Activity
It’s Shrinking!
Develop visual attention as background illumination decreases and objects become smaller.
This activity has been revised and was originally created by Vickie Brennan, Flo Ryu and Dennis Lolli and published in the Perkins Activity and Resource Guide (1st edition, Volume 2, 1992). The second edition is available for purchase.
Although attention to various light sources is a starting point in the training of visual behaviors, a transition toward attention to objects is critical for the carryover of visual skills to functional activities under normal lighting. This activity works to develop visual attention to objects as background illumination decreases and objects become smaller. Lessons include Orientation & Mobility.
- Window
- Table lamp
- Light box
- Similar objects of varying sizes (balls, blocks, pieces of paper)
- In the presence of a background light source, introduce objects in decreasing sizes while also decreasing illumination.
- Observe the student’s visual attention to the activity.
- Hold a favorite, familiar or functional object (spoon, hairbrush, teddy bear) up to the light and gradually encourage the student to look at it or reach for it.
- Gradually increase room illumination to optimal or typical lighting levels while performing the activity.
- Present a variety of objects in different indoor and outdoor settings and levels of illumination.
