Concept of Left and Right Activity

By Julie Pirkle

Preschoolers are just discovering the world around them as it relates to size, color, weight, direction, speed, and more. Grasping the concept of left and right may actually be one of the hardest ideas to comprehend for your preschooler. The concept of left and right activity makes it easy for your preschooler to decipher direction by marking the words left and right directly on his/her body. Use the concept of left and right activity to help your preschooler master the directions of left and right in a fun and creative way. Preschoolers will know their left from right without any help in no time!

What You Will Need

A Washable Marker in a dark color

What to Do

Step 1:

Using the marker, write the letter “L” in big letters on your preschooler’s left hand and foot. Be sure to write the letter so it is right side up from your preschooler’s point of view.

Step 2:

Using the marker, write the letter “R” in big letters on your preschooler’s right hand and foot.

Step 3:

For a time period of your choosing, help your preschooler to be aware of his/her actions in regards to the concept of left and right. For example, when he/she picks something up, ask him/her what hand (left or right) he/she is using to pick it up. If he/she kicks a ball, ask him/her what foot (left or right) he/she used to kick it. Preschoolers can easily look at their hands and feet for the “L” and the “R” to help them decide if they are using their left or right hand or foot. The repetitive action of noting the left and right each time your preschooler does something will reinforce the concept of left and right so that it will eventually become second nature.

Step 4:

Wash the marker off your preschooler’s hands and feet.

Step 5:

Continue the activity described in step three, but without the “cheats” of the “L” and “R” written on your preschooler’s hands and feet.

Step 6:

Evaluate your preschooler’s progress in mastering the concepts of left and right by how well he/she does when the letters are not written on his/her hands and feet.

Step 7:

Repeat the activity on a regular basis until your preschooler no longer needs any help figuring out which way is left and which way is right.

Concept of Left and Right Activity Tip

Be creative when marking your preschooler with the letters “L” and “R” for left and right. Add some flowers, smiley faces or even hearts to your preschooler’s hands and feet. Preschooler’s will get a kick out of having their hands and feet decorated, helping to get them even more excited to lean about the concept of left and right!

Related Preschool Activities

Concept of Fast and Slow Activity
Preschoolers may move fast and slow, but oftentimes, they haven't quite grasped the concept of what "fast" and "slow" actually means. This lively activity will demonstrate the concepts of fast and slow through music and dancing.

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