Teaching Students with Visual Impairments
  • Home
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • About
    • FAQs
    • User Agreement
  • VI Store & Gifts
    • VI Gift Shop >
      • Braille Necklaces
      • VI Shirts
      • Badge Holders
      • VI Drinkware
      • Vision Bags & Totes
      • Braille Greeting Cards
      • Keyrings/Zipper Pulls/White Cane Tags
      • Ornaments
    • ECC Instructional Resources >
      • TVI's Guide Complete Set Bundle
      • TVI's Guide to Teaching the ECC
      • Thematic Keyboarding & Braille Fluency Worksheets
      • Visual Efficiency & Magnifier Fluency
      • Task Box Activities
      • Vocabulary Cards & Checklists
      • Interactive Sensory Stories
      • Interactive Matching Activities
    • Purchase Recorded Presentations >
      • Presentation Complete Set of 16
      • Foundations of Teaching the ECC
      • Itinerant Teaching Strategies & Tips
      • Strategies & Activities for SIDPID
      • Strategies & Activities for MIMO
      • Job Tasks for Jobs, Career & Life
      • Strategies & Activities for Standard Course of Study
      • Accommodations for BLVI
      • Accessible Content for BLVI
      • Using Themes to Teach the ECC
      • Tips for Being a Physically Fit TVI
      • Conducting a FVLMA
      • Developing SMARTER Goals
      • Determining Service Intensity Using the VISSIT
      • Selecting the Right AT
      • The Art of Teaching the ECC
      • Activities to Teach the ECC
    • Job Postings
    • Product Support
  • Jobs
    • Post a Job
    • TVI, Greene Co., Ohio
    • TVI or Dual TVI/COMS, North Carolina
  • Articles
  • Paid Member Pages
  • Member Pages

Shop for Visual Impairment Instructional Resources and Gifts

ECC Instructional Resources

Braille Necklaces

VI Shirts

Braille Greeting Cards

VI Drinkware

Keyrings/Zipper Pulls/White Cane Tags

Vision Bags & Totes

Recorded Presentations

Job Posting Service

Visual Motor Activities

By: Carmen Willings
teachingvisuallyimpaired.com
Updated June 9, 2019

Visual motor skills are the skills to coordinate eyes and feet as well as eyes and hands. It is the coordination of vision with the movements of the body. A student with a visual impairment may need assistance in developing and facilitating gross motor movement, pointing to a destination or object, and in performing fine motor activities. Visual motor skills help coordinate eyes and feet as well as eyes and hands.
Be aware that some of these activities can be very visually fatiguing for students with visual impairments. It is important to reserve the student's energy so they will have the stamina for completing required classroom activities. Although frequent practice building visual efficiency skills are important, keep in mind that these skills should be practiced outside of the academic performance of these skills.  The goal is to work on a student's visual skills to improve their visual efficiency, but the student should not be expected to use these skills to complete academic tasks until they occur with more ease. ​

Copy drawings, shapes and lines

Copy drawings, shapes, and lines presented up close and at a distance. Encourage the student to copy different shaped lines and shapes. You may need to first provide a dotted line and encourage the student to connect the dots to form the shape. For some students, this can present more challenges, so it is important to understand the student's vision. This will provide the student with the skills to copy numbers and letters which will allow them to copy words and sentences.  The Doodle Pro can be a fun way for students to practice drawing shapes, and lines.

Accurately draw line between two parallel lines, one inch apart

Reduce the width as the student perfects their skills. Make the activity more challenging by presenting different shaped paths and encourage the student to follow the paths. Consider placing a sticker at the end of the path and have the student cut toward the sticker. Provide them with a matching sticker to wear if they are able to stay between the lines! This Highway letter set is another fun option to help students practice drawing between lines.

Cut between lines and on a broad line

Once the student is able to do this successfully, encourage them to cut out simple outlines and pictures. Provide broad lines, if necessary, for the student to cut on. Students may have fun practicing with craft scissors that cut in different designs.

Place an object in an open container or other designated location

You may need to use a sharpie (or other material) to draw around the opening to create high contrast. For younger students, you may choose shape sorters that are paired with sound and lights like this Cookie Shape Sorter by Fisher Price.

