Helping Children With Reversals

It is not unusual for children to reverse letters and words when they read or write up to the age of 6 or 7.  This is due to immaturity in brain development.  Children who have problems with reversals usually also have problems with left-right directionality.  Below are some exercises that have been found to help improve directionality and reduce reversals.

Symptoms:

1. Spatial confusion - unable to differentiate left-right, on self, other, or paper.

2. Confuses letter pairs as b-d, m-w, p-q.   Confuses words such as was-saw, on-no.

Remediation:

1. Simplify tasks so only one new discrimination is made at a time.

2. Make each simple discrimination automatic before the next one is introduced.  Over teach 'b", then over teach 'd", before presenting both together.

3. Each discrimination that causes repeated errors should be worked with by itself until the problem is overcome.

4. Trace, then write, the confused letter or word and pronounce it as written.

5. Use short frequent practice periods.   Lengthen the time between practice sessions as the material is retained.

6. If the child is confused about his own left/right, use a ring, watch, ribbon or band on his writing arm.  Color cue side of desk or paper or word as a starting place.

7. Gradually increase the difficulty of material to discriminate.  If errors are made, go back to simpler practice.

Suggestions for Improving Laterality:

1. Trace hands on paper.  Label "right," "left."

2. Play "Simon Says" - "Touch right foot; raise left hand," etc.

3. Child follows the directions in drawing lines up, down, right to left, etc. and in touching parts of body.

4. Child connects dots on blackboard to make a completed pattern; repeats process on paper.

5. Child shows hands in sequence pattern: left, right, left, right, etc.  Use marching as a variation.

6. Child names objects on right and on left.   He moves to different parts of the room and repeats.

7. Arrange story pictures in sequence, left to right.

8. Use lined paper for writing.

9. Use weighted wristband to designate right or left hand.

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10. Tracing activities, left to right.  Mark left with small "x." Use color tracing to repeat.

11. When beginning writing the lessons, teach the child to begin as close to left edge of sheet as possible (then can move only toward the right).

12. In reading, use markers, "windows," and other left-to-right directional aids.

For more help with reversals check out ["The Magic Rulers" Program].

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