I think we need help please advise

[gothicmama]

my dd 3.6 has learnt to write her name occasionally she has written letters/ numbers backwards but just recently she has been writting backwards more often than forwards - she says she likes it better. I do not know if this is a phase or if she is dyslexic ( there is a family history of dyslexia- fathers side)or has a sight problem or what to do. Please can someone give me some advice thank you

At that age it is very, very common to write letters backwards, epecialy p, d , b and s

I personally wouldnt worry yet. Does she go to nursery? If she does you could mention it to her teacher and maybe ask her opinion on it, as I am no expert. She sounds incredibly bright to be able to write her name at all at 3 1/2. I do realise why you are worrying though if it is in the family as early intervention is better.

has she had an eye test? You can take her for a free eye test at most opticians, this would most probably put your mind at rest concerning that

gothicmama - just been googling for you - look at this: www.familyeducation.com/experts/advice/0,1183,23-24342,00.html

this suggests that mirror writing is perfectly normal at such an early age - its all part of developing concept of left and right - tho I gues you would want to keep a careful eye on her due to family history of dyslexia once she starts school

DD does it because she can I suppose -t here is a history of Dyslexia in our family too - 2 siblings and my father (and they are all left handed) but I can't say I rememeber this being a pointer when we were looking at things to help my youngest brother!

my ds1 does this and i asked his nursery teacher. she said it is very common and a phase. she is writing very early. on the continent its more like 6 or 7 before they read and write. it shows a real grasp of fine motor skills and a sophisticated reply that she is conscious she is writing backwards and says she likes it better. have you tried 'jolly phonics' workbooks/videos?
i really wouldn't worry as she is so young.

My dd is just 4 and writes quite well but backwards much more than forwards. Not just the odd letter but complete mirror writing. She can do it the right way round too but like yours sometimes just says she doesn't want to.
I assumed part of it was down to her being left handed, so starting from the right hand side of the page feels more natural perhaps?I'm not that worried as a) it seems to be quite common and b) she can do it properly if she chooses to.
It doesn't sound like an indicator of dyslexia as she's recognising and forming the letters properly, just choosing to do it the wrong way round.

gothicmama, my ds1 also does this and has done from when he started writing. He is 6 now. I have always bought it up at parent/teacher meetings and have always been told it is very common and not to worry. It has got better lately so maybe he is now straightening things out in his head. I very rarely correct him as he gets very frustrated - and it isn't actually wrong. For instance if we do a sum of 3 + 4 he will write 7 but the wrong way round. I wouldn't say a thing as the important thing is he knew the answer of the sum.

My only problem is that everyone thinks his brothers name is "Roddie" when in fact it's "Robbie"

Thank you for you replies it has made me feel a lot better about just letting her get on with it and letting her enjoy learning.