Scribble or color within a designated space

Consider placing a Wikki stick or creating raised lines using tactile marking devices to provide a tactual border. Alternatively, use a marker to make the lines bolder. If the coloring tasks require certain areas to be a particular color, create a bold line in a matching color around the space. There are many apps that encourage students to color within a designated area.

Accurately insert a string into beads

If the student has difficulty, provide a reinforced string or use a pipe cleaner. It is easier to start with larger beads and then gradually reduce the size of beads presented. There are other materials that can be used such as Cheerios or Fruit Loops. These fun colored wooden beads from Melissa and Doug can provide motivation for the student.

Complete form boards, simple puzzles, or pegboard designs

You may need to draw with a sharpie marker around the perimeter of the form board to provide high contrast. This Number Puzzle Board from Lauri not only works on the skill of placing pegs in a pegboard but helps the student learn their numbers too.

Replicate a three-dimensional model through visual imitation

Present a block model or Lego model to the student and provide them with a duplicate set of blocks. Encourage the student to replicate the structure.

Accurately draw line between two parallel lines, one inch apart

Reduce the width as the student perfects their skills. Make the activity more challenging by presenting different shaped paths and encourage the student to follow the paths. Consider placing a sticker at the end of the path and have the student cut toward the sticker. Provide them with a matching sticker to wear if they are able to stay between the lines! This Highway letter set is another fun option to help students practice drawing between lines.

Motor Maze

Create a maze on a tray or in the lid of a box. Tape straws on the surface to create a maze. Provide the student with a marble or a pompom and encourage them to tilt the board and follow the maze to get the marble or pompom from the beginning of the maze to the end of the maze.

Color It! ​

Provide the student with a unit related picture and encourage the student to color within the lines.  Some students may need you to create bold lines with a sharpie around the area to be colored.  ​​If the coloring tasks require certain areas to be a particular color, create a bold line in a matching color around the space. There are many apps that encourage students to color within a designated area.

Connect The Dots  ​

Provide the student with dot to dot pages of unit related pictures and encourage the student to connect the dots in sequential order.

Gross Motor Movement

Students who are visually impaired may need motivators and assistance in developing movement milestones. Holding their head up may be unnatural to a student who has low vision or is blind. The student should be encouraged to hold their head up and develop a good posture. The student may need visual and auditory cues to develop gross motor skills.

To develop gross motor movement, encourage the student to:
  • visually locate objects and visually direct hand or foot toward the object.
  • locate people and objects to be avoided when moving toward a goal, and locate a path visually and move through it. A fun way to work on this goal is to create an "obstacle course" for students to move through.
  • imitate a variety of body movements.
  • use their vision to coordinate gross motor activities and make judgments about them.
History of vi
Timeline of Visual Impairments
Biblical Passages 
​Notable People 
Helen Keller
APH Museum
​
Leaders & Legends
History of Braillewriters  
Legislation ​
Visual Impairments
​Structure & Function of the Eye 
Vision Classifications
​Common Vocabulary  
​Common Visual Impairments
​Cortical Visual Impairment
​
Convergence Insufficiency  
Deaf-Blind
Vi organizations & Agencies
Social Etiquette
​VI Organizations
​US Government Agencies
​​Support Networks
​Deaf-Blind Resources
​​​Online Parent Resources
​
Financial Assistance
Vendors
VI book resources
Children's Books
Young Reader Books
Books on Dog Guides
​Teen & Young Adult Books
Non-Fiction Books
Helen Keller Books
​​Parent Resource Books 
Grief and Suffering
VI Professionals
​Become a Vision Professional
Professional Prep Programs
Teacher of Students with VI
Orientation & Mobility Specialist
Low Vision Specialist  
Rehabilitation Specialists
CATIS
Paraprofessionals & Braillists ​ ​
Professionalism
​Professional Ethics  
​Professional Development 
​Teacher Standards  
Professional Organizations
Certification Organizations
Awards & Recognition
APH Scholar Program
​Collaboration Strategies
Dealing with Challenges
Instructional Planning
VI Program Handbook
Caseload Analysis  
Itinerant Teacher Tips 
Year at a Glance
Role of Classroom Teacher  
​​Simulation Activities 
Organization & Time Management Strategies
Material Preparation
​
Professional Publications
General VI Resource Books
CVI & MD Resources Books
Braille Resource Books
O&M Resource Books
Early Intervention Resource Books
​Journal Resources
Educational Programming
National Agenda
​
The Expanded Core Curriculum
IDEA and Vision 
​Federal Quota Funds
Deaf-Blind Count
​State SpEd Agencies 
​​Schools for the Blind ​
Individual Learning Differences
Language Development
Impact on Development & Learning
Psychological Impact
Strategies for SIDPID
Strategies for MIMO
referrals
​Vision Concerns 
​Referral Process  
Eligibility Guidelines  
Vision Therapy Controversy  ​
When Student Doesn't Qualify
Medical vision exams
​Medical Professionals
Vision Tests & Tools
​
Visual Acuity
Lenses
Visual Fields
fvlma
​What is the FVE
Interpreting the Eye Report  ​
Environmental Observations

