Reversals

Reversals occur when a child for example confuse a 'b' with a 'd'. It is common for children younger than 7 to reverse letters and numbers during writing. If this problem continues during the primary school years it would be wise to obtain professional help as this in conjunction with other academic difficulties might be an indication of a Specific Learning Disorder. 

If you would like to help your pre-school child or if you are a teacher looking for resources I shall be sharing some of the exercises that I use in my practice to correct reversals. (Please note that if your child suffers from a Specific Learning Disorder these exercises alone may not work. It is important that a child is seen by a trained professional and that an intervention program is tailored to your child's specific needs.)

1. Large letters and Large numbers

You can find large alphabet letters and numbers for tracing here:https://www.sparklebox.co.uk/1076-1080/sb1076.html and here: https://www.sparklebox.co.uk/1076-1080/sb1076.html

You can print out the letters and numbers that your child struggle with. Start with only one letter or number at a time.I like to involve as many of the child’s senses during these exercises, because it improves the learning experience. You can do the following:

• Let her trace the letters with her finger. When she traces the letter she must also say out loud what she is doing, for example the letter b: down and up and around.
• You can use finger paint to paint the letters and numbers using the same method as above.
• If it is going well for a reward she can decorate the letters and numbers with stickers or any craft supplies you have, but she must use the same pattern/ movements as for writing, for example down and up and around.
  

  

  

2. Tactile perception

• Use jelly powder on a plate. Let her lick her finger and then draw the letters or numbers in the jelly. If she has done it right, she may lick off her finger as a reward.
• Draw outside in the sand. Letters or numbers can also be decorated with pebbles, stones, sticks or marbles. The important thing to remember is to practice the same movements as for writing.
• You can make letters or numbers using play dough.
  

3. Visual perception

You can print out any story or article with writing or use an old magazine. Make her circle the letters or numbers she struggles with, for example circle all the b’s.

4. Games

She can wright out the letters or numbers. Turn it into a game.

• Use a dice and make her wright out the letter or number as many times as the number on the dice.
• You can play tic tac toe using a letter and a number instead of a o and a x.
  

Repetition is key. The more time your child spends practising the faster he/she will improve. Give a lot of praise if she does it correctly. If she finds a particular letter or number very hard, rather say ‘This one is a bit difficult, lets try another one’ and then move on to another letter or number. 

Remember to have fun!