Multiple Intelligences, or the "Nine Ways of Knowing" as conceived by Howard Gardner, describe the different ways children learn and demonstrate their intellectual ability.

Our curricular approach is complementary to all these learning styles:

Verbal-Linguistic Intelligence -- well-developed verbal skills and sensitivity to the sounds, meanings and rhythms of words

Mathematical-Logical Intelligence -- ability to think conceptually and abstractly, and capacity to discern logical or numerical patterns

Musical Intelligence -- ability to produce and appreciate rhythm, pitch and timber

Visual-Spatial Intelligence -- capacity to think in images and pictures, to visualize accurately and abstractly

Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence -- ability to control one's body movements and to handle objects skillfully

Interpersonal Intelligence -- capacity to detect and respond appropriately to the moods, motivations and desires of others.

Intrapersonal Intelligence -- capacity to be self-aware and in tune with inner feelings, values, beliefs and thinking processes

Naturalist Intelligence -- ability to recognize and categorize plants, animals and other objects in nature

Existential Intelligence -- sensitivity and capacity to tackle deep questions about human existence, such as the meaning of life, why do we die, and how did we get here.

At Rainbow Chimes, these Multiple Intelligences are all realized within five core thematic areas of Discovery, Literacy, Art, Drama, and Music. Our High/Scope curriculum provides the means to actively learn through Key Experiences that correlate to all the Multiple Intelligences in each of these broad programmatic subjects.

For example, the ability to think through reason and logic makes children curious about the world around them, and they learn through discovery. Our curriculum encourages children to explore and manipulate objects, create sets and groupings, to use puzzles and basic graphs, to build with blocks, do simple research, and experiment to understand cause and effect.

Children also learn through artistic expression, and they enjoy painting, sketching and sculpturing. They are given non-toxic art materials to manipulate from the time they are babies, and greatly enjoy the experience. Through our open art curriculum they can explore mixing colors, using clay, watercolors, textiles, and other art media. Their work is then showcased in our Art Gallery where they can see that it is valued and beautiful.

Kinesthetic and rhythmic learners enjoy the music, singing, dancing, and dramatic play that are part of our everyday routine. All types of music are presented to the children, from classical to rock, and they are encouraged to express themselves through this media. Musical instruments are freely available in all infant/toddler nurseries, pre-school classrooms, and school-aged clubroom.