Thinking back to the kick-off of our book study, share your reaction to the Drawing on the Right Side of Your Brain exercise. What did your drawing look like? Where you able to “quiet” your left brain? How did the exercise make you feel?
When we did this exercise in one of our planning sessions, I was surprised at how good my drawing was. I WAS able to quiet my left brain and actually draw something recognizable. It totally changed my self-perception. My son had a school project due shortly after that. My husband asked me I knew how to draw a shamrock. I scoffed at him and said that I didn't know how to draw. Then I stopped myself for a second and said, "Yes, I can do it." And I did!
I agree - your drawing was outstanding. Mine, not surprisingly, was overcomplicated and fussy! I think I struggled to quiet my left brain, and don't give myself enough credit for the left brain I do have (I test extremely right brained!).
Although I have engaged in this exact lesson over a dozen times now (I taught it as part of the 4mat training that I did), I still find it very intimidating and frustrating (as a left brainer). I must admit that I create a better drawing than I ever would looking at it right side up, but I always feel that my sense of proportion and the speed at which I am working is incorrect.
I liked this excersice. It was helpful that we got some instruction at the beginning. It almost made me feel I could draw. Everytime I read Pink's book I get excited about the possiblities.
I found this frustrating once again, as I have taken many art classes and still do not have the "natural gift" of drawing. I still tend to differ with the author about anyone being able to draw. While I am creative, I still have trouble putting those ideas on paper in the form of drawing and painting.
After staring at the negative space on the Hershey's Kisses logo on page 157, I still cannot see what the author found to be "unexpected and whimsical."
Being a left-brainer, I was frustrated at first knowing that I was totally out of my comfort zone and I also felt a little panicky. But, once I got started, the picture turned out better than I had hoped.
Welcome to the book study blog for Daniel Pink's A Whole New Mind. Thank you for joining our first ever community-wide professional learning circle, joining students, educators, business leaders, and parents in powerful conversations about learning with a “whole new mind.”
Who We Are
Shelley Bailey I have been in education since 1989 as a business teacher, administrator and currently as Coordinator of Career and Technical Education in Elmira. I believe that the key to motivating all students to succeed at higher levels is to help them connect their learning to their lives including their interests, skills and future career plans. “A Whole New Mind” helps us to better understand people, especially students, and what will be needed for their achievement and ultimately, our ability to prosper as a nation. I am excited about the implications that this innovative book study project can have on our students, teachers and community!
Gina Beirne I am a technology-obsessed Library Media Specialist who went to library school in the "dark ages" before the Internet existed. My love of technology encompasses every aspect of my life. My two most faithful companions are my iPhone and my Kindle. I am married, have two children, and am owned by the world's most beautiful yellow lab.
Heather Lutz I am a school counselor at SHS. I love my job because it is magical to watch students grow into young adults during the brief four years they spend in high school. I enjoy reading, gardening, and cooking. The youngest of my three children has recently departed for college so I am finding more time for these hobbies and for spending time at the lake with my husband, Bill.
Kathy Pilling-Whitney I am an art teacher at Southside High School. I teach ceramics, Drawing & Painting, and Studio in Art. I have been in a continual search and study for ideas and inspiration in teaching and learning. I also have a personal interest in right and left brain research.
Maggie Thurber I am an assistant principal at Southside High School, working in the area of professional and student learning. I am devoted to promoting adolescent literacy and to supporting collaborative professional learning. In fact, this book study & blog would not have happened without the passion and impetus provided by great teacher leaders, and I am humbled and proud to be a part of the endeavor. I am excited about working together with students, parents, educators, and the business community to explore the needs of the 21st century learner. I am – the consensus is – quite right brained myself!
I was comfortable with the exercise as my professors in high school and college used it. :)
ReplyDeleteWhen we did this exercise in one of our planning sessions, I was surprised at how good my drawing was. I WAS able to quiet my left brain and actually draw something recognizable. It totally changed my self-perception. My son had a school project due shortly after that. My husband asked me I knew how to draw a shamrock. I scoffed at him and said that I didn't know how to draw. Then I stopped myself for a second and said, "Yes, I can do it." And I did!
ReplyDeleteI agree - your drawing was outstanding. Mine, not surprisingly, was overcomplicated and fussy! I think I struggled to quiet my left brain, and don't give myself enough credit for the left brain I do have (I test extremely right brained!).
ReplyDeleteAlthough I have engaged in this exact lesson over a dozen times now (I taught it as part of the 4mat training that I did), I still find it very intimidating and frustrating (as a left brainer). I must admit that I create a better drawing than I ever would looking at it right side up, but I always feel that my sense of proportion and the speed at which I am working is incorrect.
ReplyDeleteI liked this excersice. It was helpful that we got some instruction at the beginning. It almost made me feel I could draw. Everytime I read Pink's book I get excited about the possiblities.
ReplyDeleteI found this frustrating once again, as I have taken many art classes and still do not have the "natural gift" of drawing. I still tend to differ with the author about anyone being able to draw. While I am creative, I still have trouble putting those ideas on paper in the form of drawing and painting.
ReplyDeleteAfter staring at the negative space on the Hershey's Kisses logo on page 157, I still cannot see what the author found to be "unexpected and whimsical."
ReplyDeleteHelp please!
Turn the logo vertical then look between the K and the I. (Hope I'm explaining that good enough.)
ReplyDeleteBeing a left-brainer, I was frustrated at first knowing that I was totally out of my comfort zone and I also felt a little panicky. But, once I got started, the picture turned out better than I had hoped.
ReplyDelete