Correct perception of letters is possible thanks to the high development of visual analysis and synthesis, i.e., the ability to break down and combine visual material into a whole. A 3-4-year-old child can point out writing and distinguish it from other graphic forms, such as pictures. At the age of 5-6, children begin to notice and differentiate individual letters. Additionally, they must remember their shape, which can be challenging due to the numerous similarities between different characters. It's important to exercise visual memory with children from an early age.

Proper development of spatial orientation, including orientation on a sheet of paper, also plays an important role in visual perception. It allows children to maintain the correct proportions of letters and place them properly within lines. Spatial orientation depends on the coordination between the senses, and children develop it through action, i.e., play, manipulating objects. A child starting school should be able to determine the position of objects relative to themselves and others and orient themselves on a sheet of paper.

A few exercises to support the development of visual perception:

Block games:

1. Replicating shapes

• the child recreates a figure/pattern from a picture,
• build a flat or three-dimensional tower/vehicle/figure with blocks and ask the child to arrange the same pattern. Then switch roles.

1. Sequences

• Arrange a sequence with blocks, e.g., yellow, green, yellow, red. Ask the child to arrange the same pattern.
• Completing a started sequence – arrange the beginning of a pattern with 2-4 colors of blocks, e.g., yellow, red, yellow, red. Then ask the child to add the next elements analogously.

1. "Complete the picture" – arrange a pattern with blocks according to a set rule, e.g., all blocks in a vertical line are the same color. Leave empty spaces and ask the child to fill them in.

1. "Find the difference" – arrange two identical squares, each made of 9 blocks in 2-3 colors. In the second figure, change the color of one of the blocks. Ask the child to find the difference between the squares.
2. Exercising visual memory

• "Remember – recreate" – arrange 2-3 blocks of different colors next to each other, e.g., yellow, green, red. Then ask the child to remember their arrangement. After a moment, cover the pattern. The child recreates it from memory. Gradually increase the difficulty level, using more colors and elements or creating more complex shapes, e.g., geometric figures.
• "What has changed?" – arrange a pattern and ask the child to remember it. After a moment, ask them to turn around. In the meantime, change the arrangement of one element. The child's task is to indicate which block was moved and place it in its previous position.

1. Spatial orientation.

• Determining the position of objects relative to other objects. Ask the child to place a block in a specific place, e.g., "Place the block next to the ball."
• Use terms like "under", "over", "next to", "behind", "in front of". Then switch roles.
• Orientation on a sheet of paper – give the child a white A4 sheet. Ask them to arrange with blocks: a sun and place it in the top right corner of the sheet, a square and place it in the center of the sheet, a flower and place it in the bottom left corner of the sheet, etc.

It's important to use numerous exercises that influence the development of cognitive functions in children and encourage them to engage with literature from an early age. Proper preparation and strong motivation will make learning to read and write easier and more attractive.

Educator Klaudia Sokołowska-Baryś for Marioinex Education

Bibliography:

1. Kielar-Turska M., Białecka-Pikul M., Early Childhood [in:] Harwas-Napierała B., Trempała J., Human Development Psychology, PWN Scientific Publishing House, Warsaw, 2000, volume II
2. Klim-Klimaszewska A., Preschool Pedagogy. New Curriculum Basis, ERICA Publishing Institute, Warsaw 2011

Photo by Hannah Tasker / Unsplash