On this blog, I have written a lot about the idea of being “right-brained” or “left-brained.” This concept, rooted in how our brains work, is often used to describe our children’s cognitive tendencies. But what does it really mean, and how can it help you understand and support your child’s unique abilities?
While we use both sides of our brains for almost every task we do, each side of our brain has its area of specialty, which in turn influences the way we think. Our left brain handles the parts of our lives that require a computer, calculator, calendar and clock.
Everyone’s brain is divided into two sides, which are equally important and necessary. The problem is the left side thinks it’s the boss but it’s not. The right brain is designed to lead. And when it doesn’t there are serious consequences.
The Lego Movie is an entertaining, highly creative commentary on the struggle between the Left and Right side of us – complete with an evil villain who wants order at any cost and a wild and crazy group of right brain creative types! As they struggle to coexist – they find out they’re Special when they work together and appreciate what each of them has to offer.
Temple Grandin’s newest book, Visual Thinking, is a must read for anyone raising or educating children in the 21st century as we begin to see the need for every type of mind to be on board for our ride into the future.
Art is not just an outlet for our visual learners, but a pathway to creative thinking for our more rigid auditory-sequential learners. Adding the arts back into the curriculum will boost test scores and school performance for everyone.
Visual thinkers need to see what they are learning and are often overwhelmed in language heavy classrooms. Take this quiz to see if your child is a visual learner.
Schools are focused on teaching left-brain auditory learners and our right-brain visual kids are not getting what they need to succeed. My book, Being Visual, helps parents better understand their visual tactile child and shares specifics strategies to increase their success in school.
I think it is important for each and every one of us to understand how we think and learn in order to understand how those around us think and learn. And, how to best communicate with them and help them be more successful.
In a test heavy education system, more and more children are underachieving, feeling lost and misunderstood. Schools are focused on teaching left-brain auditory learners and our right-brain visual kids are not getting what they need to succeed. My book, Being Visual, helps parents better understand their visual tactile child and shares specifics strategies to increase their success in school.
