What is Visual Perception and its Importance in the Daily Curriculum

Visual Perception

The vision skills we need to understand, analyze, and interpret what we see are called visual perception.

Children who have difficulties in this area may have:

• a poor sense of direction
• difficulties with organisational skills
• reverse words in both reading and spelling (eg. saw for was)
• difficulty understanding abstract maths concepts, paticularly in the areas of shape, space and measure
• problems with comparative language (eg. taller than, shorter than, longer than)
• difficulty completing jigsaw puzzles
• problems with copying from the board
• problems with interpreting and organising diagrams, charts, graphs, maps and other visual methods of recording
• difficulties judging speed and distance
• difficulty with letter and number orientation
• difficulty with structuring and organising written work
• strengths in logic, verbal and non-verbal reasoning
• enjoyment in using multisensory strategies when learning
• a preference for a phonic approach to learning to read
• a preference to use audio methods of recording information.

Activities to develop visual perception skills:

1. Post-a-shape – matching shapes to the correct opening.
2. Feely bag – ask the pupils to describe a shape or object by feeling it without looking, then describe it again when they can see it.
3. Copying 1 – a shape pattern or picture, using a magnetic board and pieces.
4. What's missing? 1 – complete a 2D shape.
5. What's missing? 2 – complete a picture.
6. Guess what? – ask the pupils to guess the object when only part is visible. A picture of an object could be cut into four pieces and only one part given at a time until the children have guessed what it is.
7. Object/picture matching – using everyday objects.
8. Jigsaw puzzles – of varying degrees of difficulty to suit individual pupils.
9. Matching shape to silhouette – using the correct orientation.
10. Matching picture to silhouette – using the correct orientation.
11. Draw a person – ask the pupils to copy the features of a real person, then compare.
12. Copying 2 – 2D shape patterns and pictures of varying degrees of difficulty.
13. Colouring 1 – symmetrical patterns of varying degrees of difficulty to suit individual pupils.
14. Colouring 2 – symmetrical pictures of varying derees of difficulty to suit individual pupils.
15. Tessellation 1 – arranging magnetic 2D shapes on a board.
16. Tessellation 2 – drawing around 2D shapes.
17. Sensory maze activities – using a variety of materials.
18. PE activities – involving directional and positional language. Use symbols as a reminder.
19. Multi-link pattern cards – and similar activities.
20. Instructions – follow auditory instructions while using a diagram or picture, to show how to build a model.
21. Noughts and crosses – using plastic or wooden pieces.
22. Computer-aided picture and design activities.
23. Brain gym – some activities help to develop perceptual skills.

From A-Z of Special Needs for Every Teacher by Jacquie Buttriss and Ann Callander

I wanted to share an article written by a Pediatric OT that explains Visual Perception really well and has excellent ideas on how to help your child...I really recommend this read on her blog RIGHT HERE

To improve convergence and the ability to do close work:

1.  Give the child a drinking straw in one hand and a strand of uncooked spaghetti in the other.  Tell the child to look straight ahead as he brings his hands up in front of his face and slowly slides the spaghetti into the straw.  Repeat ten times.  Do this once or twice a day.

2.  Provide the child with whistles and bubble toys that have moving parts when blown.  They encourage the child to pull the eyes in together to watch.  {If you can even find breath powered bubble toys anymore.  Except for old fashioned bubble wands, these seem to have disappeared off the face of the earth and have been replaced by battery operated versions.}

3.  Give the child a lollypop to suck on while doing close work.  The vacuum created while sucking will pull the eyes in together.  Give the child all of his drinks through a straw, and provide opportunities for resistive sucking, such as smoothies, juice boxes or drinkable yogurt.

4.  Provide craft projects that challenge and motivate the child.  Find lots of fun ideas here and here.

5. Play marbles, jacks, and other eye hand skill games.

To improve pursuit fixation, or the ability of the eyes to track and maintain attention on stable and moving objects:

1. Have the child race a car on a lazy eight {sideways} speedway track on a chalk board or on the floor.

2. Play balloon tennis, either with rackets or hands.

3. Have the child jump on a bosu or mini trampoline while catching small beanbags and tossing them at targets around the room.

