Free Printable Colorful Stars I Spy Game

This free printable colorful stars I spy printable for kids is a perfect way to work on a variety of skills!

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Many hyperlexic learners have a passion or special interest for colors and shapes, especially as toddlers and preschoolers.

So, this free printable colorful stars I spy game leans into that love for colors and specifically one shape: stars! Simply count up the stars for each color and see how many there are.

By the way, since I live in Canada where we use colour versus color (although I tend to use the American spelling on this blog for simplicity), you will find two copies of this game included below, one with the American English spelling and one with the British English spelling. That way you can print the one that best suits your needs and spelling variant.

I Spy Games are Versatile!

I spy games are tons of fun and great for kids of all ages. You can use them with toddlers or preschoolers or even preteens and teens. I know that lots of people have even used my I spy games with elderly people and those with dementia.

What I love about I spy games is how versatile they are, even beyond appealing to various age groups. There are lots of different ways to use them (there's a section below with some ideas) and they can also be used in different settings.

For example, I spy games are perfect to use as a quick boredom buster activity at home when the kids are saying, "I'm bored!" Or to keep kids busy while you're cooking supper.

They can also be used in the classroom as part of a learning center or included in a specific lesson or unit. You could also use them as filler activities for those kids who finish their classwork quickly.

You could also print off a bunch of the I spy games, package them up into a binder, and create a busy book for road trips or plane rides. You could even laminate them first (here's the laminator I use and love) or put them into sheet protectors and use a dry erase marker so that the book could be reused over and over.

I spy games are also a great activity to use in speech or occupational therapy since they can be used to target a variety of skills, which we'll touch on in the next section.

The Benefits of I Spy Games for Kids

There are lots of benefits to playing I spy games like this colorful star themed one.

For instance, they're great for developing visual tracking skills and improving visual discrimination. After all, these printable games require kids to visually scan through the objects, compare and contrast them, and find all the ones that are the same.

Then there's obviously the math benefits. I spy games are a great way to practice and develop math skills such as sorting, counting, comparing, etc.

You can also work on fine motor skills using I spy games. You might cross off items, cover them in play dough, or use tongs to place pom poms to cover the items (see the next section for other ideas for how to use I spy games).

Furthermore, you could work on handwriting skills with I spy games. After all, there is an answer sheet to record your answers and kids can practice writing numbers or drawing tally marks.

Playing I spy games with your kids is also a great way to work on speech and language skills. You could target articulation and vocabulary for instance. All of my I spy games include written words to accompany the images to aid in comprehension, especially for hyperlexic learners.

I spy games can also be a great way to work on executive functioning related skills and working memory.

See, lots of benefits! Now, let's take a look at some different ways to use this I spy game.

How to Use this I Spy Game

The most obvious way to use this I spy game is to simply print and play (you'll be able to download your copy below). Just grab a pencil, start counting, and record the number of items you found on the answer key (write the number or use tally marks, if you'd prefer). 

Maybe you also want to cross off or circle items on the game sheet with a pencil as you find them.

Another option would be to use bingo dabbers or dot markers. You could also use pom poms or counters to cover the items as you count. You could even pair pom poms with tongs or tweezers to target different fine motor skills.

You could also laminate the I spy game first to make them reusable. Simply use dry erase markers to cross off the items as you find them and fill in the answer key. 

You could also use play dough instead of dry erase markers to cover the items on the laminated game sheet. That way you add an additional sensory component.

Finally, you can go digital by playing this I spy game right on the computer or tablet. You can also pull it up during a Zoom meeting, teletherapy session, or similar using the screenshare function. Then use the annotate tool to cross off the items.

Download the Free Printable Colorful Stars I Spy Game

This colorful stars I spy game has six pages: two game sheets (different spellings for colorful/colourful), two pages to record the answers (different spellings for colorful/colourful and gray/grey), and two answer keys (different spellings for grey/gray). Feel free to print off the page that makes sense for your regional spelling of colorful/colourful. Both the answer sheet and answer key include the image as well as written words to describe the object.

