There are two sides of the brain that process information differently. The right side tackles memory and creativity, while the left handles language, logic and reasoning. No doubt, it’s vital that both sides, i.e. the whole brain, are well developed in order for children to do well in all areas of learning. To optimise children’s brains for learning, many brain training programmes utilise memory games and logic puzzles to train their cognitive functions.
With repeated practice, children will be able to pay attention better, learn faster and retain information for much longer. These improved functions will then translate into a positive impact on learning, as well as refined real-life skills.
Brain training (neurofeedback therapy) is also particularly useful for children with special needs, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, cerebral palsy, and learning and behaviour disorders.
This therapy uses video games to change undesirable brainwave activities into more normal, organized activity. Many therapists have observed an improvement in their client’s social skills, communication, speech and ability to focus by using neurofeedback therapy training.
Brain Training Programmes for Children in Malaysia
Here is a list of centres that offer brain training programmes for children:
1. BrainCarve
BrainCarve is a unique whole brain development programme focusing on left and right brain stimulation through fun learning activities and games.
It is a six-in-one programme that combines Abacus, Magic Fingers, Memory Techniques, Thinking Techniques, Verdic Maths and Win in 60 Seconds to work towards overall brain development.
These techniques are all intended to improve the Intelligence Quotient (IQ), Emotional Quotient (EQ) and Creativity Quotient (CQ) of children between the age 3 to 16 years.
The programme leverages on fun learning approaches to bring out the best in children, enhancing their observation, listening, language, mathematical, manipulative and self-help skills, as well as social and emotional development. “A smart brain is not god gifted. It is a result of good training in the initial stages of life.”
Read more: Study: The brain food that will make your kids smarter
2. You&Me Right Brain Learning Specialist
What sets You & Me Right Brain Learning apart from other learning centres is its early learning programme which utilises age-specific right brain training; one that taps into the imaginative and visual power of the right brain.
You&Me Right Brain Learning Specialist is a big believer that every child is born with unlimited potentials; so, when the right side of the brain of a child is stimulated adequately; the child is thus able to maximise their individual potentials.
The goal of the You & Me Right Brain Learning Programme is to enable the full, balanced functioning of both sides of a child’s brain by nurturing their often-neglected right brain. The key to developing intelligence for a child is to foster growth and balance in both left and right brains. The curriculum is built upon scientific findings of all things brain development.
As the outer layer of the brain develops from right to left, this gives a window of time (usually between 0 to 6 years old) during which a child is learning primarily with the right brain. At the centre, teachers guide children using uniquely absorbent method and techniques to take optimum advantage and maximise their “prime time” learning experience.
3. Ditoso Right Brain Development Center
Ditoso Right Brain Development Center offers a right brain development programme for children up to 6 years of age. It uses play-based activities designed to enhance student’s observation, memory, imagination, fine motor skills and oculomotor (eyes training) skills. These activities boost confidence and lay the foundation for better learning.
4. Melody Kindyland
Melody Kindyland includes the Ditoso Right Brain Development programme as a compulsory component for their 3-year-olds and as an enrichment option for the 4- to 6-year-olds.
They believe this can help unleash children’s full potential.
Under this programme, children will be engaged in activities that stimulate their audio memory (promotes children’s concentration in their listening), oculomotor skills (train the eyes to accurately shift from one target to the next which is important in reading and sports), imagination (cultivates creativity), linking memory (strengthen ability to recall images and create a story), fine motor skills (refine ability to use small muscles which helps writing), and more.
5. Apple King Special Education Centre (Special Needs Children)
Apple King Special Education Centre integrates neurofeedback training into their intervention programmes to ensure the most effective outcomes for children with special needs. During therapy sessions, a computer programme similar to a video game is used to process children’s brain signals.
The programme will then use sound or visual signals to retrain their brainwave activity towards more controlled patterns.
Over repeated training and when used together with other forms of therapy, children will be able to notice a remarkable improvement in their disorders within a much shorter time frame (every case varies).
6. HappyLand Psychology & Therapy Centre (Special Needs Children)
HappyLand Psychology & Therapy Centre also provides neurofeedback therapy to retrain the brain to alleviate symptoms of various mental and neurological health disorders, such as ongoing developmental delays, behaviour issues and post-traumatic stress disorders.
The therapy involves placing sensors on the child’s scalp and these sensors are attached to an electroencephalographic (EEG) machine which monitors his/her brainwaves.
Over time, the treatment can help the child develop new brainwave patterns and improve speech, behaviour and other undesirable characteristics of the disorder.
This article has been republished with permission from Kiddy123
