How to Teach an Ambidextrous Child to Write

Ambidextrous children are children who are equally dexterous with both hands. The child may switch hands when throwing, cutting and coloring. Most babies do not show a preference for using the right or left hand, but by age three, they usually have a clearly dominant hand. For some children, figuring out which hand they prefer takes much longer to establish. Follow these simple steps to teach an ambidextrous child to write.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Crayons
• Patience
• Pencil
• Paper

1. Do not force the child to write if he is not ready. It is very difficult to get a young child to sit still for just about anything. Make it a fun game. If he is enjoying what he is doing then he will sit for a longer period of time to work on it.

2. Do not force the child to use one hand over the other. If you force her to switch from the left hand to the right hand, she could develop learning problems or experience delayed reading and writing skills.

3. Let the child choose which hand feels right to him. Do this by holding the pencil or crayon out to the child in line with the middle of his body. He will then grab the pencil or crayon with the hand that he prefers at the moment. It is all right for your child to switch hands every time he begins to color or write or to do just about anything. As he gets older and starts to write more and more, your child will eventually prefer one hand over the other.

4. After she chooses a hand, help her write her name, a letter or a shape. Show the child how to hold the pencil in a grip using the thumb, pointer finger and middle finger. Her grip will not be perfect and you will have to show her over and over before it starts to become comfortable for her. Using a small writing instrument, such as a very short pencil, will force your child to grip the pencil properly. Close your hand around the pencil to help your child keep the grip on the pencil. Draw very large letters on the paper so that she can feel the motion of the letter. If a child starts to show a preference for the left hand, it is a good idea to have a left-handed friend or family member show her some different ways to write and hold the pencil that will be more comfortable.

5. Be patient. Repetition is the best tactic for teaching young children. Do not say anything to the child as he switches hands over and over. Do not make him feel bad for using the left hand. Do not make a big deal over it and he will eventually start using one hand over the other.

Tips & Warnings

• Make dotted letters and shapes for the child to trace.
• Only work with the child for a few minutes at a time when you first start. You can increase the time as she gets older and better at writing.