Mirror Writing In Children: Is It Normal And How Can You Help?
Mirror writing, where a child writes a letter, word or name backwards from right to left, is very common in young children learning to write, and they grow out of it. A simple start-on-the-left cue helps. Type a word below to see what mirror writing looks like.
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See A Word In Mirror Writing
See A Word In Mirror Writing
What Is Mirror Writing?
Mirror writing is writing that runs from right to left with each letter reversed, so it looks normal when held up to a mirror. The word "AMBULANCE" on the front of an ambulance is printed this way on purpose. In children it can affect one letter, a whole word or their name. Single flipped letters, such as b for d, are covered in letter reversals.
Is Mirror Writing Normal In Children?
Yes. The British Psychological Society describes mirror writing as very common amongst children learning to write, and says children grow out of it. It is linked to the stage of learning to write, not to intelligence. It is an in-between step on the way from no writing to correct writing.
Why Do Children Mirror-Write?
Children mirror-write because they have not yet fixed which direction writing goes. Research summarised by the BPS points to movement, not eyesight: children who find it hard to tell mirror images apart do not mirror-write more often.
Two things make it more likely:
- The letter before. Children tend to face a character the same way as the one they have just written.
- Space on the page. Children as old as seven sometimes write their name backwards when they start too near the right edge to fit it forwards.
Characters that face left, such as 3 and J, are flipped most often.
How Can You Help A Child Who Mirror-Writes?
Give a clear starting point and direction.
- Green start dot on the left. Put a dot where the writing starts.
- An arrow across the top. Draw an arrow pointing right.
- Leave space. Start at the left edge so the word fits.
- Praise the direction. Notice when a word goes the right way.
Print sheets with start dots from handwriting worksheets.
Is Mirror Writing A Sign Of Anything?
In young children, mirror writing on its own is not a sign of dyslexia, autism or low intelligence. The BPS reports no link with intellectual ability, and the NHS list of dyslexia signs does not include it. Talk to the class teacher if it continues often after age 7, or comes with other difficulties in reading, spelling or movement. See improve your child's handwriting.
Questions About Mirror Writing
Is Mirror Writing More Common In Left-Handers?
Not according to the evidence. The BPS says there is little truth in the idea that mirror writing is more common in left-handers. See left-handed writers.
My Child Writes Their Name Backwards. What Should I Do?
Show them where to start, with a dot at the left edge and room to fit the whole name. See when children write their name.