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Do-Strategy - The Right Mind?
"The intuitive mind is a sacred gift, the rational mind a faithful servant. It is paradoxical that in the context of modern life we have begun to worship the servant and defile the divine." Albert Einstein. Isn't it amazing that so many years ago, Einstein, a scientist and ostensibly a Left brain user, should have realized the hidden wealth of the Right brain or as he calls it, 'the intuitive mind'? The Left brain is the seat of logical, analytical processes. It approaches a given task in a sequential and reality based way. The right brain on the other hand is intuitive, random and holistic. It is the seat of fantasy and emotion and other non-verbal, non-temporal processes. Perhaps because speech and language are located in the left brain (for 98% of human beings), the analytical left brain has come to be worshipped. This is despite reams of research on brain theory which indicates otherwise. The school system continues using teaching-learning methodologies built dominantly around Left brain applications - like one right answer, one way to do things, largely verbal approach to teaching, etc. However, our experiences in Geniekids have shown that the efficacy of teaching increases if the left brain approach is complemented by a Right brain one. We have demonstrated that the Right brain approach can be applied to all subjects and especially to those that are deeply embedded in the traditional, logical, step-by-step system. Take the case of 'Percentages and Fractions' - at Genie kids we tend to turn it on its head. The children Bake a cake - and right from buying material at a percentage cost to proportion of ingredients to how much cake each will get - throughout they worked with percentages and fractions! And not only was the activity 'enjoyable and involving' but it also demonstrated the workings and applications in daily life. When teaching is done through such a brain inclusive rather than brain exclusive approach there are sudden jumps in comprehension. For learning to have a deeper impact, it is necessary for the student to be able to understand the 'parts' as well as see the 'whole'. Letting the analytical Left-brain suppress the intuitive Right brain is like going through life with one eye closed. Of course we will be able to 'see' but somewhere the 'wholeness' of the picture will escape us. Problem solving, decision making, critical thinking, and exploration of meaning reply on this two pronged approach. Fantasy and Analogy are powerful right brain tools and help a child make the necessary connections and interconnections. Teaching a child to tap into the right brain is relatively simple and we can provide a host of opportunities within the home itself. Essentially it is all about guiding the child to perceive and process information differently from the traditional way. Also, by giving the child a task that the left brain will reject and will therefore have to be taken on by the right brain. Can the child learn about plants by imagining himself to be a seed and doing a visualized walk through? Can the child learn how a cycle works by comparing it with human limb. Can we enhance learning experience by drawing, by dancing, using music and using manipulatives. And what will this "whole brain" learning lead to? Tomorrow demands people who see the 'big picture', who play by their hunches and who arrive at creative solutions. Children who are trained today to be in their 'Right Minds'! By Sangeeta Bahuguna
If I had my child to raise all over again, I'd build self esteem first and the house later. I'd finger paint more and point the finger less. I would do less correcting and more connecting. I'd take my eyes off my watch and watch with my eyes. I would care to know less and know to care more. I'd take more hikes and fly more kites. I'd stop playing seriously and seriously play. I would run through more fields and gaze at more stars. I'd do more hugging and less nagging. I'd see the oak tree in the acorn more often. I would be firm less often and affirm much more. I'd model less about the love of power... {Big thanks to Mrs Mala for emailing for us these wonderful thoughts]
Learning through Drawing & visuals, movies, music, dance, drama, imagination, out of box thinking and toys which require movement all would come under Right brain approach. For a more detailed knowledge - refer the following resources: Books: 1. Unicorns Are Real: A Right-Brained
Approach to Learning 3. Teaching for the Two-Sided Mind: by Linda Verlee Williams Web sites:
http://www.funderstanding.com/right_left_brain.cfm
Lovely Labels -Intuitive ---------------------------------------------------- The sixth sense is the one we rely on so often - but what we need is confidence to rely on that. This confidence can come only when adults in our life show where our intuition led to a successful experience. It isn't important to be always logical. Its important to uses all our senses. Intuitive (for those wondering what 'lovely labels' are – please refer newsletter 'Issue 6' at http://www.geniekids.com/bp6.htm or ask for it to be e-mailed to you).
Mail Bag – Shy & Moody Mrs Deepika sends the following common parental worry: I am very happy
with all the issues you discuss about; this has helped to improve my
relationship with my son who is 2 years 8 months old. My son is very shy and
moody by nature. He does not mingle or talk to strangers; otherwise he is
very talkative at home. We faced problems when we took him for an interview
for admissions, even though he knew what ever they asked he did not answer
any of their questions. My in-laws and my husband always complain that my
son does not communicate with relatives and friends. I was also very shy and
moody as a child can this be the cause for this? How can I make him come out
of shyness and communicate with in a better way? I also request you to
discuss the issues related to kids who attend school for the first time i.e.
how to increase there reading ability, talking ability, creativity and
food... A child who has merely spent 36 months in the world has the expectations of a whole society on his little shoulders. I have a big request to all parents who have "shy" children - accept them as they are. Is the child embarrassed by his shyness or are WE (adults) embarrassed by it? The fact that you had a equally shy and moody childhood is not the cause of his being so; but can be definitely a cause for you to rejoice his own unique personality. Somehow, we live in a society which vouches for 'personality development' - as if there is some ideal personality that we should all achieve. Imagine if through some personality development program we made all the flowers in our garden roses. Request to go through newsletter issue No 15: "Expecting and Accepting" The only guidance to parents, whose child is going to the school for the first time, is: Make this tumultuous transition (for him) as enjoyable, as loving and as much full of positive strokes as possible. Give this and leave the ability part on him! ~ Editorial Team}
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