Are you right-handed or left-handed?

Reading & Conversation Activity

Discuss the following questions and then read the short article below to find the answers..

1. Why are some people left-handed?
2. Is it connected to talent or skill*?
3. What is being ambidextrous?
4. What percentage of people do you think are left-handed?
5. Is this something we inherit? Is it genetic?

*Skill is an ability that comes from training or practice.

Talent is believed to be an ability that you are born with.

The Brain & Being Left-Handed No-one has come up with a definitive reason for WHY some people are left-handed, but about 13% of the population around the world are, and it is thought to be genetic - it definitely runs in families. If you are left-handed, you have that gene and will pass it on through the generations. The way the brain works is incredibly complex, but this simplified explanation will give you some understanding of where our left-hand dominance comes from. The brain is "cross-wired" so that the right hemisphere controls the left side of the body and vice-versa. If you are right-handed, your dominance comes from your brain’s left hemisphere. It’s not strange to find people who favor the opposite hand and foot (e.g. left hand and right foot), and some people are lucky enough to be ambidextrous, meaning they can use their left and right sides with equal skill. Adapted from: http://www.lefthandersday.com

test your brain dominance!

For each question write RIGHT or LEFT. In groups you can interview one another.

Are you surprised at the results?

Imagine your back is itching. Which hand do you scratch it with? 

Which eye do you use to wink?

Start applauding/ clapping your hands. Which hand is on top?

Put your hands behind your back, one holding the other. Which hand is doing the holding? 

Kick a ball, which foot do you use?

Which hand do you use to write?

Imagine you can’t hear well, which ear do you cup?

Answers here!