Ok, some people write the 9 just like it looks when you type it, as one long swoop. Others write it making the loop counterclockwise and then bringing the line straight down... In this example they show the big one looking like the upside down 6 and then the child practices the one I'm describing.
http://akidsheart.com/threer/lvl1/no9prnt.htm
If she got used to the "ball and stick" 9, it wouldn't look like an upside down 6...make any sense?