Photo of shape same and different worksheet with a given shape then two shape options.
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Creating Tactile Graphics Images Part 8: Same and Different Worksheets

Build the concepts of "same" and "different" with these accessible tactile worksheets!

In the recent tactile graphics series, preschool and early elementary worksheets have been used to teach common concepts. These worksheets can be easily converted into accessible activities to teach the gen ed concepts and to teach critical tactile graphic skills to young students who are blind or low vision. This post, Part 8 in the series, will focus on “same” and “different” concepts.

Creating the Graphics

Images Used

In previous posts, students have been introduced to various tactile graphics of shapes and animals. When introducing a new concept, such as “same” and “different”, initially use shapes or animals that the student is familiar with before introducing new shapes, animals, objects or characters. (For simplicity in this post, I will use “shapes and animals” but other characters and objects can be used.)

Initially, create your own content for the same and different worksheets using shapes/animals that the student is familiar with, versus modifying a gen ed content with unfamiliar images. Using unfamiliar images makes the activity more challenging as students may become frustrated or lost when they are not able to quickly identify the image.

Creating Images

When using the GoodNotes app on the iPad to create your images, use the Lasso tool to copy, resize, and move your images. (Note: Similar drawing apps will also have the Lasso tool.) Steps:

To resize the image, repeat the Lasso tool steps except select Resize instead of Copy. Use the arrows in the corner of the image to resize the image.

Note: Braille directions were not added to these worksheets, as you can use the worksheets for several different types of activities. If desired, you can add braille. (See previous post about adding sim braille).

Size of Images

It is important to determine what size image your student is most efficient with. Larger images require less fine motor skills but typically take more time to trace and might be harder for the student to remember what he has traced. Smaller images are faster to trace, but may require more fine motor skills for young students. Preschoolers typically scribble and color using large hand movements; as their fine motor skills development, they have more control and are able to trace smaller lines. Tracing tactile graphics is typically easier than holding a crayon or pencil and drawing; however, be aware of development stages and what your student is currently able to do!

Same and Different Activities

Pre-requisite skills

Students can simply find and tell the teacher which shape is the same (or different). Ideally, students will be able to use a crayon to mark the image on the page. The ability to mark an answer with a crayon is a critical skill that visually impaired students need to learn, especially when taking tests/assessments. Use a crayon to mark the desired image, as the crayon leaves a texture so the student knows what he/she has marked. Being able to independently show his/her work (complete the activity independently) is a huge step for independence for a preschooler! Ask the student to underline the desired shape.

The following worksheets are examples of different same and different shape worksheets, with progressive levels. Download these worksheets and/or use them as examples to create additional worksheets.

The image below has four shapes (3 squares and a triangle). This worksheet could be used to “find the shapes that are the same” (the student underlines the three squares) or to “find the shape that is different”.

Same and Different tactile worksheet with 3 squares and a triangle.

Download the 3 Squares and a Triangle worksheet.

Here is a similar same and different worksheet with animals (3 ducks and 1 cow).

Same tactile worksheet: 3 ducks and 1 cow.

Download the Same and Different Ducks worksheet.

The next worksheet has 6 shapes with 3 squares and 3 circles. Give the student a circle (or square) and ask the student to find all the same shapes.

Directions for this worksheet might be to “find the circles” or “find the squares”. If the student is working on counting, ask the student to “find 2 squares”.

Same and Different shapes: 3 circles and 3 squares in 2x3 array.

Download the 3 circles and 3 squares worksheet.

The next worksheet has 3 rows of solid shapes. The first shape in the row is the given shape – students are asked to “find the same shape” as the given shape or to “find the different shape” compared to the given shape.

Note: Some students might need a vertical line to help separate between the given shape and the possible answer shapes.

Download the Same/Different in a Row worksheet.

The next worksheets is a “matching” worksheet; in order to match, students have to determine which shapes are the same. With this worksheet, the student should match the shape in the left column to the shape in the right column. The student should draw a line from the shape in the left column to the shape in the right column. Note: After completing the worksheet, the student can feel the crayon lines but it may be challenging to follow the crayon line if it intersects with another crayon line.

Matching shapes tactile worksheet with a column on the left and a column on the right each with one square, triangle and circle in random order.

Download the Matching Shapes worksheet.

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