Starting With Stories: Engaging Mulitple Intelligences Through Children's Books

Schiller, P.B., & Phipps, P. (2006). Starting with Stories: Engaging Multiple Intelligences Through Children’s Books. Beltsville, MD: Gryphon House.

Summary/Analysis

This book is a comprehensive, literature-based curriculum that actively engages all eight multiple intelligences using multi-curricular activities. These support the four basic literacy skills:

• Oral language development
• Phonological awareness
• Letter knowledge
• Print awareness

There are 100 stories that act as a springboard for over 1,200 activities that provide practice in these literacy skills. It offers six ideas per story that can be used as learning centers or in small group interactions. They are aligned with the eight intelligences. Integrating the curriculum by applying the multiple intelligences provides meaningful and appropriate instruction.

Teaching strategies and descriptions of what learners like to do are included for each intelligence. It is through these strategies and the use of learning centers that children have meaningful learning experiences.

The book is set up to enhance your existing curriculum. There are a variety of choices for each story that make finding connections for children easier and therefore increases comprehension.

Relevant Quotes/Concepts:
“A teacher who knows the many ways children can express their abilities (multiple intelligences) and who teaches in an environment where best practices are guided by the research, ensures that all children enter school ready to learn.” (9)

“The best curriculum plans offer young children numerous opportunities to make meaningful connections, not only to academic content, but also to their daily lives.” (10)

“One of the best ways to provide appropriate, meaningful learning experiences for children is to integrate the curriculum by applying a multiple intelligences approach.” (10)

“- the more connections children make to what they learn, the more fluid and complex their comprehension.” (12)

Text Sources:
Armstrong, T. (1994). Multiple Intelligences in the classroom. Alexandria, VA:ASTD

Phipps, P. (2003). Integrating multiple intelligences throughout the curriculum (a chapter in the DLM Early Childhood Express Research Booklet). Columbus, OH: SRA/McGraw-Hill.