How to help kids learn left from right

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Quick tip 1
Repeat “Left hand makes the L.”
Repeat “Left hand makes the L.”
Place kids’ hands on a piece of paper, palms down and thumbs stretched out. Trace down the left index finger and across the left thumb to create an “L.” Next time they need to figure out which way is left, they can hold their hands out and look for the “L.”
Quick tip 2
Wear a bracelet.
Wear a bracelet.
Let kids choose which wrist to wear a bracelet or rubber band on. If they choose the left wrist, help them keep wearing the bracelet on that wrist. That way, when they see the bracelet, they’ll know that’s their left side.
Quick tip 3
Always start with the dominant hand.
Always start with the dominant hand.
For kids who show dominance in one hand, always start activities with that hand and announce what side that is. For example, “Take your right hand and use it to start dribbling the basketball.”

Many kids need help learning left from right. For a surprising number of people, telling left from right never becomes second nature. A study of young adults found that 1 in 4 still struggle with left and right.

The good news is that kids can develop a better sense of right and left with some coaching from adults and lots of practice.

Watch this video for tips on teaching kids left from right:

Quick tip 1

Repeat “Left hand makes the L.”

Repeat “Left hand makes the L.”

Place kids’ hands on a piece of paper, palms down and thumbs stretched out. Trace down the left index finger and across the left thumb to create an “L.” Next time they need to figure out which way is left, they can hold their hands out and look for the “L.”

Quick tip 2

Wear a bracelet.

Wear a bracelet.

Let kids choose which wrist to wear a bracelet or rubber band on. If they choose the left wrist, help them keep wearing the bracelet on that wrist. That way, when they see the bracelet, they’ll know that’s their left side.

Quick tip 3

Always start with the dominant hand.

Always start with the dominant hand.

For kids who show dominance in one hand, always start activities with that hand and announce what side that is. For example, “Take your right hand and use it to start dribbling the basketball.”

Video: Teaching your child left from right

Knowing left from right is tough for some kids who learn and think differently. Watch this video to understand left-right confusion. And get tips on how to help kids learn left from right.

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About Understood

How to help kids learn left from right

Quick tip 1

Repeat “Left hand makes the L.”

Repeat “Left hand makes the L.”

Quick tip 2

Wear a bracelet.

Wear a bracelet.

Quick tip 3

Always start with the dominant hand.

Always start with the dominant hand.

A self-guided activity to support your mental health

ADHD Unstuck

Quick tip 1

Repeat “Left hand makes the L.”

Repeat “Left hand makes the L.”

Quick tip 2

Wear a bracelet.

Wear a bracelet.

Quick tip 3

Always start with the dominant hand.

Always start with the dominant hand.

Explore related topics

About Understood

Quick tips to teach left from right

Quick tip 1

Repeat “Left hand makes the L.”

Repeat “Left hand makes the L.”

Quick tip 2

Wear a bracelet.

Wear a bracelet.

Quick tip 3

Always start with the dominant hand.

Always start with the dominant hand.

A self-guided activity to support your mental health

ADHD Unstuck

Video: Teaching your child left from right

How to help your child with writing

2-minute tutorial: How to teach your child to tie shoes

Quick tips to teach left from right

Quick tip 1

Repeat “Left hand makes the L.”

Repeat “Left hand makes the L.”

Quick tip 2

Wear a bracelet.

Wear a bracelet.

Quick tip 3

Always start with the dominant hand.

Always start with the dominant hand.

Explore related topics

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Video: Teaching your child left from right

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2-minute tutorial: How to teach your child to tie shoes