4.  Play "I spy" or other visual games, like finding as many out of state license plates as you can, etc, while traveling in the car.

5. Blow some bubbles.  Have the child chase  and pop them.  I  give them a little claw toy or a pair of zoosticks to pop them with so that they are also working on fine motor skills.

6.  Dim the lights and have the child chase the beam from a laser or a flashlight.   This might be a fun activity on a summer evening at twilight with other children from the neighborhood.  Or give the child his own flashlight and play tag with the beams.

To improve visual memory:

1.  Play concentration, where the child has to turn over cards and find matches.  You can either do this with regular playing cards or buy a set.  This teaches the child to develop good strategies for visual memory.  If you type "memory games" into your search engine, you'll find quite a few sites that have games suitable for children.

2.  Play "What's different?".  Put three things on the table, have the child close his eyes, and then change one.  Have the child tell you which one is different.  Use more objects as he gets more skilled.

3.  Place a covered tray with a dozen or so objects on a table, let the child look at it for 30 seconds, cover the tray, and have the child write down or tell you everything that he remembers.  This is a fun group activity.


To improve saccadic vision {the ability of the eyes to jump and fix, the skill required for reading}

1. Lacing, beading, coloring, and cutting activities.

2.  Mazes, dot to dot, and tracing activities.

3.  Have the child draw and paint while standing at an easel.

4. Weaving and sewing activities.

To improve visual discrimination:

1. Play the "what's different in the picture?  game.

2.  Put together jigsaw puzzles,  play Search a Word, and "Where's Waldo?"

3.  Have the child sort things for you, like socks and silverware.

4. Nesting and stacking toys promote pattern recognition, which is critical for learning shapes of letters.

5.  Play Connect Four, tic tac toe, and make a square.

For figure ground:

1.  Hide objects in an indoor sandbox:  fill a large container full of beans, rice, packing pellets, etc.  Hide little toys for the child to find.  Or move this out to the garden and hide things in the grass or among the plants.

2.  When reading a picture book together, play "I Spy" with the drawings.  Describe something to the child and have him try to find it in the picture based on  your description.  Then have him find something and describe it to you for you to find.

Have the child sit on a therapy ball while reading, watching television, or doing homework.  The slight postural adjustments he makes while he's sitting will help stabilize and strengthen his back and his eyes.  Or have the child lie on the floor on his belly propped up on his elbows while working for brief periods. This will strengthen the neck, which will help stabilize his eyes.

 

What my 6 Year Should Know Right Now

Physical
• runs lightly on toes
• walks on balance beam
• can cover 2 meters hopping
• skips on alternate feet
• jumps rope
• beginning to skate and swim
• kicks a rolling ball

Drawing & Cutting
• cuts out simple shapes
• copies triangle
• traces diamond
• copies first name
• colors within lines
• has adult grasp of pencil
• had handedness well established
• pastes and glues appropriately

Personal Care
• tying their own shoes and buttoning their own buttons before the age of 6

Speech 
• Sentence length of 5-6 words
• vocabulary of about 2000 words
• can tell you what objects are made of
• uses all types of sentences

Sensory and Thinking Skills
• approaches problems from a single point of view
• knows right and left hand

What my 4 Year Old Should Know right Now

Colors and Shapes
* Recognizes and names primary colors.
* Recognizes circles.
* Recognizes rectangles.
* Matches shapes or objects based on shape.
* Copies shapes
* Understands big and little
* Understands long and short
* Matches shapes or objects based on size
Numbers

* Counts orally through 10.

* Counts objects in one-to-one correspondence.
* Understands empty and full.
* Understands more and less.
Reading Readiness

* Remembers objects from a given picture.

