Sighted children have constant opportunities to visually compare and contrast items in their world.
Creating opportunities to stimulate the brain to compare and contrast like objects is an important learning event for children with visual impairments of all kinds. But the opportunities must be provided as much as possible.
Attribute trays are a great way to provide this access. The trays provide opportunities for children to build cognitive, language and tactile skills. They give children the necessary time for full exploration and give repeated opportunities to become familiar with everyday objects.
Here is one example of an attribute tray about brushes. The brushes are attached to the pegboard with elastic so children will not drop and lose the materials. The elastic allows the material to be brought to the mouth for tactile exploration or brought closer for possible visual exploration. It builds object permanence as the child is taught to pull the elastic to retrieve the brush that has fallen off the tray edge. The child builds understanding of the variety of brushes in the world. They build concepts and experience the differences in size, shape, weight, function, sound created, temperature and texture. Most important of all, these trays provide meaningful stimulation to the brain to reduce self body play.
Others types of trays you could create:
Different types of spoons
A variety of balls
Items with holes
Things that bend
Things that break apart
Things that vibrate when pushed
Things with buttons to create sound
Long things
Heavy things
Beads and necklaces
Boxes
Plates of different sizes and shapes
Cups of different sizes and colors
Bowls with balls or beads
Selection of slinkys
Tray of ribbons of different textures and sizes
Tray of fabrics
Selection of musical instruments
Selection of sponges
Nesting cup set (can be used as a cup or tower)
Trays of functional items to allow for expended exploration of items used daily.
- Dinner materials: cup, spoon, plate
- Bath materials: sponge, soap on a rope, washcloth.
- Getting ready for bed: toothbrush, floss, washcloth, book
cvi teacher 