From the National Curriculum
Handwriting (this is statutory)
Pupils should be taught to:
- sit correctly at a table, holding a pencil comfortably and correctly
- begin to form lower-case letters in the correct direction, starting and finishing in the right place
- form capital letters
- form digits 0-9
- understand which letters belong to which handwriting ‘families’ (ie letters that are formed in similar ways) and to practise these
Notes and guidance (non-statutory )
Left-handed pupils should receive specific teaching to meet their needs.
Why does the Curriculum discriminate against left-handers? I would argue that Parents / Teachers tend to look at “what is written, not How it is written” . The “How” is critical for the left-hander. Getting good habits, such as the grip and alignment of paper/wrist, sorted at an early age can minimize potential problems later on. The Left Hand Writing Skills books and Writewell mats were specifically designed to produce a good technique.
Simple training and advice can make such a positive difference!