Switching hands and crossing the middle
Your child draws with the right hand on one side of the page and the left on the other, or has not settled on a writing hand yet. Hand preference usually becomes clear between about 4 and 6.
For: Parents, teachers and therapists of children aged 4 to 8
A cover page with the plan, then 7 worksheets in order (8 pages). Free, no sign-up.
Free, no sign-up. US Letter size. Download A4 instead · Open to print
Save to PinterestWhy it happens
- Many children use both hands until age 4 or 5; that is normal.
- Some children avoid reaching across the middle of their body, so they swap hands halfway across the page.
- Switching is not a problem in itself, but practising letters with one hand helps the movements become automatic.
What helps
- Place the paper and pencil in the middle; notice which hand picks it up most.
- Games that cross the middle: big figure-eights in the air, wiping a whiteboard from side to side, passing a ball around the body.
- Wide paths from one side of the page to the other.
- Never force a hand. If unsure, let your child choose.
The planstep by step.
1Across the page
Long paths and lines from left to right.
2Big letters
Big finger and pencil tracing with the chosen hand.
3Left-handers
If your child chooses the left hand: paper set-up card.
When to ask for help
Ask your doctor if a child under 18 months strongly prefers one hand, as it can be a sign the other side is weaker. Ask an occupational therapist (OT) if no hand preference has appeared by about age 6 and writing is hard.
These worksheets are practice materials, not a diagnosis or a treatment. Every child develops at their own pace. If you are worried, talk to your child’s teacher, doctor or a specialist.
Questions
Questions about switching hands
Still have questions? Visit our Help Center or get in touch.
Should I make my child use the right hand?
Related packs
Sources
The LetterSchool app
Between worksheets: practise in the app
The same letter shapes as this sheet, with instant feedback on every line, animations and stars. Children play, and learn the right formation.