* Knows what a letter is.
* Has been read to frequently.
* Has been read to daily.
* Looks at books and magazines.
* Recognizes some nursery rhymes.
* Identifies parts of the body.
* Identifies objects that have a functional use.
* Knows common farm and zoo animals.
* Pronounces own first name.
* Pronounces own last name.
* Expresses self verbally.
* Identifies other children by name
* Tells the meaning of simple words.
* Repeats a sentence of 6-8 words.
* Completes incomplete sentence with proper word.
* Has own books.
* Understands that print carries a message.
* Pretends to read.
* Uses left-to-right progression.
* Answers questions about a short story.
* Tells the meaning of words heard in story.
* Looks at pictures and tells a story.
* Identifies own first name in manuscript.
* Prints own first name.
Position and Direction

* Understands up and down.

* Understands in and out.
* Understands front and back.
* Understands over (on) and under.
* Understands top, bottom, middle.
* Understands beside and next to.
* Understands hot and cold.
* Understands fast and slow.
Time

* Understands day and night.

* Knows age and birthday.
Listening and Sequencing

* Follows simple directions.

* Listens to a short story.
* Listens carefully.
* Recognizes common sounds.
* Repeats a sequence of sounds.
* Repeats a sequence of orally given numbers.
* Retells simple stories in sequence.
Motor Skills

* Is able to run.

* Is able to walk a straight line.
* Is able to jump.
* Is able to hop.
* Is able to alternate feet walking down stairs.
* Is able to march.
* Is able to stand on one foot for 5-10 seconds.
* Is able to walk backwards for five feet.
* Is able to throw a ball.
* Pastes objects.
* Claps hands.
* Matches simple objects.
* Touches fingers.
* Able to button a garment.
* Builds with blocks.
* Completes simple puzzles
(5 pieces or less).
* Draws and colors beyond
* a simple scribble.
* Able to zip a zipper.
* Controls pencil and crayon well.
* Cuts simple shapes.
* Handles scissors well.
* Able to copy simple shapes.
Social-Emotional Development

* Can be away from parents or primary care givers for 2-3 hours

without being upset.
* Takes care of toilet needs independently.
* Feels good about self.
* Is not afraid to go to school.
* Cares for own belongings.
* Knows full name.
* Dresses self.
* Knows how to use handkerchief
or tissue.
* Knows own sex.
* Brushes teeth.
* Crosses residential street safely.
* Asks to go to school.
* Knows parents' names.
* Knows home address.
* Knows home phone number.
* Enters into casual conversation.
* Carries a plate of food.
* Maintains self-control.
* Gets along well with other children.
* Plays with other children.
* Recognizes authority.
* Shares with others.
* Talks easily.
* Likes teachers.
* Meets visitors without shyness.
* Puts away toys.
* Able to stay on task.
* Able to work independently.
* Helps family with chores.

What my 4 Year Old Should Know for Kindergarten

The list below is what a preschooler should know at the end of the school year for kindergarten. Each child is different and learns at different paces. This is a guideline...a goal of where we want to be. Knowing this goal with help us with the baby steps in our curriculum to get them there. Also I can take a look at this list and tell what areas I need to focus on for my own two boys. I know that with the both of them I am faced with issues in attention span, following directions, manners and being clean when they eat and my youngest with social skills. I read an article that reading to your children actually helps in all these areas. This is what I found out: "That the single biggest predictor of high academic achievement and high ACT scores is reading to children. Not flash cards, not workbooks, not fancy preschools, not blinking toys or computers, but mom or dad taking the time every day or night (or both!) to sit and read them wonderful books. "Reading to your child develops listening skills and attention span. Projects like putting together puzzles, stringing beads, and cutting construction paper all develop fine motor skills and attention span.  But actually children don’t need academic knowledge before they start school - they really need listening skills, a good attention span, and fine motor skills."  So there we go...read read read =D

Here is the list:

at the end of preschool a child will... 

