Left & Right

Some children have a supposed disorder in knowing left and right.

This may be a misunderstanding.

They may automatically use the appropriate hand for writing, for example, but might confuse the terms 'left' and 'right.'

If the child has developed a preferred hand, obviously that child can distinguish one hand from the other.

If they confuse the terms, though, suspect a naming problem.

And if they've been 'taught' that they have a disability in knowing left-and-right, they might get anxious about it. This makes learning really hard.

But plenty of relaxed, happy, accurate practice makes perfect.

Reversals
About Left & Right

Some children seem to have a disorder in knowing left from right.

They may be confused when asked to turn left or right.

They may raise the right hand when asked to raise the left.

They may say 'left' when they should have said 'right.'

Is this really a disorder in knowing left from right? Consider:

Does this child prefer one hand for coloring, or does he pick up a crayon with either hand randomly?

Does this child prefer one hand for eating, or does she pick up a spoon with either hand randomly?

If the child is old enough to use a preferred hand, the child is obviously able to distinguish one side of the body from the other.

If the child confuses the terms 'left' and 'right,' suspect a naming problem.

Hands are like twins; sometimes it is hard to get their names right.

Try the 'Naming Twins' experience in the 'Reversals' section of The Reading Treehouse.

Short Cut Through the Treehouse ~ The Whole Treehouse

More on this topic: Reversals In Writing (Anna’s Story)