The less configuration on a page the better.
Print materials need to be clear and dark.
Large print with wide spaces between lines, words,
etc. is best.
Light colored paper could be a problem for some
students.
Nearpoint work should be limited to15 minutes or less.
The student should be encouraged to look away from his work, sharpen
a pencil, or participate in another activity maybe a discussion of the
materials. This will allow him to refocus and his eyes are less likely
to fatigue.
Encourage students to sit up when writing instead of
resting their head on their desk or tilting their head. Students will
do this in order to control their pencil. The eye nearest the paper
overworks and neither eye can work comfortably.
Be sure lights are coming from behind or to the side
of the student if possible. Always make sure lighting is adequate.
The day we ditched the slanted desk and decided to go
to tables and flat desks to facilitate group work, we lost a tool that
helped children with vision problems. A slant of about 20 degrees is
the most comfortable for reading and nearpoint work. If you don't have
slanted desk, encourage students to hold their reading materials at
an angle.
Keeping the eyes at an appropriate distance assists
in academic achievement as well as sports. Have students measure from
their elbow to their knuckles then tell them they need to make sure
they never get closer to their work than that distance.
We all agree that eye contact is a must for good communication.
For the students with visual concerns making eye contact can also be
a great exercise that helps with muscle control. Encourage them, require
them, and help them gain control over their vision.
Change your sitting chart to allow students with visual
concerns to sit in the front of the room.
Math worksheets can be cut in strips and stapled together
to present less work at one time.
Folding worksheets to reveal less configuration at one
time is good.
Always have lined paper for writing assignments, the
darker the lines the better.
Encourage use of a pencil grip.
Mechanical pencils are better for some kids.
Provide and encourage the use of tape recorders for
test, reading practice, daily assignments, lectures, and instructions
if possible.
Give instructions and lecture orally as well as using
your visual methods, most of these students are quite auditory.
Hands on activities are better than just reading about
a topic.
Allow the use of a marker for reading. The rulers made
for computers with the yellow stripe are good; they also magnify the
line.
Encourage student to read aloud when he is reading "silently".
Shorten assignments, reading, writing and math, that
require the visual modality.
Offer a transparency to these students to copy since
every time they go from the near to far distance they must readjust
their eyes.
Require less copying from the board or overhead. That
near and far action is tough for a student with vision concerns.
Oral tests are good.
August
15, 2000 COMMENTARY
