Activity
Pointing Right and Left
Start with the concept of right and left as an important foundational skill for orientation and mobility.
This activity has been revised and was originally created by Kathy Heydt and published in the Perkins Activity and Resource Guide (1st edition, Volume 2, 1992). The second edition is available for purchase.
This activity helps students to understand the concept of right and left with reference to their own body as well as turning and moving right and left. It also works to improve body awareness. Lessons include Orientation and Mobility.
Materials
Various sound sources: drum, bell, wind-up toy, radio, musical instrument
Procedure
- Provide the student with a sound source on the right side (such as a drum).
- Ask the student to point to the side with the sound source while the instructor provides the right side label.
- Provide the student with a different sound source to the left side (such as a bell).
- Ask the student to point to that side while the instructor provides the left side label.
- Vary the presentation of the sound sources and continue to verbally reinforce the appropriate right/left label.
- Ask the student to provide the appropriate right/left label.
- Ask the student to turn right/left toward the sound source.
- Ask the student to walk right/left toward the sound source.
Hint: Provide the right/left label throughout the day during routine activities.