FVLMA Observations
Interviews
Assessment Kit Materials
Oculomotor Skills
Near Vision Acuities
Print Comparisons
Distance Acuity 
​
Test Visual Fields
Vision Skills
Learning Media Assessment
Reading Rates
Writing the FVE Report  ​
additional evaluations
Low Vision Evaluation  ​
Orientation & Mobility Evaluation  
Educational Assessments  
Assistive Technology Assessment
service planning
​​ECC Annual Needs 
Unique Visual Needs
​Accommodations & Modification  ​
Service Delivery Models  
Least Restrictive Environment
Early Interventions Services
​Students with Multiple Disabilities
​Student Led IEP's 
504 Plans
​Transition Plans
writing goals
Writing SMART Goals
Blooms Taxonomy  
Compensatory Goals 
Sensory Efficiency Goals 
Assistive Technology Goals 
Social Skills Goals 
Independent Living Goals 
Recreation & Leisure Goals 
Self Determination Goals 
Career & Vocational Goals ​
compensatory skills
Guiding Principles
​
Functional Skills
Community Based Experiences  ​
​​Concepts to Teach 

​Access to Instruction
​
Organization & Study Skills ​​
Time Management  ​​
​
​​​Virtual Instruction
​Movies & Assemblies
Lectures & Instruction
Board Work (Chalk, White, etc.)
​​Daily Schedule 
Morning Meeting 
Weather Check 
Dramatic Play 
Blocks 

Numbers & Counting
Cranmer Abacus Instruction
Algebra
Geometry & Spatial Sense
Measurement & Data ​
Early Literacy Experiences  ​
​Create Tactual Books

Reading Instruction
​Reading Efficiency ​​
Science Adaptations 
Social Studies Adaptations

Communication Modes

​Accessible Educational Materials
​​Individual Schedules & Communication Cards
Adjust Lighting  
Large Print
Optical Devices for Near 
Optical Devices for Distance 
Optical Device Use ​​
​Photocopying
Font Legibility
Increase Contrast
Pictures & Worksheets 
Keyboarding ​Instruction
Word Processing and Shortcuts
​Navigate Computer w/o a Mouse
Braille Code
Braille Instruction 
​Braille Instruction Materials
Writing Braille  
​Summer Reading (braille)
Signature & Handwriting ​​
Nemeth Braille Code
​
Tactile Graphics Guidelines
Creating Tactile Graphics
​Tactile Graphics Instruction
​Teacher Made Materials 
​Labeling System
assistive technology
Overview of Assistive Technology
​
VI AT Resources
​
Non-Optical Low Vision Devices
​
Video Magnifiers  
​Video Magnifier Instruction 
​
Screen Enlargement & Readers 
​Low/Med. Tech Tactual Devices
​​​​Notetaker Instruction 
Braillewriter Repair
Tactile Graphics Technology
Braille Technology
​
Auditory Access Devices 
​Accessing Audio Books
​
​iPads as Instructional Tools
Making iOS Device Accessible
iOS Accessibility Resources
VoiceOver
Apps for VI
​​​Note Taking apps
​Apps for Accessing Books
Identification Apps
​​Navigation & Location Apps
​Braille Apps
​​​Magnifier Apps
Sound Making Apps
​Cause & Effect Apps
Vision Skills Apps
Apps for Early Learning
Read to Me Story Apps
Apps for Communication
Android Apps for VI  ​​​
sensory efficiency
Sensory Input
​
​Encourage Use of Vision
​​Sensory Area & Rooms
​Lightbox Use
​
Sensory Activities for Students with Multiple Disabilities
Sensory Tables
Visual Efficiency Skills 
Visual Attend and Scan Activities
Visual Tracking Activities
​Visual Discrimination Activities
Visual Motor Activities
Tactual Readiness
Developing Skillful Hands
Auditory Readiness  
​​Listening Skill Instruction
independent living
Responsibility & Independence
​
General Home Safety  
Mealtime Independence
Eating Adaptions
Bathroom Adaptations
​
Dressing & Clothing Management
Clothing Management
Medication Adaptations
​Kitchen Adaptations
Food Preparation   
Recipe Activities