Memory verses and songs that they can recall when prompted

Know the name of each letter in the alphabet-lowercase and uppercase

know the phonetic sound of all the letters

be able to correctly write lower and uppercase letters of the alphabet

Know by name and be able to correctly write the numbers 1-25

Identify shapes (including hexagon and octagon) and colors and to spell yellow, red, blue, white, black,brown,  pink and purple

Be able to demonstrate spatial concepts, sorting, sequencing and patterns

Hold a pencil correctly, cut on a line and to balance hopping on one foot for about 10 hops (this part cracks me up)

be able to write both their first and last name using Capital letter for the first letter of the name

Be able to say their full name, address and phone number 

know how to properly use question marks and explanation points

know about basic safety with strangers, about their body, fire safety and how to call 911

Be introduced to many books

Be able to be clean when eating meals 

Can follow multi-step directions and understand explanations given for things they see

Understand taller, smaller and shorter and arrange things from smallest to biggest

Draw a person with a head, body, legs and arms

 Social skills include taking turns, sharing, praising and thanking others, treating others with respect and kindness, listening to others, conversing with others, showing interest in others, following directions, exercising patience and tolerance, resolving conflicts, and resisting negative peer pressure.

Where Can I Find My Local Homeschooling Group

I have researched on Co-Op Homeschooling and I think I will be skipping that. My understanding is that you can have other homeschool teachers teach your children in other areas like music or someone who specializes in art etc. I plan to be the "do-it-all" homeschool mommy for my boys =D I did join a Meet up group...a couple of them who also homeschool in my area and get together for outings, playdates and to get advice. You can find one in your area to at www.meetup.com

I also found a Homeschool Organization in my State of Washington that I could join. If you would like to find a local homeschooling group in your area and you go to this link:

http://www.edanywhere.com/homeschooling.html

Types of Homeschooling and Our Way

There are several ways to find homeschool support on the web. But first for newbies & the curious, what exactly is homeschooling?
Homeschooling means to educate your children at home rather then in public or private school. It exists in a myriad of ways:

Unschooling or child-led education is when you follow your children's natural interests & curiosities to educate them.

School at home is when you purchase the textbooks for all subjects & follow much the same ideology put in practice in traditional school.

Another approach that is gaining in popularity called the Classical Approach or Trivium. This approach goes back to the old ways of teaching, concentrating on the basics, classic languages such as Latin & Greek, & higher order thinking skills.

The Montessori Method is named after its founder, Maria Montessori. This method is very natural & uses a lot of manipulatives.

Unit studies are a way of integrating most, if not all subjects under a single topic of study. For example, if you were studying Ancient Greece, you would cover the history of ancient Greece, the science of the time period, practice writing skills through reports, short stories, etc. based on what you have learned, & you may practice reading by reading the mythology of the times.

Many people also use a mixture of the above or sign up with a satellite school which can perform different tasks or help you with different tasks for your homeschool, such as designing a curriculum, having the security of a teacher you can communicate with, writing transcripts, etc.


 Read more about homeschooling methods from an article written by April Morris.

My kids thrive on routines and structure so we will be doing school at home approach with text books/worksheets and also incorporating some Montessori Methods. I will also be teaching in a Christian atmosphere. We will be having Bible time but I won't be making them memorize scriptures. I will be incorporating the "un-schooling method" when it comes to teaching them the Bible. I plan not only to teach them Christian ways and Bible stories but I also plan to teach them "life philosophy" such as in Buddhist teachings. My goal is also to raise them with manners, good social skills and street smarts. What I mean about street smarts is how to protect themselves from bullies and how to be safe in the world around them. I will be doing a "letter, color, shape, verse and character trait to learn each week." I will be scheduling our daily curriculum around these subjects for the week. Our school week will be from Monday-Thursday. Fridays will be for field trips, outings with mommy and me groups or special projects.

Basic Home School Supplies to get Started

An Introduction for Art and Crafts Materials

First things first...safety notes on supplies


ways choose materials designed specifically for children, with labels that clearly indicate they are non-toxic. The Art and Creative Materials Institute (ACMI) is a non-profit trade association of manufacturers of art and craft materials. Since 1940, ACMI has conducted a certification program in which product formulas are analyzed and certified by the ACMI, then labeled appropriately as either non-toxic and safe, or toxic, and potentially harmful.

