BIC Celebrates Left-Handers Day
Left-handed? Right on!
Image supplied by the publicist
In celebration of Left-Handers Day, BIC gives a round of applause to the creativity, resilience, and innovation of left-handed people everywhere.
August 13th is a special day for a unique group of people who live in a world designed for the majority: Left-Handers Day!
Celebrated annually, this day honours the 13% of the world's population who navigate life with their left hand. While lefties are often seen as rare, they bring a range of fascinating abilities and perspectives that make them anything but ordinary.
Left-handers have always stood out in a right-handed world. From using scissors to writing in a spiral notebook, everyday tasks can sometimes be challenging for lefties. Yet, these challenges help to nurture remarkable adaptability and problem-solving skills among left-handed individuals.
Interestingly, left-handedness isn't just about which hand you write with. It's linked to the brain's structure and function. Research shows that left-handers often have a more developed right hemisphere, which is associated with creativity, spatial awareness, and holistic thinking. This might explain why many lefties excel in fields like art, music, and sports.
Cognitive benefits of using the non-dominant hand
Some experts believe that using your non-dominant hand - left for right-handers and vice versa - can have significant cognitive benefits. Their thinking is that performing tasks with the non-dominant hand can boost brain activity and improve mental flexibility. This concept, called "neuroplasticity," means that the brain can change and adapt by creating new connections between brain cells.
Image supplied by the publicist
Lillian Henderson, Marketing Director Southern and East Africa at BIC, commented:
“Left-Handers Day on August 13th is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the uniqueness and contributions of left-handed individuals. Try brushing your teeth with your non-dominant hand a few times this week – you’ll quickly see how this simple act requires pause and concerted effort. By stretching our brains and making small adjustments in educational settings, we can support lefties in reaching their full potential.”
Left-handers and education
Desks and writing tools are typically designed for right-handed use, which can lead to discomfort and even hinder academic performance. However, with a few adjustments, educators can create a more inclusive environment that supports left-handed learners. These include:
- Ergonomic tools: Providing left-handed scissors, pens, and notebooks can make a significant difference. These tools are made to lessen discomfort and help left-handed students work more comfortably.
- Desk arrangement: Seating left-handed students on the left side of a shared desk or table prevents elbow clashes and gives them the space they need to write freely.
- Handwriting instruction: Tailoring handwriting instruction to left-handed students can help them develop a more natural and legible writing style. This includes teaching them to tilt their paper correctly and use a relaxed grip.
- Awareness and training: Educating teachers about the needs of left-handed students can foster a more supportive learning environment. Simple awareness can lead to small changes that make a big difference.
The good news is that writing instruments and tools ideal for left-handers are now easier to find than ever before. Consumers are able to find a range of products specifically designed to cater to left-handed users, including pens, pencils, and notebooks.
Being left-handed is not just about overcoming challenges; it's also about embracing a unique perspective. Left-handers often approach problems and tasks differently, bringing creativity and innovation to everything they do. Whether it's in the classroom, the workplace, or everyday life, lefties enrich our world with their distinctive talents.