Hygiene & Grooming
​
​Money
Housekeeping  ​
orientation & Mobility
​Transition Between Activities
Proper Guide Techniques 
Orienting Student to Environment
Mobility Skills
Travel  
Dog Guides
​​School Campus Adaptations
Classroom Design Tips
career education
Classroom Jobs
​Career & Vocational  ​
Prepare for College & Career
​
Career Exploration
social skills
​Non-Verbal Communication  
Social Interactions  
Self Concept
Icebreakers & Mixers
recreation & Leisure
Recreation & Leisure
​Recreation Adaptations  
Recreation Resources
​
Playground Adaptations
​VI Sports Associations
Camps for VI
Learn to Play
Art Adaptations
Art Materials
Music
Music & Movement
Dance
​Card and Board Games 
Transcribe Playing Cards
Summer Outdoor Activities
​
Rainy Day Activities  ​
self determination
Self Determination Skills  ​
Thank you for visiting!
The mission of Teaching Students with Visual Impairments is to provide all persons involved in education students who are blind or visually impaired with the necessary resources to help each student become successful members of their communities and to equip those in the visual impairment field with resources to meet the wide range of needs of the students they serve. ​
  • About
  • Contact
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • VI Articles Site Map
  • Privacy Policy
  • Product Support
  • User Agreement
Teaching Students with Visual Impairments LLC
​All Rights Reserved
Home Page of Teaching Students with Visual Impairments
  • Home
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • About
    • FAQs
    • User Agreement
  • VI Store & Gifts
    • VI Gift Shop >
      • Braille Necklaces
      • VI Shirts
      • Badge Holders
      • VI Drinkware
      • Vision Bags & Totes
      • Braille Greeting Cards
      • Keyrings/Zipper Pulls/White Cane Tags
      • Ornaments
    • ECC Instructional Resources >
      • TVI's Guide Complete Set Bundle
      • TVI's Guide to Teaching the ECC
      • Thematic Keyboarding & Braille Fluency Worksheets
      • Visual Efficiency & Magnifier Fluency
      • Task Box Activities
      • Vocabulary Cards & Checklists
      • Interactive Sensory Stories
      • Interactive Matching Activities
    • Purchase Recorded Presentations >
      • Presentation Complete Set of 16
      • Foundations of Teaching the ECC
      • Itinerant Teaching Strategies & Tips
      • Strategies & Activities for SIDPID
      • Strategies & Activities for MIMO
      • Job Tasks for Jobs, Career & Life
      • Strategies & Activities for Standard Course of Study
      • Accommodations for BLVI
      • Accessible Content for BLVI
      • Using Themes to Teach the ECC
      • Tips for Being a Physically Fit TVI
      • Conducting a FVLMA
      • Developing SMARTER Goals
      • Determining Service Intensity Using the VISSIT
      • Selecting the Right AT
      • The Art of Teaching the ECC
      • Activities to Teach the ECC
    • Job Postings
    • Product Support
  • Jobs
    • Post a Job
    • TVI, Greene Co., Ohio
    • TVI or Dual TVI/COMS, North Carolina
  • Articles
  • Paid Member Pages
  • Member Pages