Left to right orientation is a key to beginning reading and writing. Sing this song to the tune of “Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes” as you model reading large print in front of the class.
Top to bottom Left to right – left to right.
Top to bottom
Left to right - left to right.
My hand knows that writing always goes
Top to bottom
Left to right – left to right.
Right & Left - Teach children this song to the tune of “Up on the Housetop.”
Here is my right hand way up high.
Here is my left hand touch the sky.
Right and left and roll out of sight.
Now I know my left and right.
Wiggle them and get ready to write.
Hold your pencil – not too tight.
Name on your paper, start at the top.
Ready to write now and don’t stop.
Hint! Focus on the right hand because then the other hand is “left” over.
Sticker - Put a sticker on each child’s right hand and then play “Simon Says” or the “Hokey Pokey.”
Lotion - Rub lotion or scented lip balm on each child’s right hand.
Poem - Hold up your hands and stick out thumbs and index fingers as you say:
Which is my left? Which is my right?
Sometimes it’s hard to tell.
But when I stick my thumbs out straight,
My left will make an “L.”