The Giants on Whose Shoulders We Stand
Understanding the history and science behind the method
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Right Brain Education draws inspiration from educators and researchers who explored early learning, visual processing, and the brain’s natural ability to absorb information.
Well-known pioneers include Glenn Doman and Makoto Shichida, whose work highlighted the importance of early experiences, emotional connection, and visual learning in young children.
Modern right brain home practice adapts these ideas into gentle, practical activities suitable for today’s families.
Why These Pioneers Still Matter Today
The work of early pioneers continues to influence how educators understand learning today — especially the role of visual input, emotional connection, and early experiences in shaping how children absorb information.
While educational approaches have evolved, the core idea remains relevant: children learn best when learning feels meaningful, engaging, and emotionally safe.
A Modern, Thoughtful Adaptation
Modern right brain home practice does not replicate early methods exactly as they were originally introduced. Instead, it thoughtfully adapts these ideas to suit today’s children, families, and learning environments.
Activities are designed to be shorter, gentler, and flexible — supporting focus, visual memory, and imagination without pressure or expectation of performance.
How This Influences Our Approach
At The Happy Cove Resources, we draw inspiration from these early ideas while prioritising a balanced, child-centred approach. Our resources are designed to support learning through short, enjoyable sessions that fit naturally into family life, alongside school learning.
Right brain education is best viewed as a complementary approach to learning, supporting creativity, focus, and enjoyment alongside traditional academic instruction.
The Science:
The Science:
Roger Sperry
Roger Sperry
& The Split-Brain Theory
& The Split-Brain Theory
Before it was an educational method, it was a scientific discovery. In 1981, Roger Sperry was awarded the Nobel Prize for his research on "split-brain" patients. His work proved that the two hemispheres of the human brain function differently:
The Left Brain: Processes information linearly, sequentially, and logically (Language and Analysis).
The Right Brain: Processes information simultaneously, intuitively, and holistically (Images, Rhythm, and Emotion).
Why this matters: Sperry’s research gave scientific validity to the idea that we can target specific teaching methods—like high-speed flashing and visualization—to stimulate the right hemisphere directly.
The Foundation:
The Foundation:
Glenn Doman
Glenn Doman
Glenn Doman founded the Institutes for the Achievement of Human Potential and is often considered the father of the flashcard method. He believed that the human brain grows through use and that young children have a limitless thirst for knowledge.
His Contribution: Doman introduced the concept of Rapid Visual Input. He discovered that showing information quickly (high-speed flashcards) does two things:
It bypasses the slow, analytical filter of the left brain.
It activates the right brain’s ability to capture images instantly (photographic memory).
He taught us that learning should be joyous and that a child’s potential is far greater than we traditionally believe.
The Heart:
The Heart:
Professor Makoto Shichida
Professor Makoto Shichida
While Doman focused on input, Professor Makoto Shichida focused on the state of mind. He famously said, "The right brain works best when the child is relaxed."
His Contribution: Shichida added the crucial element of emotion and the subconscious. He taught that the right brain circuits open wide when a child is in a state of relaxation and love (often called the Alpha State). His method emphasizes:
The Parent-Child Bond: Love is the bridge to learning.
Intuition & ESP: Games that strengthen the child's "gut feeling" and empathy.
Visualization: Using the imagination to create clear mental images.
For Shichida, the goal was not just a smart child, but a child with a "big heart" who can use their abilities to help others.
The Happy Cove Approach
The Happy Cove Approach
At The Happy Cove, we honor these pioneers by blending their methods into a modern, gentle home practice. We combine Doman’s rapid learning techniques with Shichida’s heart-based philosophy. We adapt these powerful concepts specifically for the primary years (ages 6–12), creating a bridge that allows creativity and intuition to thrive alongside growing academic demands.
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