05_BT_May 2022

BT Guide
into the visual nature of right-brained students and
enhance their retention of phonics sounds.
• Vocabulary via visuals: Use pictures to build vocabulary.
Children with a right-brain orientation learn to read
through pictures. An excellent way to help them increase
their vocabulary is to create word pictures in their minds.
Some ideas include:
• Using pictures of different vocabulary words
(particularly items they care about) in notebooks,
and put the name of each item beneath the picture
• Labelling items around the house
• Reading picture dictionaries
• Drawing pictures for different vocabulary words
Math Learning Tips
Most standard math curricula today cater to the left-brain
learner – they are sequential, detailed, repetitive, and often
presented using plain or black and white text. Thus, it’s little
wonder why right-brain dominant children often struggle
with math. You can try the following suggestions, which are
aimed at imaginative children who respond well to pictures,
colours, and big-picture concepts.
• Big picture learning: Teach math as whole concepts
instead of individual processes. Repeating and reviewing
many math processes in each lesson is often ineffective
for right-brained students as they tend to learn
conceptually rather than in a linear sequence.
• Use visual guides: Show how math problems are done
instead of verbally explaining them. Children often
respond to visual learning when explanations are not
clear to them. Use graphic pictures and diagrams to
explain math concepts. Draw diagrams as you teach and
encourage the child to do the same.
• Find patterns: Teach your child how to find patterns
in math. You can use charts to show the relationship
between numbers.
• Make math colourful: Right-brained learners love
colours, so utilise different tones and hues to your
advantage. Instead of just writing numbers in black, you
can use colourful highlighters to indicate what is added
or subtracted.
Using Both Sides of the Brain
While it’s helpful to use an approach that addresses the
dominant side of your child’s brain, you should never
overemphasise either side. Always aim for balance by
encouraging whole-brain learning. This way, they can learn to
utilise both logical and creative thinking when they need to
resolve a problem.
In the case of a right-brained child, teach him logical and
analytical thinking skills. On the other hand, a left-brained
child should start using images and visualisations for learning
and cultivate creative hobbies like drawing or more activities
that use physical movements like dancing.
16 BabyTalk | May 2022