Education On Fire - Sharing creative and inspiring learning in our schools Understanding Left-Handedness in Education: A Conversation with Mark Stewart
How do we support left-handed children in a predominantly right-handed world? Mark Stewart, founder of Left n Write Ltd, shares his journey and insights on the unique challenges faced by left-handed individuals, particularly in educational settings. With over 1 million left-handed children in schools across England, Mark emphasizes the lack of awareness and training for educators on how to assist these students effectively.
Mark started his small business about 30 years ago as a result of trying to find left-handed scissors for his youngest son when he was 4.
Mark's wife Heather had no training in helping left-handed children during her Teacher Training so they started to campaign with their left-handed MP, Peter Luff, to change the Education system to be proactive rather than passive.
They had meetings with Ministers, questions and a 30 minute adjournment debate in the House of Commons, produced a training video in 1999 (now downloadable/interactive and was updated last year) as well as writing an information/activity book titled "So You Think They're Left Handed?" and 3 books titled "Left Hand Writing Skills". We have also produced other resources specifically for left-handed children in education. Over the years I have run over 200 training workshops.
In 2021 Mark co founded and is co-chair of a global group called "LEFT-IN" Left-Handers Education Forum and Training International Network (left-in.org) with the aim to improve the information and education available to the educators of left-handed children around the world.
Takeaways:
- There are over 1 million left-handed children in schools in England, yet teacher training lacks essential support for them.
- Simple adjustments, like seating arrangements in classrooms, significantly benefit left-handed children and their right-handed peers.
- Left-handed children face unique challenges in a right-handed world, emphasizing the need for awareness and adjustments.
- The lack of data on left-handed children in education hinders understanding their needs and potential challenges.
- Mark Stewart encourages parents to advocate for left-handed children in schools to ensure they receive adequate support.
Website
Social Media Information
Facebook.com/LeftnWrite
Instagram: leftshoponline
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mark-stewart-52271020
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