In my post, Celebrate All Kinds of Mindsin Your Classroom, on Beth Anderson’s blog, students identify how the youth in No Brain the Same use their Multiple Intelligences. In this extension activity, students use Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences to discover all the smart ways they use their own brains. They will design profile silhouettes filled with words and pictures to help them answer the question, What smart ways does your brain work?
I. Introduce the students to Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences by explaining the eight intelligences (Visual-Spatial, Linguistic, Logical-Mathematical, Bodily-Kinesthetic, Musical, Interpersonal, Intrapersonal, and Naturalistic) to students or show them the video Every Type of Intelligence Explained in 5 Minutes, a YouTube video.
II. Create an eight-column chart on a whiteboard or chart paper, labeling each column with one of Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences. Leave room under each heading for student responses.
III. Engage students in a discussion about things they do to overcome learning obstacles. Have students write their answers on sticky notes or small pieces of paper. Ask them, “Think back to times when you got stuck learning something but figured it out. What did you do to get unstuck?”
Examples may include:
draw or look for graphs or pictures
use manipulatives like blocks, tiles
ask a classmate for help
look for quiet, ask for more time
work step-by-step
look for clues to make predictions
read aloud
observe nature
color code text
look for patterns or sequences
make lists
collect and sort
IV. Guide students in thinking about which of the Multiple Intelligences categories best describe each of their personal experiences. Instruct them to record their answers and reasoning in the chart. Explain that some actions or activities engage more than one category, but have them choose the primary intelligence.
For example:
IV. Have each student draw a profile silhouette. Jenny K has tips on how-to outline one.
a. Tape a piece of 12 x18 light-colored paper to the wall at the student’s eye level.
b. Have each student sit in a chair with the side of their head right next to the paper.
c. Shine a flashlight or projector at the student’s profile from about 3 to 4 feet away to create a sharp shadow on the paper. Trace the outline.
V. Design the profile silhouettes.
a) Ask students to refer to the Multiple Intelligences chart to help them answer the question, “What smart ways does your brain work to make you, YOU?”
b) And have them fill in their silhouettes with words and pictures to show their unique strengths, including interests and activities they enjoy both inside and outside of school.
c) Ask students to make a pledge:
Next time I get stuck ______________, I will _______________.
I hope designing their own profile silhouettes helps kids discover all the smart ways they use their brains! I’d love to see some profile silhouettes. Please reach out to me via my website, or tag me on Facebook, Instagram, or Bluesky if you share their work!
We passed a good time at the American Library Association Annual Conference. It’s always great to connect with other writers, educators, and librarians in-person. Book people are the best people! I made a short video re-cap below.
And will also share an activity Jeanette Bradley, co-editor and illustrator of No Brain the Same: Neurodivergent Young People Shaping Our World created for the conference. If you ever have a chance to attend this conference, I highly recommend it!
No Brain Like Mine art activity printable (click here or image to open pdf)
No Brain Like Mine art activity instructions (click here or image to open pdf)
We’re presenting on Saturday, 6/27 from 1-2 pm, McCormick Place, W 183 A and signing copies of No Brain the Same at 3 pm at the Charlesbridge Booth #3015.
Fellow panelist Chloe Ito Ward shared this about our session Neuropositive Picture Books: A Celebration of New Neurodiversity-Affirming Titles:
Are you looking for tools to help children, families, and classrooms understand and celebrate neurodivergence?
Come away from this session with a deeper understanding of how to support neurodivergent children and their schools and families with the power of picture books, along with a curated list of new neurodiversity-affirming titles to strengthen your collection.
I had a fun conversation on the 12×12 podcast with Julie Hedlund and Kelli Panique about poetry, activism, and the anthologies I co-edit with Jeanette Bradley and Lindsay H. Metcalf. No Brain the Same is the third book in the series, which includes No Voice Too Small and No World Too Big.
I’m finally getting around to sharing my author visit at Kivukoni International School in Kilifi, Kenya. I had a blast sharing Yumbo Gumbo with students in Key Stage 1, ages 5-7. The kids were engaged and asked brilliant questions. The visit was on my birthday and the happiest because they sang to me!
I was so thrilled to learn that the school is eco-friendly. Chatting with the Head of School and the teacher who organized my visit reminded me of the international schools I worked with while living abroad. Dedicated to diversity and creating global leaders.
Through powerful poems, this book honors neurodivergent youth activists transforming their communities and invites kids to act—continuing the spirit of No Voice Too Small and No World Too Big.
Featuring Billie Eilish, Dara McAnulty, and Ly Xīnzhèn M. Zhǎngsūn, these fourteen poems spotlight neurodivergent activists inspiring kids ages 5 to 9 to make change. These fourteen neurodivergent activists began their work when they were young and continue it now, changing systems, politics, policies, and more. The book features poems written by poets who have something in common with each activist.
These fourteen neurodivergent activists began their work when they were young and continue it now, changing systems, politics, policies, and more. The book features poems written by poets who have something in common with each activist.
Fourteen poems by CooXooEii Black, Vanessa Brantley-Newton, e.E. Charlton-Trujillo, Liv Mammone, Lyn Miller-Lachmann, K. A. Reynolds, and others honor activists from all over the world and the United States. Additional text goes into detail about each activist’s life and how readers can get involved.
Activists introduced:
Connor DeWolfe, featured in a poem by e.E. Charlton-Trujilo
It’s been a busy summer. I forgot to share our KidLit For Growing Minds August back-to-school edition of our newsletter with the intro article written by moi! Find book news, teaching tips, inspiration, and more.
Subscribe to receive an INDEX TO BACK MATTER CONTENT for books by KidLit for Growing Minds Creators!
