FM.A.11 LOOKS AT A SMALL OBJECT

As your child learns to focus his eyes more accurately, he can look at smaller and smaller objects.

In this skill, you will use objects about the size of a raisin.

How to Assess

Materials: A raisin, or a similarly sized object, placed on paper of a contrasting colour.

Method: Place the child in a sitting position. Hold the paper about 20 to 25 cm away. Draw his attention to the object by tapping the paper. Say ‘Look’.

Score plus if your child looks at the object for 2 to 3 seconds.

How to Teach

Your small steps here will correspond to smaller and smaller objects.

Find the smallest size which your child will look at. Give him plenty of practice at looking at objects this size, then gradually reduce the size of the objects until you reach the raisin size.

Try using objects which make a noise, such as small bells. Brightly shining things can help too.

Be careful to place the object on a surface with a contrasting colour, so that the objects stands out clearly.

Playtime and Round-the-house Activities

Of course, you can’t leave your child alone to play with small objects. This is very much a showing and looking activity at this early stage. You will find countless opportunities to practise. Flowers in the garden, coins, pieces of food, an older child’s lego, shiny earrings – all are interesting to a child.

Remembering and Extending this Sequence

A little later (FM.B.23) you will be helping your child learn to pick up small objects. If you are not going on to this skill straightaway, continue to give practice at this current level. Watch your child to see if he is noticing smaller things for himself.