Implications of Lateralization for Grades K-3
Children up to age 9 have more flexible and fluid access to visual thinking because the left hemisphere has not yet developed the power to inhibit and suppress the functions of the right hemisphere. How can this fluidity and flexibility, and a natural visual language ability be kept strong during the same time period when children are beginning to learn to read and write?
Picasso once said that adults should not teach children to draw, but learn from them. Given the dual functioning in the two hemispheres at this age, what was he advising adults to learn to do with their own brains?
If the K-3 art teacher must have good classroom management and control (meaning having students pay attention to and follow verbal directions and learn to inhibit their right hemispheric impulses), how can that art teacher be said to be helping children develop their intuitive and visual thinking?
Principles
Basic Knowledge
K-3
Negative Views of Right Hemisphere
Creativity and Synchronization
II. Brain Synchronicity and Creativity
III. Brain Synchronicity and Creativity
Implications for Art Education