Writing to reimagine midlife still feels fairly new to me. And the creativity part? Still becoming. And I suspect, like a story, can go on and on until the author stops writing. I am honored Paulette Bethel, PhD, featured me as an example in her beautifully written CULTURS Magazine article, “The Art of Becoming: Creativity, Cultural Wisdom & the Stories We Carry”. I discuss my journey from educator to children’s author and how my New Orleans roots, global experiences, and reimagining midlife led to my passion for truth-telling and creative becoming.
To all of my friends and fellow writers “of a certain age”…
The theme of this year’s NCTE/NCTM Joint Conference, Gather, Grow, and Learn Together flowed through every session, conversation, and connection made at this event. Finding inspiration is easy when spending time with educators, creatives, and people who care about kids.
I made the video below with some of my favorite memories and takeaways. Enjoy!
Bid here on an author & editor AMA featuring Lindsay, Jeanette, and me to support the Highlights Foundation! All proceeds fund scholarships to support neurodiverse writers. The auction ends on April 30th.
The Buckeye Book Fair featured me with an amazing write-up in their March Book Bits newsletter for Women’s History Month for my contributions to the world of literature. What an honor!💕
I am thrilled to announce that The State Library of Ohio, the Ohioana Library Association with the Ohio Center for the Book and Choose to Read Ohio Advisory Council selected OPENING THE ROAD: VICTOR HUGO GREEN AND HIS GREEN BOOK as a 2025 Choose to Read Ohio (CTRO) notable book! Find the reader’s toolkit created for OPENING THE ROAD here.
The CTRO booklist features 20 titles for all ages selected by Ohio teachers, librarians, and other advocates for readers and reading.
I’m over at Mary Boone’s blog answering questions about my latest release, YUMBO GUMBO, and my writerly life. Here’s the link to Six Questions with Keila V. Dawson.
I am thrilled and honored to announce more book award news. A couple months ago, I shared that NO WORLD TOO BIG won the 2024 Green Earth Book Award – Intermediate Category. This month I have exciting news about two other books.
The National Science Teachers Association and the Children’s Book Council selected YUMBO GUMBO as one of the winning titles for their NSTA-CBC 2025 Best STEM Book list. Click here to find the full list of winning titles.
And the State Library of Ohio, the Ohioana Library Association with the Ohio Center for the Book, and the Choose to Read Ohio Advisory Council selected OPENING THE ROAD for the 2025 Choose to Read Ohio (CTRO) book list. The CTRO booklist features 20 titles for all ages selected by Ohio teachers, librarians, and other advocates for readers and reading. It’s in great company! Click here for a list of the titles.
I am beyond thrilled to see that OPENING THE ROAD continues to reach readers with every honor and recognition.
NO WORLD TOO BIG: YOUNG PEOPLE FIGHTING GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE won two awards!
NO WORLD TOO BIG: YOUNG PEOPLE is the winner of the 2024 Green Earth Book Award in the Picture Book – Intermediate category! The Nature Generation gives the award. Here’s the cover sporting the 2024 Green Earth Book Award sticker. I missed last week’s virtual ceremony for that award because of travel, but Lindsay and Jeanette attended. We are so happy the book is reaching young readers!
It’s also the winner of the 2024 ILA Social Justice Literature Award in the Nonfiction Picture Book category. This award is from the International Literacy Association.
And the third bit of news…
Feliz cumpleaños del libro, El más gumbo delicioso! October is a month to honor and celebrate Louisiana Creole, Latino, Indigenous heritage and gumbo. YUMBO! Join me in welcoming the Spanish edition of Yumbo Gumbo to the world!
Happy book birthday, El más gumbo delicioso! October is a month to honor and celebrate Louisiana Creole, Latino, Indigenous heritage and gumbo. YUMBO!
I am excited this book is in the world and will reach a Spanish-speaking audience. Now available. Here’s the link to places to purchase your copy today! Gracias.
In March, we received news that NO WORLD TOO BIG was chosen as the winner of the 2024 Green Earth Book Award in the Picture Book – Intermediate category. The award celebration will take place virtually on Thursday, October 17, 7:00 – 8:30 PM, EST. The event is free to attend, although registration is required.
We are so honored to have our work recognized and hopefully encourage more youth to get involved!
NO WORLD TOO BIG: YOUNG PEOPLE FIGHTING GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE is the recipient of the 2024 Green Book Earth Award in the Picture Book – Intermediate category from The Nature Generation!
We are so happy this book is reaching readers! And besides the winners and honors, there’s a long recommended reading list.
It was also a finalist for the Russell Freedman Award for Nonfiction for a Better World, part of the SCBWI Legacy and Impact fund.
April is poetry month and Earth Day is celebrated every April 22nd. But do you know about the Earth Month Ecochallenge? It runs from April 1 – April 30, 2024. This month, pledge to take action. The more who do, the greater the impact. From their website, “This year’s theme, “Conserving Every Ecosystem, Caring for Every Creature,” highlights the intersection of conservation and behavior change. By focusing on daily actions and continuous learning, we aim to create a sustainable and just world, not just for humans but for all species and ecosystems we rely on.”
Below is an activity for kids using NO WORLD TOO BIG, a perfect fit for April’s Poetry Month, the Earth Month Ecochallenge, and Earth Day on April 22nd. Click here or on the worksheet to download the template.
What a fun book launch! Lots of moms, grandparents and a dad came to the Yumbo Gumbo storytime at Joseph-Beth Cincinnati. A sibling pair totally understood how big and little siblings relationships work and identified with my characters Annabelle and Beau. All the kiddos and their grown-ups were engaged, and they loved the bread basket craft. When a mom asked her son what he planned to put in his basket, he said cars. 🤣
