How to pursue this with the teacher without being really annoying?! (Left handed writing issue)

[Fluffybubble]

I was given lots of useful advice on here about what support and resources are available for left-handed reception children.

My ds is being taught to form his letters as right-handed children would be. I broached this with his teacher after reading that there are templates for left-handed formation available. The teacher just said that they all learn the same way, and when I raised this again during our one to one meeting he stated that it was the school's handwriting policy, and that ds would be expected to form his letters this way throughout his time at school.

I am not really happy with this as an answer - the teacher admitted that it will take the left-handers in his class longer to learn this way. I have now requested and a received a copy of the handwriting policy for the school and it does not include any statement that suggests that left-handers should not be accommodated.

The school secretary had read the document herself and said that as it is very vague I should refer back to my ds's teacher. I really don't want to start off on the wrong foot, and I don't want to appear to be questioning his teaching but I do feel that it is important to address the possibility of using resources to support my ds, as he is reluctant enough to sit and write. How can I say that I disagree with his approach without annoying him??

Thank you!

[AbbeyA]

I have always crossed the wrong way and didn't realise I was -therefore I don't think it is a problem.

[wheresthehamster]

The children write 'o' starting at or near the top and going in an anti-clockwise direction. Are you saying this is harder for right-handed children?

[AbbeyA]

My link has a shop. I have a pen for left handers-it helps.

[Fluffybubble]

Lefthandedchildren.org

[Fluffybubble]

Abbey - it's a problem if you are being told that you are crossing the 'wrong' way by doing that. The whole letter formation thing is based upon starting your letter at a certain point, which would be different for l/h children naturally.

[AbbeyA]

In case anyone missed it:
anything left handed mail order

[AbbeyA]

Obviously I learned to write without me or the teacher knowing that I was doing it the 'wrong' way!
All it takes is a quiet word from the teacher to tell them to do it the other way. It involves so few letters there is no point in muddling the other DCs.

[Fluffybubble]

Maybe you learned differently Abbey. The way my ds's school is teaching makes it more difficult for him. It doesn't involve muddling the other children, it simply involves utilising a different letter formation sheet.

[AbbeyA]

If they have a letter formation sheet then I suppose it would make sense to order different ones. I don't expect schools know about it. I should lobby your school.

[Fluffybubble]

Yes, it is as simple as handing out a r/h version to r/handers and a l/h version to l/handers .

[nailpolish]

you need to find a left handed teacher
my P3 teacher was left handed which im sure helped me al ot

[wheresthehamster]

Sorry - being thick - I don't see the difference between the left and right handed formation apart from the cross on the 't' and 'f' which I'm sure most teachers will ignore as it doesn't impede joining.

[carocaro]

In a nutshell, DS2 aged six really struggles in year 1, I bought this issue up lots only to be dismissed etc etc. Into year 2 this year and the teacher is left handed and it has made a MASSIVE difference, she gave him a laminated chart with a guide that slopes his paper that makes it easier for him to write. She has also said sometimes they form letters a different way (EG: right handed) and sometime they don't, each person is individual, so don't force either way. I have just ordered on of those left handed pencil things from Stabilo, the teachers says the school frown upon them but if it helps him it's tough; I love her! Get some left handed siccors too, these are a must. T

[3LittleMonkeys]

I am also a left hander as is my DD, she has been taught in the same way as every other child. Each left hander will adjust in the way that they write - my DD writes the same as someone who writes with their right hand. The only note of caution i would have after observing many left handed people make sure DS is holding the pencil correctly and not twisting his hand and this could make writing upright more difficult. Also don't let the teacher make a big deal out of DS being left handed as did my DD's reception teacher. With only 5% of the population being left handed I would say that your DS is very special HTH

[Fluffybubble]

Thanks carocaro & 3littlemonkeys, you've made me feel better!

I've heard of that chart and guide caro, I think I'll get one for him. Am glad you have found a sympathetic teacher for your ds, hopefully we'll have some success too...

Monkeys, I didn't know it was only 5% of the population! Yes he's special

I will look into this further, and stop fretting about it!