Left-right coding and skills related to beginning reading

Kindergarteners and first graders were tested for discrimination of left-right orientation, letter production, and performance on reading readiness and reading tests. Left-right visual skills were found to be related to reading skills in both grades but to letter production only in kindergarten. These data are viewed in the context of a deficit in left-right coding. The data cautiously suggest that different subgroups of reading-disabled children may benefit from training programs that remediate different deficiencies; affirmation of this strategy awaits further study of treatment.