Read our latest blog post: A “left-handed” section in the new Writing Framework!
Read our latest blog post: A “left-handed” section in the new Writing Framework!
Great news!! I am thrilled to have had input into the “Left-handed” section included in the new Writing Framework published today by Department for Education!
This is a milestone after many years of trying. My wife, Heather, and I started out 30 years ago, looking for scissors for our #left-handed son! I am also very grateful to both Sir Peter Luff (Left-handed) and also Robin Walker who were both Worcester MPs . Both of them were very encouraging and helpful in our journey.
We are grateful also to Sue Smits, as well as numerous others along the way, who have been instrumental in bringing us to this point. Their support and encouragement cannot be underestimated!
Whilst there are a couple of areas in the framework which I feel could be improved, this is great progress. With teachers greater awareness and understanding of the Handwriting issues #lefthanders may face, this will hopefully give #left-handed children a way forward to help them achieve their full academic potential!
Here a link to The Writing Framework – https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-writing-framework
The relevant sections for left-handed children are as follows:
Page 11- Acknowledgments
Page 36/37 “Left-handed pupils and adaptations”
Page 38 – “Handwriting routines” – top line
Page 100 – (Appendix A) “Handwriting Guidance”
If you want a more in-depth dig into handwriting for left-handed children, or CPD training (certified by The CPD Certification Service) for your staff, then please visit https://www.leftshoponline.co.uk/product/left-handed-children-a-guide-for-teachers-and-parents/kd.in/e5Q8R3nm
I am thrilled to confirm that my training pack, “Left-Handed Children – A guide for Teachers and Parents” has been certified by The CPD Certification Service .
Newly upgraded with a comprehensive lesson plan, Assessment questionnaire and access to a free Attendance Certificate, this unique interactive training guide helps teachers and parents understand the key struggles of left-handed children. It covers historical perspectives, biological factors, and common issues such as handwriting and scissors. Participants learn how to assess and support these children, improving their skills and self-esteem. Additional tips, resources, and encouraging final thoughts are included. The video can be paused for activities, enhancing engagement and understanding.
The video has been professionally produced by M-Studios UK in Worcester and I heartily recommend them!
“As the UK Marketing Manager for STABILO International GmbH, we are proud to sponsor the video resource developed by Left ‘n Write,” states Vanya Hunter. “We recognise the importance of providing tailored support for left-handed children, and this resource is a game-changer. It offers practical solutions and guidance that will make a significant difference in the lives of these students. We are thrilled to be part of a project that empowers teachers and parents to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment for left-handed children.”
Six sample packs of specifically-designed STABILO International GmbH left-handed pencil and pen will be sent out FOC to the UK buyers of the first six packs.
See link below for further information:
https://www.leftshoponline.co.uk/product/left-handed-children-a-guide-for-teachers-and-parents/
I am delighted to have participated in this document, with my focus on “Left-Handed Children in Early Years Settings – Handedness and Co-ordination” which is on Page 26.
So important to raise awareness of the needs of the left-handed child and is a “must read” for ALL in Early Years!
The Play Matters Guide 2025 is here and is packed with inspiring insights, research backed guidance, and powerful advocacy for the role of play in early childhood.
From the magic of joyful learning to the neuroscience behind play, this free resource is a must-have for early childhood educators, parents, and anyone passionate about early years play and development.
Let’s put PLAY back at the heart of childhood.
Now also available in saudi, Thai, Simple Chinese and Spanish (under construction)
Download your FREE copy now at https://www.early-years-reviews.com/play-matters
“𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗟𝗲𝗳𝘁-𝗛𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗘𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗦𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 – 𝗺𝘆 𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝗹𝘂𝗺𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 Tes magazine
One in 10 people is left-handed, yet many of our youngest children face unnecessary challenges in the early years.
BUT – we can tackle this issue, starting with 3 simple steps: identification, action, and ongoing monitoring.
✨We need to go beyond passive acceptance and actively champion our left-handed children, helping them thrive in a right-handed world ✨
Read on ⤵️
https://lnkd.in/e7uEjXvh
With thanks to Mark Stewart – a great source of advice and practical tips.”
If you are unable to view the article on LinkedIn, here is a link to the full article:
https://www.tes.com/magazine/teaching-learning/early-years/how-to-support-left-handed-children-eyfs
Sincere thanks to all who have supported us in 2024 and we wish all our customers a very happy and prosperous 2025!
