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Math PK-2

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Math PK-2 > Factors > Visual Processing

Visual Processing

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Factor Connections

Hover to see how factors connect to Visual Processing. Then click connected factors to explore strategies related to multiple factors.

Visual Processing is seeing at the cognitive level: taking the input that comes through our Vision and working to understand what we see. Visual Processing skills help students recognize and order visual information, allowing them to correctly copy and solve math problems and represent and work with geometric shapes.

Main Ideas

Difficulties with Visual Processing can occur even when a student has good Vision. Visual Processing impacts math development in multiple ways:

  • Visual Discrimination is the ability to identify different visual stimuli. During problem solving, this allows students to distinguish different numbers and symbols.
  • Visual Sequencing is the ability to determine the order of images, numbers, or symbols.
  • Visual Spatial Processing is the ability to recognize the relation of objects in space to one another and to oneself. These skills are important important for determining the arrangement of numbers and symbols on a page and for mentally manipulating shapes in space.
  • Visual Motor Integration is the ability of the eyes and hands to work together in a coordinated manner, which relies on both visual spatial discrimination and motor skills.

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Research-Based Strategies For This Factor

Cumulative Review

Continual use of foundational skills with different problems reinforces a conceptual understanding of math skills.

Daily Math Facts Practice

10 minutes in each math session devoted to building fluent retrieval of basic math facts sets the foundation for learning new concepts.

Daily Review

Daily review strengthens previous learning and can lead to fluent recall.

Explaining Their Thinking

When students explain their thinking process aloud with guidance in response to questions or prompts, they recognize the strategies they use and solidify their understanding.

Guided Inquiry

In guided inquiry, teachers help students use their own language for constructing knowledge by active listening and questioning.

Guided Practice

Spending time with new content helps move concepts and ideas into Long-term Memory.

Individual Deliberate Practice

Practicing until achieving several error-free attempts is critical for retention.

Model Assignment or Skill

By talking through their thinking at each step of a process, teachers can model what learning looks like.

Rich Resources: Audio & Braille

Math games and manipulatives for vision differences support math development for learners with visual needs.

Text-to-speech Software

Transforming written text into audio activates different parts of the brain to support learning.

Uncluttered Environment

Spaces that are structured, organized, and clean provide increased room for collaboration and active learning.

Verbal Repetition

Having students verbally repeat information such as instructions ensures they have heard and supports remembering.

Visual Reading Aids

Visual supports, like text magnification, colored overlays, and guided reading strip, help students focus and properly track as they read.

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