By Sweta Satapathy (Curriculum Research and Development)

Heard someone say they’re left-brained or right-brained and therefore more logical, or more creative? While this simplistic classification might be a common conversation starter, the reality is way cooler.

Recent research suggests that focusing solely on perceived strengths could actually hinder your overall development. So, let’s debunk the myth of the “left-brained” and “right-brained” individuals and explore how we can unlock the full potential of our brains by embracing a more holistic approach to learning, especially for our impressionable and developing young learners in preschool environments.

The Attention Deficit

Ever wonder why your little one can’t seem to focus on one toy for very long? It’s not just them! Studies tell us that our brains, including those of young children, can only concentrate for a limited amount of time at once. This means that long stretches of focused activity, like sitting still for hours in a classroom, might not be the most effective way for them to learn and grow. So, how can we help our preschoolers maximize their learning and productivity during those precious bursts of focus?

The Brain Yoga

Think of your child’s brain like a muscle. Just like you wouldn’t expect them to do bicep curls for an entire workout, you wouldn’t want them to be stuck doing the same activity for too long. Similar to how yoga poses have counter poses to stretch different muscle groups, we need to engage our child’s brain in different activities to unwind and recharge different parts. This helps them approach learning with fresh eyes and renewed focus.

Debunking Left vs Right

Think about your own self, are artists and creative people not trying to capitalize their strengths and improve their craft with logical precision all the time? While many of us have heard about the idea of having a dominant brain side, either left brained or right brained, and that this determines our approach to the world as analytical or creative, research suggests it’s not that simple. While there might be some slight differences in how our brains process information, both left and right sides work together and can be developed through various activities.

So, even if your child shows a natural inclination towards right brain dominated activities like analytical thinking, encouraging them to explore creative activities, like playing a quick online game of Pictionary during a break, can still be incredibly beneficial. Conversely, a child who loves creative pursuits can benefit from trying a simple math puzzle like Sudoku. This switching between left brained and right brained activities helps them unwind one part of their brain while engaging another, allowing them to approach a task with a fresh perspective upon returning.

Think about some of history’s most renowned figures:

Albert Einstein, the brilliant physicist, was known for his love of playing the violin, while J.R.R. Tolkien, the author of “The Lord of the Rings,” was a linguist who used his knowledge of languages to create his fantastical world. These examples highlight the importance of nurturing both analytical and creative thinking for well-rounded development.

Here are some fun and engaging activities that can help your preschooler exercise different aspects of their brain:

For Analytical Thinkers:

Sorting and classifying: Encourage them to sort toys by color, size, or shape.

Building with blocks: This helps develop spatial reasoning and problem-solving skills.

Playing memory games: These games improve their ability to remember and recall information.

Simple coding games: Introduce them to basic coding concepts through online games or apps.

For Creative Thinkers:

Singing, dancing, and playing music: These activities foster creativity and expression.

Storytelling and pretend play: Encourage them to create their own stories and act them out.

Arts and crafts: Allow them to explore their creativity through painting, drawing, and other artistic activities.

Dramatic play: Set up a pretend play area where they can explore different roles and scenarios.

Beyond Activities: The Power of Play and Breaks

Remember, play is not a break from learning; it’s actually a crucial part of it! Preschool education often incorporates this principle by integrating music, movement, art, and play into the curriculum.

This multi-faceted approach allows children to learn and explore in different ways, fostering cognitive development, social skills, and emotional well-being.

Just like adults, children get tired after long stretches of activity. Long class hours and back-to-back sessions can overload their young brains, making it difficult for them to focus and retain information.

This is especially true after lunch, when their alertness naturally dips. Unfortunately, curriculum demands often leave little time for breaks or review, making it challenging to solidify learning through repetition and reinforcement.

So, what can we do?

As parents and educators, it’s crucial to advocate for a system that prioritizes effective learning rather than simply checking boxes on a curriculum plan.

This means incorporating short breaks throughout the day where children can move around, engage in creative activities, or simply take a few moments to recharge.

Additionally, encouraging regular review and revision of key concepts helps them solidify their understanding and build connections between different areas of learning.

By understanding how our brains work and incorporating these simple yet effective strategies, we can create a learning environment that empowers our children to thrive.

Remember, every child is different and learns at their own pace. By fostering a supportive and nurturing environment that prioritizes play, exploration, and well-being, we can help them unlock their full potential and lay the foundation for lifelong learning and success.

By fostering a love of learning through play, exploration, and a variety of activities, we can equip our children with the tools they need to thrive in a world that demands both analytical and creative thinking.

Let’s embrace the amazing potential within each child and create a learning journey that is both engaging and empowering!

Bonus: Celebrity Examples Beyond Einstein and Tolkien

Looking for more inspiration? Here are a few additional examples of people who have excelled in both analytical and creative fields:

Oprah Winfrey: Media mogul and philanthropist known for her sharp business acumen and her impactful storytelling.

Leonardo da Vinci: Renowned artist, inventor, and scientist, embodying the ideal of the “Renaissance Man” who excelled in both artistic and scientific pursuits.

Maya Angelou: Powerful poet and civil rights activist who used her creativity to express complex ideas and emotions.

Will Smith: Versatile actor, rapper, and producer who has thrived in various creative and analytical endeavors.

Remember, these are just a few examples, and there are countless others! The key takeaway is that encouraging both analytical and creative thinking is essential for well-rounded development, regardless of your child’s natural inclinations.