We are delighted to annouce that we have a new left-handed spoon (see below) and also have Gift Vouchers for sale!
This wooden spoon is an essential component of any kitchen for a left-handed cook.
The corner on the spoon allows the cook to get into the corner of the saucepan when used in the left hand.
Rubberwood, 32.5cm long. Made in China.
£4.95 https://www.leftshoponline.co.uk/product/wooden-spoon/
Digital gift card that customers can send to friends and loved ones to redeem at https://www.leftshoponline.co.uk/product/gift-card/
Gift card code sent via email on checkout. Available in values of £10, £25, £50 and £100.
**Terms and conditions**
We tend to think of ourselves as either left or right-handed but did you know that you usually have a dominant ear, eye, hand and foot?
Here are some fun activities which may just make you think again! Keep a note of your answers and see where you are on the scale of handedness!
1. Fold your arms in front of you; which arm is on the top?
2. Fully interlock the fingers of both hands; which thumb is on the top?
3. Imagine an itch in the middle of your back; which arm is behind your back?
4. To which ear do you hold the phone?
5. Imagine you are looking through a telescope; which eye do you use to look through it?
6. Wink at an imaginary friend; which eye is winking?
7. Clap your hands together, one on top of each other; which hand is on the top?
8. Hop on each leg; which seems the easiest to hop on?
Did you do all of the activities with your right side, left side or some of both? Most of us will say “some of both” but some will be very right or left side dominant. Those people are usually very well co-ordinated. If it appears you are left eye dominant and right-handed, or the other way round, you are “cross-lateral”. Often those who are cross-lateral are less well co-ordinated! This can be useful knowledge for a parent/school (catching a ball might be tricky for example, not that they can do anything to change it though!)
As well as trying them out yourself, why not try them with your friends/children or at work/school?
Delighted to receive such a positive review of our books from Sue Atkins The Parenting Expert!
Left ‘n Write, a leading provider of left-handed educational resources, is excited to announce the launch of its ground-breaking video resource “Left-Handed Children – A Guide for Teachers and Parents” . See trailer below.
This new addition to Left ‘n Write’s suite of innovative solutions and educational tools aims to address the unique challenges faced by left-handed children and provide comprehensive guidance for improving their educational journey. The video is downloadable and interactive with a run time of 35 mins but can be paused as desired to undertake the various activities.
Left-handed children often encounter challenges in writing and other activities, such as poor grip, messy handwriting, and difficulty in copying text. The video resource delves into these specific challenges and offers practical solutions. It includes a training video that breaks down essential aspects of the left-handed handwriting technique, a pre-training sheet with instructions, and activities to help identify left or right-handedness. Additional resources include a teacher’s checklist and a school audit tool that are provided to enhance a teacher’s understanding and support for left-handed students.
“The video resource developed by Left ‘n Write is an invaluable tool that has been long overdue,” comments @Rob Snaith, a left-handed person, and director of Teachers’ Courses & Resources Limited. “I’ve witnessed first-hand the challenges faced by left-handed children in the classroom. This resource provides much-needed guidance and support for teachers and parents, helping them create an environment where left-handed children can thrive. The training video should be available in every school, as its impact on improving left-handed children’s educational experiences is transformative.”
The video is sponsored by Stabilo, producer of specifically left-handed and right-handed writing equipment.
“As the UK Marketing Manager for Stabilo, we are proud to sponsor the video resource developed by Left ‘n Write,” states @VanyaHunter. “We recognise the importance of providing tailored support for left-handed children, and this resource is a game-changer. It offers practical solutions and guidance that will make a significant difference in the lives of these students. We are thrilled to be part of a project that empowers teachers and parents to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment for left-handed children.”
This tool will provide valuable practical insight into the challenges faced by left-handed children and the means to overcome them. Use this video resource as part of your CPD to ensure that you and your fellow teachers are up to date on the latest information for left-handed pupils. Providing guidance for parents, nurseries, pre-school, schools, colleges and all other educational settings and having the necessary knowledge to help children and students thrive.
The training resource provides instructions and advice which covers the following topics:
This educational tool is very useful to all parents of left-handed children to help support and guide their children, as they face everyday challenges at home and in the classroom.
Produced by Rory MCallister and Lizzie Crow of M Studios
