What is going on when children start writing their names from right to

[Guest]

I run a Pre-school and this year in particular I have noticed two of my children writing their names from right to left. I wouldn't be too worried, but these are children who used to be able to write their names from left to right. Has anyone else experienced this?

 

[AnonyMouse_33773]

A parents asked me about it and I found this http://school.familyeducation.com/learning-disabilities/writing/42767.html

[AnonyMouse_3139]

y god daughter did it from the age of about 6 I think, always wrote left to right before that. I think she did it for a couple of years. I dont recall her teacher being worried by it, just amused. She also refused to wear her shoes on the correct feet for many years. She's my god daughter too, I saw her last night, she's a lovely young woman and pretty normal now :rolleyes:

 

I've just read the link, she used to write the letters backwards too, I'd forgotten that!

Edited June 30, 2013 by Rea

[AnonyMouse_5970]

We sometimes have children who do this too. I encourage them to start on the left hand side of the paper, then they have nowhere to go but right!

[Guest]

Thank you for all the help. I find this forum very useful.

[AnonyMouse_44055]

If they start near the right hand side of the paper they logically write into the space (i.e. right to left) for most children this is simply them starting in a position where there is no room to the right, I would show them their name card and congratulate them on getting all the right letters but explain that (in English) we read left to right and also write that way too. Next time they are going to be writing their name on something try to note where they start and help them find a good starting point where there will be space for them to write to the right. This will probably be enough to get them back on track especially if they have previously had no problem with name writing.

 

Mel

x

[AnonyMouse_9650]

This might give you some insight - there have even been studies into it!

 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-11114858

[AnonyMouse_3307]

Children sometimes have variable orientation because they are learning to write in Arabic too.

Cx

[AnonyMouse_30128]

bet your left handers don't do this!.....

 

I use a very silly exagerated swing of the arm across the body (cross lateral movement of course!!) ....looks a bit daft but works for us! ...using gross motor to improve fine motor