. You can zoom in and out of the Prezi using the controls.

If you have trouble viewing the Prezi's below, you can link to online versions of them here:

• What's Your True Color?
• What's Your Personality Type (Myers-Briggs)?

 

1st through 3rd Grade: What's Your True Color?

What's Your True Color? on Prezi

 

Want to take the True Colors quiz yourself?

 

4th and 5th Grade: Myers-Briggs

What's your personality type? on Prezi

 

Kid-friendly Myers-Briggs Quiz

Adult Myers-Briggs Quiz