All the Ways to Be Smart: questions to ask and activities to try
Smart is not just ticks and crosses. All the Ways to Be Smart is a joyful, rhyming celebration of all the different talents children have.
What age is it for? All the Ways to Be Smart is best for ages 3–7. Good for: Celebrating every kind of talent.
All the Ways to Be Smart (Davina Bell and Allison Colpoys)
- Age
- 3-7
- Best for
- Celebrating every kind of talent
Read it and stop to say which kinds of smart you see in your child. It's a lovely confidence boost before school.
What it helps with
- Different kinds of intelligence
- Self-esteem
- Noticing strengths in others
- Kindness and creativity
Comprehension and discussion questions
Pick two or three, not all of them. “I don’t know” is a fine answer, and you can always come back to it another day.
- “What ways to be smart did the book show?”
- “Which ones are you?”
- “Which ones is your friend?”
- “Is being kind a way to be smart?”
- “What are you getting better at?”
- “What would you add to the book?”
5-minute activities to try together
Smart list
Make a poster of all the ways your child is smart.
Spot it
Spot a different kind of smart in each family member today.
Free printables: All the Ways to Be Smart worksheet and activity pack
This book’s one-page worksheet with the questions and activities above, plus our activity pack: printable scenario cards, three 5-minute activities and a “What could I try?” page for practising everyday skills together. Enter your email and download them straight away.
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If your child liked this, try
The Dot (Peter H. Reynolds)
- Best for
- Children who say 'I can't' before they've tried
- Age
- 4-8
Giraffes Can’t Dance (Giles Andreae)
- Best for
- A child who measures themselves against what other children can do
- Age
- 4-7
The Lion Inside (Rachel Bright)
- Best for
- A child who feels too small or too quiet to be noticed
- Age
- 4-7
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 10 October 2026
Growing Wise offers educational ideas for parents and carers. It is not a substitute for professional medical, developmental or mental-health advice. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.