Is your child in their right brain to be successful at school?

Experimentation has shown that the two different sides, or hemispheres, of the brain are responsible for different manners of thinking. The following table illustrates the differences between left-brain and right-brain thinking:

Right Brain
Random
Intuitive
Holistic
Subjective
Synthesizing
Looks at wholes

Left Brain
Logical
Sequential
Rational
Analytical
Objective
Looks at parts

Most individuals have a distinct preference for one of these styles of thinking. Some, however, are more whole-brained and equally adept at both modes. In general, schools tend to favor left-brain modes of thinking, while downplaying the right-brain ones. Left-brain scholastic subjects focus on logical thinking, analysis, and accuracy. Right-brained subjects, on the other hand, focus on aesthetics, feeling, and creativity.


So which are you?


Signed,
Right brained and creatively focused

You bet not be up at dat' school embarrassing me!

Just the other day, some teachers and I passed what use to be the old drive in theater. And although we ranged in ages 32-42 we all could recall how exciting and fun it was to load the family in the car for an evening of entertainment. The sadness of our memories is the mere fact that kids today will never know the excitement of loading the family vehicle for an evening of big screen, popcorn, mosquitos and the speaker dangling from the driver's window.

Wow, something so simple helped to define family entertainment.
Today, parents drop kids off at the movies and pick them up after the movie is over.

Where did we loose sight of what was really important?

In 2008, we have more ways to communicate but are clearly out of touch with today's generation. We are devoting time and energy to discuss if boys should wear their pants on their waist, below their waist or on their knees. When in reality we as parents need to take a stand while down on our bending knees. We have failed our children by creating individuals who are highly influenced by outside influences beyond our control instead of parental influences within their reach. Children are given choices when there should be none but are incapable of making decisions when faced with a choice.

Where did we go wrong?

Many parents(and you know who you are) have become masters of making excuses for children who should not be excused. When did we as parents become more concerned with what another child was doing and less concerned about what our child was doing? My moms' mantra was I don't care what so and so is doing, you bet not be up at that school embarrassing me! It is unfortunate that educators today spend more time proving that a child is out of order than maintaining order.

Mom...Dad...wake-up!
If a child disrespects you at home, don't act surprised when the teacher calls to say that your little angel has disrespected her at school. It may be cute now, but if you don't raise your kids, the County will. It is called 3 hots and a cot!

I see what happens in middle school and high school when we have failed to raise responsible children while in elementary school! It is called TAKS, NCLB, SPED, 504, LD, ADD, ADHD, Drop-out.....you get my point. Parents should parent. Teachers should teach. And in case of need, both should lend the other a hand when needed!

Signed,
Still scared to embarrass my mom!