Sensory Help Now

Visual discrimination is the ability to detect differences and classify objects, symbols, or shapes based on characteristics such as colour, position, form, pattern, texture and size. It helps us to tell the difference between different things such as numbers.

 Difficulties with visual discrimination can impact a child's daily activities. For example, a child who struggles with visual discrimination might lose his or her place whilst reading, confuse letters or numbers, or find it difficult to play board games or other games that require the ability to differentiate between different shapes and objects.

Below are 5 easy activities that can help to develop visual discrimination.

Sorting Activities

This is a good activity to start with for younger children. Ask your child to sort out objects according to size, colour or shape. For example, sorting Lego or similar building bricks based on colour is a good place to start followed by sorting bricks according to size or shape.

Odd One Out Worksheets

There are downloadable options available or you can create your own. These worksheets consist of rows of shapes or letters with one shape or letter that is different from the others. Ask your child to circle or cross the odd one out.

Matching Items

This is a really versatile activity which can be used in a number of ways. For example, you can ask your child to help you match pairs of socks after doing the laundry. Or an alternative to this activity at school is to match and sort reading books or other classroom resources as part of clearing up after a lesson.

Spot the Difference Activity Sheets

These sheets consist of two images which have subtle differences. Ask your child to circle the differences. Twinkl has a good range of free worksheets suitable for a range of age groups.

Treasure Hunt Activity

Make some cards with images of objects in the home or school environment. Ask the child to find the objects that match the images on the cards.

Summary

These five activities—sorting, odd one out worksheets, matching items, spot the difference sheets, and treasure hunts—are excellent for developing visual discrimination skills in children. Each activity enhances the ability to distinguish differences in size, shape, colour, and more, helping improve tasks like reading, recognising letters or numbers, and engaging confidently in games and daily activities.