Why Right Brain Education Misses the Mark
Most parents who come to Doman Learning aren’t looking for trends, they’re looking for real tools to help their babies and toddlers learn. If you’re reading this, it means you’re a parent (or grandparent) who’s serious about helping your child learn. That alone sets you apart. The world of early education can be confusing, especially with all the buzzwords out there. This guide will help you understand what Right Brain Education gets wrong, why it misses the mark, and what the Doman Method actually offers instead.
What is the right brain and how does it relate to early learning?
The term "right brain" often brings up ideas of creativity, intuition, and imagination. It’s the side of the brain "associated" with music, art, and visual thinking. But when it comes to early education, many programs that label themselves as "Right Brain Education" simplify this too much. The brain is not that black and white. And while these programs borrow heavily from our work at Doman Learning, as well as Glenn Doman's work in early childhood development and education (the Doman Method), Right Brain Education misses the mark.
For me, early childhood development isn’t about picking a side of the brain. It’s about building a child’s full potential across both hemispheres. When people talk about the right brain in isolation, they’re usually marketing a watered-down version of what my grandfather, Glenn Doman, set out to accomplish in child brain development. They take our flashcards, reading programs, and math dots and strip them of the depth and precision that make them effective.
That’s why we don’t call it “Right Brain Education.” It’s not about one side—it’s about the whole brain, the whole child, and real development. Early reading, math, and speaking involve both hemispheres working together, not just the right side. It’s a mistake to separate them.
Why the left brain matters just as much in early education
If the right brain gets all the attention in modern early education programs, the left brain is often forgotten. That’s a mistake. The theory is that the left side of the brain handles language, logic, reading, and math. These are all skills that are core to childhood development.
Yes, I teach parents to use large images and visual materials. But we also teach children to read with clarity, comprehend language, and solve problems—classic left brain skills. Reading together. Talking about cause and effect. Naming shapes and numbers. These are everyday ways parents support their child’s development at home.
The irony is that most "Right Brain Education" programs are really using left brain functions while claiming otherwise. I teach parents the Doman Method because it respects “both" the right and the left sides of the brain, and most importantly, we don’t focus on one hemisphere of the brain because there is no substantial evidence to suggest that people use one side of the brain over the other. Check out this study from 2013 that showed there is no preference among people on what side of the brain they use for certain tasks and reasoning. Like I said before, brain function is not as black and white as left and right.
What brain development really means for your child
Brain development is about helping children grow more curious, healthier, and more confident. It’s not a trend or a buzzword. At Doman Learning, we’ve spent decades developing an approach that actually works. This includes visual learning, movement, nutrition, and cognitive stimulation from birth.
Right Brain Education programs often mimic these elements. They promote flashcards and memory games, yet lack the structure and understanding behind them. One of the most important aspects of early education is the one-on-one interaction between a child and parent, and the connection that comes from learning together, not mindless drilling that Right Brain Education promotes.
What should early learning actually look like at home?
If you're trying to teach your baby or toddler at home, you’re probably looking for something that works. In our experience, the best learning happens when it's simple, consistent, and joyful.
That means showing your child words and pictures clearly and quickly. Talking about the world around them. Letting them move and explore. Giving them information without testing them. Real learning isn’t about proving what they know; it’s about building the love of knowing.
How the Doman Method supports real development
Glenn Doman was one of the first to show that the brain grows by use and that early development makes a difference. Our programs are based on decades of work with children of all abilities. From reading to physical development, the Doman Method supports the whole child and the whole brain.
Today’s Right Brain Education programs often strip this down to shallow visuals and exaggerated promises. They forget the rigorous methods and the respect for the child that define Doman Learning. When you compare our approach to what’s marketed in Right Brain Education circles, the difference is clear.
Why Doman baby flash cards are not the same as right brain flashcards
Flashcards are one of the most recognizable tools from the Doman Method. We use them not just to show images, but to build vocabulary, concepts, knowledge, and real understanding. The cards are large, clear, and designed for rapid input. However, Glenn Doman always said "the magic isn't in the cards, it's in the child." The cards are an easy, efficient, and fun way of giving a child input, but it's about creating an environment that encourages curiosity and giving children the opportunity to problem solve.
Many Right Brain Education programs copied these flashcards without understanding the method behind them. They call them "right brain flashcards" and throw them into a stack of gimmicky products. But what’s missing is the methodology. Many of these programs were created by people who were never trained in the Doman Method, yet they sell materials based on our work without fully understanding it. That’s not just unfair—it often doesn’t work the way it’s supposed to. The Doman Method is a system, not just a set of tools.
Why we don’t claim to teach photographic memory training
The idea of photographic memory is compelling. Right Brain Education programs often toss around this term, promising memory miracles. Since Right Brain Education draws lots of “inspiration” from the Doman Method, it’s important for me to say that the Doman Method has never claimed to teach photographic memory, nor is it my goal when teaching children.
What we teach is early reading, early math, and a deep understanding of the world all built on accurate input and a joyful process. While some children using the Doman Method may develop strong visual recall, it’s a byproduct of the overall learning experience and not the goal.
How to get started with the Doman Method learning program today
We’ve seen what happens when children are given the right input at the right time, and we want you to see it too.
If you’re interested in teaching your child, gifting them math and reading at a young age, you’re in the right place. The Doman Method has been used to teach toddlers for over 60 years. It’s not just about flashcards. It’s about giving your child a head start in reading, math, encyclopedic knowledge, and a lifelong love of learning.
Our free Glenn Doman flash cards are the perfect place to begin. Click Download below and get access to a free digital collection of our reading, math, and world knowledge cards. You'll get a week-long program for each subject and we'll tell you exactly how to use them to teach your kid. We are always here to support our parents. If you have any questions, we're here to help.
These materials are based on decades of work with thousands of families worldwide. Click the link below to download your free Glenn Doman flash cards and get instant access to our how-to video:
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