Thinking Deeply about Primary Education The Hidden Barriers for Left-Handed Pupils (and what the Writing Framework means in practice)
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Episode 265: Left-handed pupils are often judged on messy pages, slow fluency, and “awkward grips”—but what if the real issue isn’t the child… it’s the instruction?
In this episode of Thinking Deeply About Primary Education, Kieran Mackle is joined by Mark Stewart (Left n Write UK)—a contributor to the Writing Framework and long-time advocate for left-handed learners. Mark explains why left-handers face built-in challenges in left-to-right writing systems, and how small changes in paper angle, seating, grip, and modelling can remove barriers fast.
You’ll hear practical classroom strategies to prevent smudging, “hooked” writing, discomfort and fatigue, and copying difficulties—plus why teachers need to look beyond the finished page and focus on how writing is produced. Mark also shares two unforgettable letters: one from a 13-year-old whose writing changed after 10 minutes of guidance, and another from a woman in her 70s reflecting on a lifetime of unnecessary struggle.
If you teach EYFS/KS1 or support handwriting across primary, this episode is a must-listen for inclusive, evidence-informed practice.
Key themes: left-handed writing, handwriting technique, grip, letter formation, teacher training/CPD, cross-laterality, writing framework implications, classroom adaptations.