ACMI certification also ensures compliance with state and federal labeling regulations. Products bearing theAP (Approved Product) seal of the ACMI are certified non-toxic. In cases where a product may be used with young children, AP certified non-toxic products are the safest.

Products bearing the CL (Caution Label) seal of the Art and Creative Materials Institute contain ingredients that are toxic or hazardous. These products are not appropriate for use with young children in childcare programs. Many products have labels that say a product is "non-toxic;" but unless they also have a label showing that they are certified, these can be misleading. They may not pose an immediate risk of poisoning if ingested, inhaled, or absorbed by the skin, but there may be dangers associated with long term use.

If you have any questions about a product, contact the manufacturer to find out what substances are used in the products and if they are safe for children.

Choose Products Carefully

Because drawing and painting are common activities in childcare, parents and childcare providers often assume that all art and craft supplies are safe and appropriate for children. But many products can be dangerous. When choosing products for your childcare program, here are some items to avoid and some suggestions for using products that are safe:

• Avoid instant paper mache, which can contain toxic substances that are easily inhaled. Make paper mache using black and white newspaper and library or white paste.
  
• Avoid permanent, felt-tipped markers that may contain toxic solvents. Use water-based markers only.
  
• Avoid adhesives that are not water-based, such as rubber cement or -solvent-based glues. Use polyvinyl acetate (PVA) white glue, which is the safest for children.
  
• Avoid organic solvents or solvent-containing products; aerosol spray cans or air brushes; products that can stain the skin or clothing or cannot be washed out of clothing; and irritants or corrosive chemicals such as acids, alkalis, and bleach.
  
• Parents or local businesses in the community sometimes offer childcare programs art materials they no longer need. However, accepting such donations can be dangerous unless the products are relatively new and all the ingredients are known. The older the material, the more likely it is to contain toxic substances, such as mercury, lead, or even asbestos, which can be present in old paper mache and modeling materials.

Safety Precautions

Art and craft time can be relaxing and encourages children to express themselves in new ways. By following a few simple safety precautions, you and your children can enjoy your creativity safely.

• Do not eat or drink while using art and craft materials.
  
• Always thoroughly clean after use--wash the children's hands, your own hands, and your supplies. The clean-up area should not be used for food preparation.
  
• Never use products for skin painting or food preparation unless the product is specifically indicated for that use.
  
• Do not transfer your art materials to other containers. Always keep them in the original packaging, which includes ingredient and safety information.
  
• Provide appropriate supervision when children are using materials that are sharp or that could be ingested.

Paint Supplies

Paint products can become contaminated with bacteria or mold, which can lead to a strong, offensive, and in some cases, sickening odor. Paints such as poster paints and temperas that are intended for use with children, often contain organic materials that can decay if not stored properly or if stored for a long period of time.

Here are some tips to help you store paint safely and use it for as long as possible:

• Avoid dusts or powders, such as powdered clay or powdered tempera paints that require mixing, which can be inhaled or can get in the children's eyes. Liquid tempera paints and talc-free, premixed clay are better choices. Be sure to wet mop and wipe surfaces after use to remove residue.
  
• Store the product in its original container in a cool, dry place.
  
• Mark the date of purchase on all containers, and use the oldest supplies first.
  
• Thoroughly shake the paint before using. (Make sure the lid is secure!)
  
• Remove only the amount of paint you will need for that day's activity. Discard any unused paint by rinsing it down a drain (away from your food preparation area) or sealing it in a container and putting it in a garbage can or dumpster outside the building. Do not return the unused portions to the original container--they may be spoiled and will contaminate the remaining paint.
  
• If you dilute the paint to use it with your children, do not save or reuse it. Water can dilute preservatives in the paint that guard against bacteria and mold.
  
• Avoid working directly from the original product containers--open them, take what you need, and seal them again. Egg carton sections, yogurt containers, disposable drinking cups, and other items can be cleaned to hold paint during art and craft.
  
• Do not place brushes, hands, or other objects in the container--even stirring the paint with a stick can contaminate it.

