All the Ways to be Smart
What’s inside...
All the Ways to be Smart by Davina Bell is a heartwarming story that celebrates the diverse ways in which people can be smart. The book follows a young girl named Mia as she discovers that being smart is not just about being good at school, but about using her creativity, imagination, and kindness to make a positive impact in the world. The story serves as a modern classic that rethinks what it means to be smart and celebrates all the wondrous qualities that make children who they are, presented in a special format for young readers.
Age
2-6
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What are some of the different ways the characters in the book show they are smart? Can you think of ways you are smart like them?
The book shows that being smart isn’t just about reading and math. What are some other skills you think are important to be smart?
How did the book make you feel about your own abilities and talents?
Which character’s type of smartness do you admire the most and why?
How can you use your smartness to help others around you?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own diverse skills and intelligence, demonstrating that everyone has unique strengths.
Use praise to reinforce your child's self-esteem by highlighting specific skills they possess that are celebrated in the book.
Encourage storytelling by asking your child to imagine a new character and describe what type of 'smart' they would be.
Relate the characters’ abilities back to real life, discussing people they know who have similar strengths and how they use them.
After reading, engage in activities that reflect the different forms of intelligence depicted in the book, such as drawing, building, or solving puzzles together.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Celebrating Individual Strengths
Explanation: The book emphasizes that every child is unique and has their own set of strengths, whether it's being good with numbers, storytelling, or understanding emotions.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate their own abilities and those of others, fostering a positive self-image and respect for diversity.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Imagination
Explanation: Through vibrant illustrations and engaging text, the book illustrates the power of creativity and imagination in solving problems and expressing oneself.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to use their imagination in their daily play and learning, solving problems creatively and expressing their own thoughts and feelings.
Example Lesson: Emotional Intelligence
Explanation: The story introduces how understanding and managing emotions is also a form of intelligence.
Real-World Application: Children can use this lesson to navigate their feelings and interpersonal relationships better, learning empathy and emotional control.
Example Lesson: Importance of Learning
Explanation: The book portrays learning in various forms, not just academic, highlighting its importance in personal growth and success.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to engage in continuous learning, exploring new hobbies, and reading, which aids in their cognitive and social skills development.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: It subtly teaches the lesson that everyone brings something valuable to the table, promoting teamwork and collaboration.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding in group settings like classrooms or sports, appreciating and leveraging each other's strengths for better outcomes.