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Right Brain-Left Brain Drumming Benefits for Kids

By Solomon Masala · Wednesday, March 14th, 2018

Many studies have been performed on the different ways a brain functions. One of the most common is the strengths of each hemisphere of the brain, or, the common argument of “right brain and left brain” thinking. Since brain development happens at its highest level during childhood, there are definite benefits to harnessing the powers of each side of the brain during this time. By drumming with kids, each side of the brain can be accessed, encouraging more than a love of rhythm, but, development of learning styles and skills that can last a lifetime.

The “left brain” encompasses a more logical approach to thinking. The left side of the brain is what processes time, math, sequences, spoken and written language. It is practical, measured and critical, and understands tactile stimulus. Drumming is able to reach this side of the brain through the measured action of rhythm, and the sense of touch as a kid plays a structured beat on a drum. Left brain thinking adores drumming for its steady foundation of time and space, which is an avenue for encouraging skills based in logic and math, as well as the natural rhythm of communication and languages.

The “right brain” is best thought of as the creative, intuitive side of thinking. As the first stop for music and artistic purposes, the right brain is also where a child’s visual motor skills are best reached. The right side of the brain enjoys thinking outside the box, and revel in new ideas and concepts, plus, the right brain is responsible for multi-tasking. Drumming with kids stimulates the right brain through the creativity of drumming – from the variety of drums used, to the various rhythms, to the experience of drumming with other drummers. From there, the brain is better able to use complex, abstract thinking in order to solve problems and more, benefitting creative pursuits and even scientific discoveries.

A true benefit of drumming for right brain and left brain thinkers is that through rhythm and the action of drumming, both sides of the brain are accessed at one time. When kids drum, they are increasing the functionality between both sides of the brain, which benefits them in school and on the playground. Increasing the ability of children to perform well academically and to make positive relationship connections is not only important for self-esteem and youth development, but, also serves to make stronger adults. Through this brainy teamwork, drumming with kids helps build skills and abilities that can only increase the brightness of their future, from the rock stars to the rocket scientists, and everywhere in between.

Categories : Education
Tags : drumming with kids, rhythm games, rhythm programs, right brain activities

Children, Learning Styles and Drumming

By Solomon Masala · Wednesday, March 14th, 2018

Learning styles are a familiar concept to teachers, educators and parents as children continue to learn through a wide range of experiences that stimulate various parts of the brain. The thought behind learning styles is simple: some people learn better through a visual and social environment, while others may benefit from a solitary, tactile experience, and still others prefer a more pragmatic or logical learning environment. Children even learn different subjects better through the different learning styles, making the entire study of how we all learn a fascinating exploration of the brain.

The act of drumming with kids explores the ability to apply each of the seven learning styles to any subject being studied. Beyond the benefits of building communication skills, drumming with kids provides a full-range of experiences that can benefit comprehension and even summative (testing) goals, or even help access areas of the brain that could increase the effectiveness of a certain learning style. For example, the visual aspects of drumming can stimulate the occipital and parietal lobes, making “typical” classroom instruction better for those children who struggle with understanding and assimilating information available on a chalkboard.

Verbal learners, as well as aural learners, have the natural tendency to understand the rhythm of language and the music of drumming easier than others. When kids use drums in the classroom, even just through listening to drumming or music, these linguistic abilities are enhanced as the rhythm reaches the temporal lobes in the brain, providing a foundation for success in all academic areas through language development, comprehension and mastery.

Physical and tactile learners are able to stimulate the cerebellum and minor cortex of the brain, meaning, as we drum with kids, are helping them open up to receive academic knowledge and information. In addition, logical learners can understand the concept of time as it relates to a drum or rhythm, stimulating the parietal lobe, where it just “makes sense” to have a steady beat. Coincidentally, it is the parietal lobe that is the mainstay of visual learners.

The final learning styles are social and solitary learners, both of which are natural drummers, in terms of community and creative expression. Social learners and solitary learners both feel the rhythm of learning through drumming. These children, whether in an interactive drumming environment, or alone, are stimulating the frontal lobes and limbic system, which also has the benefit of reaching into the emotions and behaviors of the kids who drum. In the group environment, children are learning through both styles, as both community (social) drumming and individuality (solitary) can be a part of the experience.

Whether a child learns best through physical learning or alone with a book, the benefits of drumming with kids can apply to all learning styles. For teachers, educators and parents looking for a different way to enhance or build skills in a child, perhaps picking up a drum will be an ally in the education of our children.

Categories : Education
Tags : drumming with kids, learning styles, multiple intelligences, rhythm programs
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