This activity has been revised and was originally created by Kathy Heydt and published in the Perkins Activity and Resource Guide (1st edition, 1992). The second edition is available for purchase.
Many young students have difficulty learning their right from their left. This activity teaches students to distinguish their right side from their left, in addition to improving body awareness. Lessons include Early Cognitive Skills/Concept Development, English Language Arts, and Orientation and Mobility.
Materials
- Bracelets, rings, watch
- Sweatband with a jingle bell sewn on it for wrist and ankle
- Barrette with a jingle bell sewn on it
- Small one- or two-pound weights on the ankle and wrist
- Jingle bell on a large safety pin
Procedure
- Select one side of the body (usually the dominant side if dominance has been established).
- Mark this side using any of the materials above and give the student the correct right/left label.
- Allow the student to perform any skill or activity while wearing these markers.
- Provide verbal reinforcement of the correct right/left label throughout the activity. It may also be helpful to touch the side as you label it.
- Vary the materials but remain consistent on the side you mark. It is best to choose the same side when you repeat this activity.
- For students with vision, use high contrast markers.
Hint: Do not use weights on students with spasticity.
