HAND PREFERENCE INFO B

Definition

Hand preference refers to the consistent favouring of one

hand over the other for the skilled part of an activity. For

example, when writing or drawing the preferred hand

holds and uses the pencil whilst the other hand supports

the paper. Some people refer to the preferred hand as

the “dominant hand” or use the term “hand dominance”.

A hand preference usually starts to develop between the

ages of 2 to 4, however it is common at this stage for

children to swap hands. Between the ages of 4 to 6

years a clear hand preference is usually established.

Establishing which hand is the

preferred hand–helpful strategies

◗ If your child does not use one hand as his preferred

hand, do not choose or force him to use one hand.

Instead, carefully observe your child whilst he is

playing or doing everyday activities. Make a note

of whether one hand is used more, or if one hand

appears more skilled than the other. For example,

observe your child drawing or writing; cutting and

pasting; brushing his teeth or hair; eating and drinking;

and during any other play activities.

◗ Encourage your child to participate in a wide range of

play and everyday activities to provide opportunities

for your child to develop his hand skills.

◗ Position toys or activities in front, and to the centre,

of your child so that he can choose which hand to

use rather than using the hand closest to the toy.

For example, position pencils in front of your child

when he is drawing so that he can choose which hand

to hold the pencil with rather than using the hand

closest to the pencil.

ERC: 033256

Hand preference

Sheet B

Occupational Therapy – Kids health information

Encouraging the use of the

preferred hand–helpful strategies

◗ Once it is clear which hand your child prefers or

demonstrates more skill with, it is important to

encourage your child to consistently use this hand.

For example, when your child is cutting with scissors

encourage your child to use her preferred hand to

hold the scissors and her other hand to position

the paper.

◗ Talk to your child about using one hand as a

“doing” hand (preferred hand) and the other hand

as a “helping” hand.

◗ Give your child lots of feedback and encouragement

so she is aware of which hand she is using and can

start to more consistently use one hand as her

preferred hand.

◗ Encourage your child to finish an activity with the

hand she started with. If her hand becomes tired or

she wants to swap hands get her to stop and have

a rest (stretching and shaking arms/hands may be

helpful). Regular rest breaks may be required until

your child builds up the strength and skill to consistently

use her preferred hand.

Please talk to your occupational therapist if you have

any queries about the above information.

Fine-motor activities

Encourage your child to do these activities with his

preferred hand and use his other hand to hold and

position the paper, toy or object (if required).

◗ Drawing, colouring or writing.

◗ Cutting with scissors.

◗ Pasting with a glue stick or brush.

◗ Art and craft activities – ink stamps, stickers,

card making, mask making, stencils, tracing.

◗ Sharpening pencils.

◗ Building with blocks or lego.

◗ Playing board games and card games.

◗ Cooking activities – stirring, measuring, sifting.

◗ Playing musical instruments – recorder, violin,

keyboard, xylophone, trumpet, guitar.

◗ Computer games.

◗ Puzzles.

◗ Threading activities such as beads or lacing cards.

Please talk to your occupational therapist if you have

any queries about the above activity ideas.

ERC: 033256

Activity ideas for encouraging the use of the preferred hand

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Occupational Therapy – Kids health information

Everyday activities

Encourage your child to do these activities with her

preferred hand and use her other hand to hold and

position the object or toy (if required).

◗ Cleaning teeth with a toothbrush.

◗ Brushing hair with a hair brush.

◗ Holding sandwiches, biscuits, fruit or icy-poles.

◗ Using a fork and spoon when eating.

◗ Using a knife to cut up food or butter bread.

◗ Washing or drying the dishes.

◗ Bath-time activities – washing herself or a toy with

a face washer, pouring water into containers, winding

up bath toys.

◗ Opening drink bottles and lunch boxes.

◗ Removing lids from yoghurt containers, Vegemite

or jam jars.

◗ Zipping up school bags and clothing.

Please talk to your occupational therapist if you have

any queries about the above activity ideas.

Activity ideas for encouraging the use of the preferred hand

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Occupational Therapy – Kids health information

Gross-motor and outdoor activities

Encourage your child to do these activities with his

preferred hand and use his other hand to hold, position

or support the toy or object (if required).

◗ Sand pit activities – digging, pouring, driving cars

or trucks.

◗ Digging a small patch in the garden.

◗ Painting.

◗ Throwing balls or beanbags into a basket or at

a target.

◗ Playing skittles or bowls.

◗ Hitting a suspended ball or balloon with a bat.

◗ Tennis, cricket and other bat and ball games.

◗ Hammering with nails and wood.

◗ Winding the string when flying a kite.

◗ Washing the car.

Please talk to your occupational therapist if you have

any queries about the above activity ideas.

Activity ideas for encouraging the use of the preferred hand

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Occupational Therapy – Kids health information

Crossing the midline

Encourage your child to do these activities with her

preferred hand and make sure your child moves her hands

and arms across her body rather than changes hands.

◗ Position some beanbags or balls on your child’s

non-preferred side and ask her to pick them up

with her preferred hand and throw them into a

basket or at a target.

◗ Draw large drawings or designs on a blackboard

or a large piece of paper.

◗ Clean the kitchen table or bench.

◗ Make patterns using finger-paint or shaving cream,

going from left to right.

◗ Play “patience” with cards lined up from left side

to the right side.

◗ Encourage your child to pick up puzzle pieces placed

on her non-preferred side and put them in a board

positioned in front of her.

◗ Encourage your child to build with blocks placed on

her non-preferred side and make a building or house

in front of her.

◗ Drive small cars along roads on a road mat (or make

your own roads with masking tape).

◗ Hit a suspended ball or balloon with a bat or hand.

Please talk to your occupational therapist if you have

any queries about the above activity ideas.

Activity ideas for encouraging the use of the preferred hand

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Occupational Therapy – Kids health information