A child’s brain is an amazing thing with areas in charge of logical thought, which may not seem to be used as often as parents (and teachers) would like, and also creativity. The brain is divided into two hemispheres – the right and the left. The left side of the brain is dominant over the right side of the body and the right over the left. This means left-handed individuals are thought to be right brain dominant, but it is not always the case. Before labeling a child as a right-brain learner, remember that the entire brain works together to create a complete human being, but many do have tendencies toward a specific half.

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While you’re finishing family dinner, your child has quickly organized and described how his food is positioned on his plate according to color. When at school, he’s ready to answer every question with the right answer and can’t get enough of working through interesting and challenging problems. Sounds like you have a left-brain dominant child in your home.Just like the majority of the population, your child favors his logical and objective left-brain over his creative and freethinking right brain. Although our bodies use both sides of our brains to make decisions and perform daily functions, we all seem to lean to one side or the other. And, there is not one that is better or worse, just different. Every parent wants their child to succeed and excel in school and his future ventures, so finding more information on how to tap into his best way of learning, and helping him remember the importance of his creative right brain is key.

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The right brain is an important part of who we are, but is often pushed to the side with the dominant left-brain taking control. The left-brain is in charge of logical sequencing, rational thought, and analytical reasoning. But, the right brain aids in subjective thought, holistic thinking, and intuition – all essential parts of development and learning. With most educational settings focused on teaching to the left-brain, often the right brain is neglected, leaving out an important part of brain development.

Right brain learning theory is the idea of focusing learning on the right hemisphere of the brain. There are ways adults can adjust teaching situations within the classroom or home to encourage the child to support the right brain and tap into all it has to offer. The right brain offers skills that will help promote and create a smarter and more productive adult better suited for the future workplace. Daniel Pink, author and educational speaker, finds there are six right brain senses that are beneficial including learning the value of:

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Do you analyze subjects analytically? Do you prefer a step-by-step learning process with many details? If so, you might be a left-brained learner.

Here are a few characteristics of left brain learners from Math Power:

-Verbal
-Responds to word meaning
-Sequential
-Processes information linearly
-Responds to logic
-Plans ahead
-Recalls people’s names
-Speaks with few gestures
-Punctual
-Prefers formal study design
-Prefers bright lights while studying

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