Reach and Teach

By Activity Bank on Oct 15, 2013
Assorted toys

Related Courses

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.

Many students with vision impairment have at least some usable vision. By exercising that vision students will be able to maximize it for use. To that end, this activity works to develop reaching, exploration, and manipulation of objects positioned at near and distant locations, and in varying areas of the visual field. Participating students will reach and explore each object during this activity. Lessons include Orientation and Mobility, Concept Development, and English Language Arts.

Materials

  • Objects of varying size and color
  • Suction toys for students with fine motor difficulties

Procedure

  • Place or hold the object within the student’s reach, and in different areas of the visual field.
  • Encourage the student to reach, explore and activate the toy.
  • Gradually progress to the placement of objects in different areas of the room, encouraging the student to locate and retrieve various items.

Variations

  • For students who have difficulty reaching for an object, direct them to place a finger near their eyes and follow it toward the object.
  • Use different backgrounds, varying high contrast versus low contrast.
  • Use a patterned background for poorer contrast.
  • Promote generalization to outdoor settings with high, normal and low levels of illumination.