Alphabet 8s adapt the Lazy 8 form to the printing of lower-case letters from a through t (these letters evolved from the Arabic system; letters u through z come from the Roman alphabet). This activity integrates the movements involved in the formation of these letters, enabling the writer to cross the visual midline without confusion. each letter is clearly superimposed on either one side or the other (see illustration). A downstroke either ends the letter or begins another letter. For most students, when the printing of the lower-case letters improves, handwriting also becomes easier.
Activate The Brain For
Activate The Brain For
- crossing the kinaesthetic /tactile midline for bihermishereic writing on the midfield
- increased peripheral awareness
- eye-hand coordination
- symbol recognition and discrimination
You can get the child to write the word eg. cat, dog by tracing on the Alphabet 8s. See sample picture below.
Before doing the alphabet 8s, you might want to get the child to do the lazy 8s. Drawing the Lazy 8 or infinity symbol enables the reader to cross the visual midline without interruption, thus activating both right and left eyes and integrating the right and left visual fields. The 8 is drawn on its side and includes a definite midpoint and separate left and right areas, joined by a continuous line.
He starts on the midline and moves counterclockwise first: up, over and around. Then from his waist he moves clockwise: up, over, around and back to the beginning midpoint. As eyes follow the Lazy 8, the head moves slightly and the neck remains relaxed. Three repetitations with each hand separately, then with both together, are recommended. Two colours of chalk or ink may be used.
You may watch a you tube series on this at:
