Difficulty perceiving objects and focusing on a visually stimulating page.
| Symptoms | Strategies |
|---|---|
| Works with head close to paper; tilts head. | – Request eye exam to rule out need for glasses. – Check pencil grip and position of hand/arm when writing. |
| Has difficulty locating words in the dictionary, index, etc. | – Assign buddy to work with a servant’s heart. – Use elementary dictionary with large type print. Teach dictionary location of word definition, etc.Review alphabetizing words frequently. |
| May skip sections of a test or omit parts of an assignment. | – Encourage student to use his/her finger or a marker to keep place. Use highlighter to emphasize. – Remind him/her to recheck; teacher checks for omissions when test is turned in. |
| Lack of desire to complete worksheet or workbook format. | – Make clear, dark, uncluttered dittos. (Limit decorations)Type whenever possible. – Clearly denote. |
| Has difficulty in distinguishing important parts on overhead transparencies. | – Use pointer to indicate specifics.Color code important areas. |
| Inaccurate copywork. | – Have student sit near board. – Be sure teacher’s handwriting is large and well spaced. Any situation that could be visually confusing, use one color for highlighting (yellow is suggested). Use for emphasis not decoration. |
| Has trouble picking out specific locations on a map. | – Help student see part-whole relationship through outlining, coloring, and cross hatching. – Provide simple maps with key countries.Use simple maps without visual stimuli. |
| May appear flustered when trying to focus on one item on a crowded page. | – Structure space on math worksheets as much as possible. – Create boxes which clearly delineate the appropriate work area. |
| Has difficulty following directions on a pencil-paper task where there is a lot of visual stimuli. | Put less on page. Give “bite size” directions, avoid a long series of directions. |
| Habitually skips over lines of text and written words on assignments. | Direct, one-on-one instruction pointing out the students mistakes and the visual clues they have overlooked. |