You can help him by demonstrating the **movement and shape**, then letting him copy with his preferred hand. At three, start with playful drawing and simple strokes; his pencil grip will develop over time. Let him choose which hand to use, and avoid encouraging him to switch to his right. [NHS pre-writing guidance](https://www.cambspborochildrenshealth.nhs.uk/child-development-and-growing-up/hand-skills/getting-ready-to-write/)

For teaching together:

- **Sit beside him, facing the same direction.** Draw a large line slowly and describe the movement: “Start here; go down.” Give him space to try it himself.
- **Try demonstrating simple strokes with your left hand.** A vertical line or circle is enough to begin with. Evelina London’s occupational therapists recommend using the child’s preferred hand when demonstrating alongside them.
- **Keep the example visible.** Put your drawing above his working area so his left hand does not cover it.
- **When he becomes interested in letters, show the starting point and stroke direction.** For English, continue teaching writing from left to right.

These demonstration techniques follow [Evelina London’s handwriting guidance, pages 15–16](https://www.evelinalondon.nhs.uk/resources/patient-information/occupational-therapy-school-age-resource-pack.pdf).

Help with the physical setup too. Position the paper slightly to his left and turn it clockwise until its left edge roughly follows his forearm. As his grip develops, holding the pencil a little farther from the tip can help him see his marks. Encourage his right hand to steady the paper. [Evelina London’s left-handed writing advice](https://www.evelinalondon.nhs.uk/resources/patient-information/occupational-therapy-school-age-resource-pack.pdf)

For now, a useful activity is drawing together: you make a line for rain or a circle for a face, and he adds his own. Short crayons, chalk and finger painting all offer ways to practise controlling movements. Follow his interest and stop when he loses enthusiasm. [NHS guidance on getting ready to write](https://www.cambspborochildrenshealth.nhs.uk/child-development-and-growing-up/hand-skills/getting-ready-to-write/)