Left-Handed Handwriting: How To Help A Left-Handed Child Write

Set The Paper For A Left-Handed Writer

Is It Harder For Left-Handed Children To Write?

Left-handed children are not less able writers, but English is written left to right, so their hand moves over what they have just written unless the paper and grip are set up for them. The DfE writing framework says about 10% of pupils are left-handed, and names three common problems: smudging, covering their writing with their hand, and difficulty leaving finger spaces between words.

A right-hander pushes the pencil away from the body. An NHS leaflet from University Hospitals Dorset points out that a left-hander has to pull it across the page.

How Do You Teach A Left-Handed Child To Write?

Set up the space first, then teach the same letters with a few adjustments.

1. Position the paper. To the left of the child's middle, tilted clockwise.
2. Raise the grip. Hold the pencil a little higher, so the tip stays in view.
3. Seat them on the left. The framework says left-handed pupils sit to the left of any right-handed pupil, so their arms do not collide.
4. Put the model on the right or at the top. The NHS Dorset leaflet says to place the copy at the top of the page, not on the left, where the hand would cover it.
5. Use softer pencils. The framework suggests softer pencils that need less pressure.
6. Watch the start points. Check that letters still start at the top and move in the usual direction.

See letter formation for the start point of every letter.

How Should A Left-Handed Child Hold A Pencil?

A left-handed child holds the pencil with a tripod grip, a little further from the tip than a right-hander. The DfE framework says left-handers grip the pencil at a slightly higher point so they can see around their fingers, and should not hold it too tightly or press too hard. The NHS Dorset leaflet suggests about 1½ inches, around 4 cm, from the point.

Keeping the back of the hand in line with the forearm also reduces smudging. See pencil grip.

How Should The Paper Be Positioned For A Left-Hander?

Place the paper to the left of the child's middle and tilt it clockwise, so the left side of the paper runs roughly parallel to the writing arm. The DfE framework says to slant paper clockwise for left-handers and slightly anticlockwise for right-handers. Sources differ on the angle. The NHS Dorset leaflet gives approximately 45 degrees. Let the child find the angle where the wrist stays straight and the writing stays visible.

A sloping board helps some left-handers see their work. See handwriting posture.

Where Can I Get Left-Handed Handwriting Sheets?

Make free left-handed handwriting sheets in the worksheet generator by turning on the left-handed layout, which puts the model letters on the right. See handwriting worksheets.

Should You Correct A Hooked Wrist?

A hooked wrist is usually a way of seeing the writing, and fixing the paper position often removes it. The NHS Dorset leaflet says most left-handers use a hooked posture. An NHS occupational therapy leaflet from North Cheshire and Mersey suggests a writing slope for a hooked wrist. If the hook causes pain or very slow writing, talk to the class teacher.