Posted June 25, 2023

When I applied to study Architecture at KSU, a special test was given – similar to the above examples. The test seemed easy and I asked the Dean what the point of the test was. He informed me that I had done well and was accepted to his department. But what about the test? He explained that many people are smart, but can’t think 3 dimensionally.

I was stunned! I assumed everyone thought the same as me, some were just better or worse. He was saying that to succeed in Architecture (and many other professions), you have to be able to easily translate words and 2D drawings into visual objects in your mind.

Discovery Park has challenged me to study and contemplate how kids will interact with each element. I’ve also been studying right brain predominate kids. These kids often struggle with school and end up with labels and drugs to settle them down so they can get through the school day without disrupting the classroom. Some parents pull them out and start homeschooling.

Why some kids see the world differently.

So here is my very condensed version of what is going on. Left brain kids tend to use logic, words, numbers (symbols) and step-by-step thinking. Schools teach one step at a time, each day building on yesterday’s step. This is a very left brain approach. Those who are good, get excellent grades. Because they did so well, they often become teachers and continue the left brain teaching style. This is not to say all teachers are this way. Many are fantastic at seeing the different ways kids learn. It’s just that the system favors the logic based left brain.

About one third of kids are born with a right brain predominance. They think differently. Everything is visual – whole picture style. Their senses tell them the story, not just their ears.

Because their minds are translating everything into visuals, the connections are slower. They know what an apple is. They can visualize it, turn it any direction in their mind, describe it in detail. They want details – what color apple, what variety. A left brain child sees a drawing of a red apple (symbol) like in a simple book.

For the right brain thinker, because of this intensity and translating their world into a 3D map in their head, their reading is probably not going to happen at age 6 or 7. But suddenly at 9 or 10, it all comes together and within a month they are up to speed. What starts off feeling like a failure suddenly turns into joy. The same happens with math and some other subjects.

But watch them draw, build with Legos, tell fantastical stories. Their world is vibrant and alive! When they are about 10 or 12, the left and right sides of the brain start working as a team and they can participate in a left brained world more easily.

I love the concept of free-play. Since there are no rules, no wrong way, they can explore this adventure area at their own pace, in their own way.

One family brings their autistic son to “ride the rails”. First he goes fast, then slow. Sometimes he stops and just studies the world in front of him. Around he goes again. But last time he visited, after going around numerous times, he stopped – got off the train – walked up to the stage – picked up the pretend microphone and started singing his heart out! We were all stunned.

Free-play opens so many doors, and each visit is a new adventure. Thanks for enjoying the ride. All Aboard!

     P.S. I'm not telling you the answers to the test. Life doesn’t always tell us everything. But try asking your kids to solve the test questions. You might be surprised!