On a recent 11+ course we had the privilege of working with
a child who had been diagnosed with dyslexia. The report from the Educational
Psychologist pointed to difficulty with spelling and writing. The spatial side, however, was very strong.
We should imagine
that some dyslexic children will do well in later life in careers in the fields
of geology, biology, engineering, pharmacy and zoology. (Having re-read that
last sentence it looks as if studying subjects with an `ology’ at the end of
the word should suit at least some dyslexic students!)
If there is any credence in these observations then it may
seem that a number of dyslexic children should have a strong spatial side. The word
`Minecraft’ does not have an `ology’ but does require exceptional spatial
skills. In Minecraft children can build constructions within a 3D world. The
game is incredibly popular and has the ability to hold the attention of children.
When children start talking about hosting a Minecraft server
and acquiring a variety of skins then parents will be aware of the grip the
game has on their children. There are some who would argue that Minecraft does
much to stimulate the spatial areas of the brain – and thus ready children for
the demands of the complexity of subjects like chemistry.
When your child next plays Minecraft, ask him or her, once the game is finished, if it is possible to interpret, and attempt to explain, this chemistry diagram?
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