LEARN

27/11/2022

Is it really a problem to be lefty at the time of learning? Neuropsychologist Patricia Wiener explains that many studies deny the relationship between manual preference and the development of literacy and speech skills. "It is a myth to say that they are difficult to learn or that they are more intelligent than the right-handed. Both have the same capabilities. "

Of course, it is important to consider the logistics for lefties in order to achieve good development in the classroom. "It is difficult to adapt to a world of right-handers. Those who by natural tendency preferentially use the left side of their body go through uncomfortable situations. As an example, when writing they can hit the partner's arm sideways or when using a pair of scissors it is difficult to see the line they are cutting, "says Wiener, who stresses that they are not serious situations.

Something a bit more complex, but surmountable, is that they cover - with their own hand - what they write as their lines advance. "When the child grows he must decide the manual preference without conditioning. A pure southpaw is of the whole body; hand, eye and leg, "says the neuropsychologist.

Based on several studies, Wiener mentions that only 10% of the world's population is left.

In addition to the pure left-handers, there are those who are upset, says psychologist Lizette Gallegos. "They are the left corrected either by punishment or by psychomotor reeducation technique to develop the use of the right hand."

From the age of four, the child begins to make greater use of its dominant side. "Later, about six, it defines its laterality."

In times past, and in some cultures, being left-handed was a reason for punishment. Both experts said that there was social hostility against them, because they were tied the left hand to the back to write with the right or more severe penalties. That shows that the problem is not the person, but the environment made by 90% of the world population.

"The difficulty is external rather than internal. There are still those who believe that lefties have visuospatial problems (ability to represent, analyze and manipulate an object mentally in spaces) and that is also a myth. They also distinguish and differentiate letters. "

For example, the pure "translates" what the teacher shows on the blackboard; she draws the "b" or "d", the "q" or "p" and the child recognizes and knows what letters are, does not confuse them with each other. "Only the teacher writes with the right hand, while he, with the left," Wiener describes.

The professionals recommend not to force the scholar to change hands when he uses the left most, so he is allowed to define his laterality naturally.

Taking his right hand to draw or write will rectify his spontaneous tendency and will have a disgruntled southpaw.

So if your child is left-handed, do not condition the world, condition the world for your comfort.

This was done when tools such as scissors and furniture desks were created to facilitate their work. The idea is not to exaggerate, but to live the difference pleasantly and with normality.