Scott G. Allen
Executive Director
Illinois Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics

RESOURCES

Art and Creative Materials Institute (ACMI),
1280 Main St., 2nd Floor, PO Box 479, Hanson, MA 02341; 781-293-4100; www.acminet.org/index.htm.

Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC),
Washington, D.C. 20207-0001; 800-638-2772; www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/art.html

InfoTox
www.infotox.com/safety_tips.html


School Supply List:

* Storage bin tower units for work box system (Costco)

* White eraser


* Washable crayons (Walmart)

* construction paper (best deal found is at Costco)

*laminator (purchased for 19.99 at Costco)


* fine-tip dry eraser board pens by Crayola (Walmart)


* #2 pencils and washable color pencils (Walmart)


* The Pencil Grip Claw ($1.60each and can be purchased HERE)

* Elmer's glue bottle


* Glue Sticks (best deal is at Costco)a pack of 24 Elmers Glue Sticks is only $5.99.  That's a whole lot better than the packs of two that you'll get for about $3.00+ in most regular stores.

* Dot paint Daubers in different colors

*Pipe Cleaners in different colors (Michael's craft store has them for .99 each bag/color or Oriental Trading Company) 

* Washable Finger Paint in different colors (Michael's Craft Store)


*Washable paints (Michael's Craft Store)


*Washable watercolor paints (Target sometimes has these on sale for a $1.00 =D)

* painting smock/apron (Target)


* Spray bottle (for water) (dollar store)

*plastic drop cloths (Home Depot)


* Large Coffee filters (Costco, Walmart or Target)

* Brown Paper lunch bags


* Craft popscicle sticks (Michael's craft store)


*Lacing strings (Michael's craft store)


* baby wipes (best deal at Costco)


*Magnetic Board (Costco had this pack for 14.99 that came with the pens, eraser, magnets etc. very GOOD price...I bought 2 one for our magnetic alpha letters and one for drawing on

* Magnetic alpha letters (Target, Walmart and Toys R US) I recommend the Leapfrog letter systems they are GREAT...they are pictured on our magnetic board picture above

* Other than crafty things, you also want some easy dollar store stuff to do hands on things. Things like pompom balls, cheap bowls, buttons, threads, spoons, other random scoops and containers
.
* Paint brushes from small (¼") to large (1")(Michael's craft store and use a 40% coupon)


* Child scissors (see video below on teaching your child to use scissors)


* Googly eyes in different sizes (Michael's craft Store)


* White Cardstock


*Model magic in different colors (Michael's craft store)


*Foam sheets in different colors (Michael's craft store)


*Dried beans (grocery store)


*Glitter


*Masking Tape, scotch tape, clear packing tape


* Styrofoam trays
* Fiberfill 
*Different color felts
*rubber bands, stapler, hole punch, greeting card envelopes
* Yarn in different colors (black and primary colors)
* Bubble wrap
*Aluminum Foil, shrinky dink paper, plastic wrap,wax paper, newspapers
*Red plastic and clear plastic cups (Costco)
*Brown Clothespins (check dollar store)
*Craft feathers in different colors (also find black and brown)
*styrofoam balls in different sizes
*Crayola molding clay in different colors

Important things You Should Know about homeschooling

Homeschooling is legal everywhere in the United States, but homeschooling laws vary from state to state. The three basic categories for homeschooling laws are: home education laws, private school laws, and equivalency laws. Here is a website where you can view the laws in your state HERE

Each state has laws concerning homeschool. You need to find out what the laws are in your state. Usually, you just need to give written notice that you will be homeschooling about 2 weeks before you quit public school. You can do this at any time. 

I don’t have a teaching degree. Can I really teach my child?

Yes, research and practical experience show that it is dedication and hard work, not special training, that produce outstanding educational results in a homeschool setting. (See Figure 1 to the right.)

References

• National Home Education Research institute: Research Facts on Homeschooling
• U.S. Census Bureau: Home Schooling in the United States: Trends and Characteristics
• HSLDA: State Laws
• Gifted Education Digests: Homeschooling Gifted Students: An Introductory Guide for Parents
• Northwestern University: Gifted Homeschoolers: An Interview with Kathi Kearney