[**Mel**]

DD is almost 3 and has shown a distinct preference for using her left hand for as long as we can all remember.

She has now learnt to 'write' her name. But, will write it backwards.

Her name is Holly.

She starts with H, but then writes the O to the left of the H, then the L, L and Y.

So, she writes it in the correct order, starting with H

But, it ends up looking like Y L L O H (letters are facing the correct direction)

Is this typical of 'lefties' learning to write? Any strategies for 'teaching' her the right way?

Cheers

[Bluenomi]

I'm from a family of lefties and none of us have ever done that.

[PatG]

I don't recall any of my lefty siblings doing that. But I wouldn't worry too much - just let her keep practicing and get her to stop after the H and show her where to start the next letter.

[~ Binda ~]

My brother and I are both lefties and never did that. It's not something that is particular to being left or right, more a developmental thing. She's still little she will get it eventually. For now you can just guide her, talk to her and model correct writing direction, but I wouldn't worry too much.

[Ianthe]

It's not a left handed thing but it is a normal thing to do when kids are learning to write.

[me_n_my_kidz]

I am a lefty and did that as has my one lefty child. I was at a montesori play group a while ago and the teachers daughter did it also although she is right handed. I asked the teacher about it as I thought it was a leftie trait. She explained to me that it is just their brain working out the correct way to write, that it is very normal and generally rights itself when they start school and are writing more regularly. My DS is only one term into prep and isn't doing this anymore.

[insomniac]

My DD is left handed and used to write like that but the letters were backwards as well. She is 6 now and writes correctly, sometimes a few random numbers or letters are reversed. I just correct her all the time and show her the right way to do it. It sinks in eventually!

[**Mel**]

All very interesting. She only started writing her name over the past few weeks - it is funny to watch!

My head of primary school (I am a high school teacher) said to get her to watch lefties write - similar to some of you suggesting modelling, showing her where to put the next letter.

I will let her ccc know as well - they might have some lefties working there. All my family are right-handed.

[countrymel]

It's not a left handed thing but it is a normal thing to do when kids are learning to write.

Yup.

Bless her!

My lefty nephew caused his Mummy no end of grief when he was starting to write his full first name is 12 letters long, he is always known by the 3 letter diminutive, introduces himself by the diminutive, yet he decided - in a burst of formality - that he must learn to write his 'big' name...

Cue smearing!