Left Handed Writing

My 5 year old is left-handed.
It was a surprise because my husband, myself, and our other 3 children are all right handed.

Since he was a baby, he has always used his left hand for everything: eating, playing, coloring.
He even kicks a ball with his left foot.

I didn't think it would be much different than
teaching a right handed child to write.
I was wrong.

The first thing I noticed is that he can't write
with a ball point pen.
Because of the position of his hand, the ink just won't flow.
I let him write with colors, markers, or pencils.


Recently he has began mirror writing.
He will start writing on the right side of the page and write the word completely backwards.
(instead of writing "Jaden" it says "nedaJ")
I will correct him, and he will write from left to right for a while, then he will revert to writing right to left.
This is my biggest concern.

Then there's the whole scissors thing. He can't cut because if you hold right-hand scissors upside down, they don't cut.

I've done some online research and found a lot of interesting facts and tips for teaching left-handers to write.
There are special pens, pencils (no. 3 instead of no.2. I didn't know there was any other kind!), scissors, and more for left hand use.

I've learned that there is a certain way they should position their paper to allow their hand to move under the line of writing, thus preventing smudging of their work. This also prevents the hook-hold many left handers use.

There are also every day problem common to left-handers, like having trouble hugging, eating at a table with others, shaking hands, dressing, and more.

I admit, I find it fascinating.
It might be a challenge to help him learn to write correctly, but I am looking forward to it. :-)

Here are some links:
Writing with the Left Hand

Tips for Left-Handers

Everyday Problems for Left-Handers

Handedness Research Institute

Left Handed Children


Until Next Time.....