April 30, 2006 7:36 PM
More on Lefties
Heather wrote:
Barbara, I thought you might enjoy these pictures. I call them: "Pegboard + Creativity + Concentration = 1 Happy 2-year-old."
By the way, it's not evident in these pictures, but my daughter definitely shows a preference for her left hand. I've re-read your blog post on lefties and encouraging right-handedness if possible, but all my demonstrations and encouragement to use her right hand "like Mommy does it" in this activity and others doesn't seem to alter her preference. Specifically, in reference to the pegboard, putting the container of pegs on her left side only seems to encourage her to use her left hand since it is easier to grab a peg that is in front of her left hand instead of reaching across with her right. What would you consider more fundamental at this point (she's 26 months old) - encouraging the use of her right hand by placing the container of pegs on her right, or reinforcing the left-right progression for reading readiness, regardless of whether she ends up right or left handed? I plan to do some of the other activities in Small Beginnings soon, but I'm curious if there should be any modifications for lefties.
Thanks so much for the great learning and living ideas on your blog and in your books. I'm so grateful that the Lord has enabled you to share your education, experience, and wisdom!
Blessings,
Heather
In answer to Heather's question, my reply:
As far as the left handedness, I thinkmild encouragement is appropriate, but anything beyond that is not. If someone is a true lefty, I really think it's best to leve them that way. I have an adopted son who is a definite leftie and I only experimented briefly with offering him stuff on his right. I think it's far more important to emphasize the left-right eye/hand coordination for reading. So definitely just set up exercises the way I described. I really think a lot of today's reading problems have their basis in this lack of appropriate preparation at the right time. Sounds like you are doing a great job! Love, Barbara
You can find my original post on Lefties here.
Posted in Montessori, Toddlers | Permalink
