Left Handed Finger Spaces

[Froglet]

I have a question - does anyone have any suggestions for helping a left-hander to put finger spaces in their writing? He is trying to put his right index finger after a word then of course is trying to reach over it with his left hand to write the next word. He's contorting himself and with writing not being his strong point anyway I don't want to make it worse.

 

I must have taught left-handers before but either they were that amazing bunch of children who just know how to put a space in or I've completely forgotten what I did with them!

 

I'm not sure that any sort of 'finger prop' would work because the same twisting round himself problem would happen as he tried to hold the prop with his right hand and write with his left.

[Guest]

As a 'leftie' I'd first make sure his paper/book/whatever he is writing on is far enough over to his left so that he's not trying to write to far across his body. Also encourage him to move the paper as he writes if it makes it easier for him. A lollystick with a blob of blu-tack makes a great finger spacer - as clearly using an actual finger makes it harder! and the blu tack holds it in place. The twisting does sound like he's not placing the paper correctly - somewhere on the beloved internet I did once come across a printable table mat for children with right and left hand varients which had the outline of where the paper should be placed - but that was so long ago I've no idea where it was. Hope that helps

[Froglet]

Thank you - I will give it a try, the blue tack is a great idea. He's literally crossing his arms at the moment - clearly not good! Good reminder to check paper position too with everybody, not just him! Will have a hunt for paper position mats, that's a lovely idea.