Nielsen Fixations
This activity builds visual motor integration, the ability to fixate, and peripheral/spatial awareness. It is simple and appropriate for all ages. It can easily be loaded/un-loaded to suit any skill level.
Material: Download and print 313 Nielsen Chart.pdf. You can also print or simply preview 312 Nielsen Fixations.pdf, the instructions. You might also want a Metronome for loading and un-loading this activity.
Procedure:
- Review printed instructions.
- Follow the instructions as written. You should ensure the child is able to understand the instruction and perform the task in its simplest form prior to loading it.
- You can give the child a colored pencil or marker for tracing the circle so they can more closely track their own accuracy. Have them make a few circles with a colored line while fixating one of the targets as outlined, then stop. Let them self-critique and try to do it better the next time using a different colour.
- It is important to keep the child properly fixating upon the various targets as you do the activity.
Loading/Un-loading:
- • Step 4 of Phase II suggests a balance board. If you don’t have a balance board, you can simply as the child to do the activity while standing on one leg (alternate legs), and while holding one arm out/up, etc.
- • Be sure to have the child use the non-dominant hand every now and then (perhaps every 5 – 10 tries) for at least a few attempts.
- • Try using the Metronome. Start slow (it’s sometimes harder to do this sort of task slower), perhaps 30-40 bpm, then speed it up 10-15 bmp at a time to keep the level of stress/challenge high. The child should try to complete one full circle per beat.
- • If the exercise is too difficult, allow the child to do it slowly with his finger first, then add the coloured pencil. Try setting the metronome to 30-40 bpm and allow her to watch her finger as it traces through the circle, one revolution per beat. Then, have him do the same rate/speed while fixating the central target. Next, try with a coloured pencil at the same rate while fixating the central target.
- • Try the exercise with one eye covered. Then alternate eyes.
