Hands down, the easiest way to prevent letter reversals is to modify the sequence in which letters are introduced to new writers. Rather than introducing letters in alphabetical order, introduce letters by the type of stroke (Berninger, & Wolf, 2009). It’s most important to teach “b” and “d” at different times.

Leonardo da Vinci wrote most of his personal notes in mirror, only using standard writing if he intended his texts to be read by others. Writing in reverse would prevent such smudging.

Letter Reversal INterventions

1. Use writing in shaving cream or on a shaving cream sensory bag.
2. Use sensory writing trays to practice letter formation.
3. Use sandpaper to work on letter formation.
4. Practice number and letter formation with chalk and carpet squares.

If you have students who are struggling with reversals, follow these simple tricks to get them back on track.

1. Work on one letter at a time. Master that formation before moving on.
2. Teach letters in separate groupings. For example, lowercase b and d are easily reversed. That’s why we teach them in different letter groups.

Most people think that dyslexia causes people to reverse letters and numbers and see words backwards. But reversals happen as a normal part of development, and are seen in many kids until first or second grade. Dyslexia is a language processing disorder, so it can affect all forms of language, spoken or written.

Surface dyslexia is also called visual dyslexia or dyseidetic dyslexia. Many people have both surface and phonological dyslexia. That may be because trouble with decoding can get in the way of mastering sight words. Struggling readers might not encounter a word often enough to begin to recognize it at a glance.

Use dark coloured text on a light (not white) background. Avoid green and red/pink, as these colours are difficult for those who have colour vision deficiencies (colour blindness). Consider alternatives to white backgrounds for paper, computer and visual aids such as whiteboards. White can appear too dazzling.