UNDERSTANDING HEMISPHERIC DOMINANCE
Sammy, age 5, sauntered up to my desk before class started and asked which brain he was to use that day - “the right one or the wrong one!” The brain and its hemispheres were discussed during circle time the day before. Because visuals and analogies were not used during that discussion an unintended connection was made by this 5 year old. Sammy’s question, along with several other events, hinted that he was right-brain dominant which proved true over time. During a following one-on-one conference with Sammy, techniques were applied that were not only right-brain friendly but supportive of the connections between the hemispheres. Visual language was used. Drawings accompanied the explanation, humor was interjected and simple labels were applied. When Sammy later explained to his mom how his brain worked, I knew he not only understood but also felt proud in his achievement.
We should recognize the attributes of both hemispheres of the brain-not to label but to have a deeper understanding. Whether an individual is right-brain dominant or left-brain dominant, it is important to conduct mental and physical activities that build a stronger bridge between the two. (See Short and Sweet Activities)
Learn your strengths:
Left Brain Functions
Critical thinking
Sequential thinking
Logical thinking
Analysis
Evaluative Thinking
Convergent Thinking
Focal Thinking
Sees Parts/segments
Linear Functions
Verbal
Verbal Instructions
Controlled Experimenting
Serious Ideas/Logical Ideas
Math (Algebra)
Objective Processing of Ideas
Dislikes of Improvisation
Little Use of Metaphors
Little Use of Analogies
Receptive
Abstract Math Computation
Sequencing of Concepts
Verbal Memory
Reading/Phonics
Writing
Ordering/Sequencing
Planning
Verifying
Duplication and Application
Reality
Improving known
Nonfiction
Interpreting behavior
Deals with verbal ideas and uses words to describe things
Uses Symbols to represent things
Multi-Tasking
Right Brain Functions
Creative thinking/synthesis
Simultaneity
Intuitive thinking
Visual Analysis
Evaluative Thinking
Divergent Thinking
Diffuse Thinking
Sees Holistically/Gestalten
Nonlinear functions
Visual/Spatial
Visual/Kinesthetic Instructions
Playful/Loose Experimenting
Humorous Ideas
Math (Geometry)
Subjective processing of ideas
Likes Improvisation
Use of Metaphors
Use of Analogies
Self-Acting
Simple Math Computation
Relational Concepts
Tonal Memory
Sight Reading
Singing
Random exploration/Patterning
Dreaming
Assuming
Imagination
Fantasy
Inventing
Fiction
Affective interaction
Aware of things but does not connect them with words
See things as they are
Singular-Tasking
THE LESSON LEARNED:
Hemispheric functions can help explain the successes and the failures of students as well as the successes and the failures of teachers. Learning how to readily access the functions of both hemispheric lobes builds the foundation for the highest achievement.
LENGTHEN THE LESSON:
Left Brain vs. Right Brain: Understanding the Basic Differences
By Andrew Loh
http://www.brainy-child.com/articles/left-brain-vs-right-brain-basic.shtml
Share Your Lesson Learned Concerning This Topic:
Email us at msmac@wcc.net
Sammy, age 5, sauntered up to my desk before class started and asked which brain he was to use that day - “the right one or the wrong one!” The brain and its hemispheres were discussed during circle time the day before. Because visuals and analogies were not used during that discussion an unintended connection was made by this 5 year old. Sammy’s question, along with several other events, hinted that he was right-brain dominant which proved true over time. During a following one-on-one conference with Sammy, techniques were applied that were not only right-brain friendly but supportive of the connections between the hemispheres. Visual language was used. Drawings accompanied the explanation, humor was interjected and simple labels were applied. When Sammy later explained to his mom how his brain worked, I knew he not only understood but also felt proud in his achievement.
We should recognize the attributes of both hemispheres of the brain-not to label but to have a deeper understanding. Whether an individual is right-brain dominant or left-brain dominant, it is important to conduct mental and physical activities that build a stronger bridge between the two. (See Short and Sweet Activities)
Learn your strengths:
Left Brain Functions
Critical thinking
Sequential thinking
Logical thinking
Analysis
Evaluative Thinking
Convergent Thinking
Focal Thinking
Sees Parts/segments
Linear Functions
Verbal
Verbal Instructions
Controlled Experimenting
Serious Ideas/Logical Ideas
Math (Algebra)
Objective Processing of Ideas
Dislikes of Improvisation
Little Use of Metaphors
Little Use of Analogies
Receptive
Abstract Math Computation
Sequencing of Concepts
Verbal Memory
Reading/Phonics
Writing
Ordering/Sequencing
Planning
Verifying
Duplication and Application
Reality
Improving known
Nonfiction
Interpreting behavior
Deals with verbal ideas and uses words to describe things
Uses Symbols to represent things
Multi-Tasking
Right Brain Functions
Creative thinking/synthesis
Simultaneity
Intuitive thinking
Visual Analysis
Evaluative Thinking
Divergent Thinking
Diffuse Thinking
Sees Holistically/Gestalten
Nonlinear functions
Visual/Spatial
Visual/Kinesthetic Instructions
Playful/Loose Experimenting
Humorous Ideas
Math (Geometry)
Subjective processing of ideas
Likes Improvisation
Use of Metaphors
Use of Analogies
Self-Acting
Simple Math Computation
Relational Concepts
Tonal Memory
Sight Reading
Singing
Random exploration/Patterning
Dreaming
Assuming
Imagination
Fantasy
Inventing
Fiction
Affective interaction
Aware of things but does not connect them with words
See things as they are
Singular-Tasking
THE LESSON LEARNED:
Hemispheric functions can help explain the successes and the failures of students as well as the successes and the failures of teachers. Learning how to readily access the functions of both hemispheric lobes builds the foundation for the highest achievement.
LENGTHEN THE LESSON:
Left Brain vs. Right Brain: Understanding the Basic Differences
By Andrew Loh
http://www.brainy-child.com/articles/left-brain-vs-right-brain-basic.shtml
Share Your Lesson Learned Concerning This Topic:
Email us at msmac@wcc.net
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