Activity F (optional activity)

Visual/motor integration

A volunteer will demonstrate a visual/motor integration problem by copying a picture while using a mirror.

Why choose this activity?

You should use one of the simulations (Activity A, B, C or D) to give a taste of what it is like to have a learning disability. This activity focuses on visual/motor integration by making it more difficult to copy a pattern.

Simulation of problem

Materials and equipment

Mirror, preferably one that stands up on its own
Tracing paper, pencil or pen
Pattern to trace
Small table and chair

Preparation

Make a pattern that the tutor who volunteers to do this activity will copy. Using a thick marker, draw on a piece of paper a continuous line that twists and turns. It could look like scribbling or have a definite shape.

Set up the activity as follows:

  • Place a table and chair where all tutors will be able to see them.
  • On the table, in a place where the person in the chair can easily reach them, put the pattern to be traced with the tracing paper on top of it.
  • Put the mirror on the far side of the papers, so that the papers are between the person in the chair and the mirror.
  • The angle of the mirror is very important. It should reflect the papers on the table, not the face of the person sitting in the chair. However, the person sitting in the chair must be able to see the reflection of the papers.
  • Have a pen or pencil available to the person sitting in the chair.

Try the activity yourself before the session.

STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS

  1. Set up the activity as described.
  2. Ask for a volunteer to trace the pattern. Tell her that she has to look in the mirror and trace the pattern.
  3. She should have some trouble. If she is a whiz at this, ask her some questions while she draws. If you do this, she should have trouble answering or drawing because the difficulty of the task makes it hard to handle more than one task at a time.
  4. The tutor might be unable to continue if she gets off the line. In any case, the task will be more difficult than ordinary drawing.
  5. Ask her how she felt about her drawing.
  6. Say that maybe someone else can do better and get another volunteer (if you can). . Say that this is an example of visual/motor integration problems.