Multiple Intelligence At Seth Boyden

In 1999, Seth Boyden was selected to be the kindergarten thru fifth grade demonstration school for the entire district and introduced an innovative approach to curriculum delivery, based on the Principles of Multiple Intelligences.

Familiar ideas about intelligence focus on skills relating to language and mathematics. The concept of Multiple Intelligences as articulated by Howard Gardner of Harvard University recognizes other ways of being intelligent--in such activities as relating to each other, knowing ourselves, and expressing ourselves through art, music and movement. Thus, the Seth Boyden Demonstration School (SBDS) is an individual-centered school that takes this multifaceted view of intelligence seriously.

Using Multple Intelligences (MI) theory, Seth Boyden teachers present their lessons in a wide variety of ways integrating music, art, dramatics, puppetry, movement, dance, environment based education and character education into the "traditional academic subjects."

Teachers move freely beyond the four walls of the classroom to use the poetry corner, the art and music rooms, the television studio and the computer lab. Seth Boyden's unique "outdoor learning lab" fondly known as Strawberry Fields, provides a focus for an innovative environment based education program. A yearly artist-in-residency program supports the "Fifth Grade Legacy Project." Seth Boyden also offers a wide range of mentoring, social work, character education and health and fitness programming designed to support our commitment to nurturing the whole child.

Find more information about Multiple Intelligences on our Links page.

Come join us...

Any elementary school student in South Orange or Maplewood is eligible to enroll at Seth Boyden Demonstration School. We attract students from all over the district and have a rich community. We'd love to have you join us! To find out how, please contact the school or the Board of Education.