To get a copy of this I spy game, click the link below:

>> Click here to download the free printable

 

Want More I Spy Games?

You'll find even more themes in the I spy games bundle!

Click here to get your copy of the I spy games bundle

Free Printable Neurodiversity I Spy Game

This free printable neurodiversity I spy game for kids is a perfect way to work on a variety of skills! It would be a great activity for Neurodiversity Celebration Week or Autism Acceptance Month.

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When you think of neurodiversity what come to mind? A brain? An infinity symbol? Specific colors? A specific neurotype? Specific terms like acceptance or inclusion?

Well, that's what this free printable neurodiversity I spy game is all about. It includes a variety of symbols that might represent neurodiversity, from the infinity symbol and fidgets to a butterfly and a brain.

You can use this I spy game as an activity for Neurodiversity Celebration Week, Autism Acceptance Month, or whenever really.

I Spy Games are Versatile!

I spy games are tons of fun and great for kids of all ages. You can use them with toddlers or preschoolers or even preteens and teens. I know that lots of people have even used my I spy games with elderly people and those with dementia.

What I love about I spy games is how versatile they are, even beyond appealing to various age groups. There are lots of different ways to use them (there's a section below with some ideas) and they can also be used in different settings.

For example, I spy games are perfect to use as a quick boredom buster activity at home when the kids are saying, "I'm bored!" Or to keep kids busy while you're cooking supper.

They can also be used in the classroom as part of a learning center or included in a specific lesson or unit. You could also use them as filler activities for those kids who finish their classwork quickly.

You could also print off a bunch of the I spy games, package them up into a binder, and create a busy book for road trips or plane rides. You could even laminate them first (here's the laminator I use and love) or put them into sheet protectors and use a dry erase marker so that the book could be reused over and over.

I spy games are also a great activity to use in speech or occupational therapy since they can be used to target a variety of skills, which we'll touch on in the next section.

The Benefits of I Spy Games for Kids

There are lots of benefits to playing I spy games like this neurodiversity themed one.

For instance, they're great for developing visual tracking skills and improving visual discrimination. After all, these printable games require kids to visually scan through the objects, compare and contrast them, and find all the ones that are the same.

Then there's obviously the math benefits. I spy games are a great way to practice and develop math skills such as sorting, counting, comparing, etc.

You can also work on fine motor skills using I spy games. You might cross off items, cover them in play dough, or use tongs to place pom poms to cover the items (see the next section for other ideas for how to use I spy games).

Furthermore, you could work on handwriting skills with I spy games. After all, there is an answer sheet to record your answers and kids can practice writing numbers or drawing tally marks.

Playing I spy games with your kids is also a great way to work on speech and language skills. You could target articulation and vocabulary for instance. All of my I spy games include written words to accompany the images to aid in comprehension, especially for hyperlexic learners.

I spy games can also be a great way to work on executive functioning related skills and working memory.

See, lots of benefits! Now, let's take a look at some different ways to use this I spy game.

How to Use this I Spy Game

The most obvious way to use this I spy game is to simply print and play (you'll be able to download your copy below). Just grab a pencil, start counting, and record the number of items you found on the answer key (write the number or use tally marks, if you'd prefer). 

Maybe you also want to cross off or circle items on the game sheet with a pencil as you find them.

Another option would be to use bingo dabbers or dot markers. You could also use pom poms or counters to cover the items as you count. You could even pair pom poms with tongs or tweezers to target different fine motor skills.

You could also laminate the I spy game first to make them reusable. Simply use dry erase markers to cross off the items as you find them and fill in the answer key. 

You could also use play dough instead of dry erase markers to cover the items on the laminated game sheet. That way you add an additional sensory component.

Finally, you can go digital by playing this I spy game right on the computer or tablet. You can also pull it up during a Zoom meeting, teletherapy session, or similar using the screenshare function. Then use the annotate tool to cross off the items.

Download the Free Printable Neurodiversity I Spy Game

This neurodiversity I spy game has three pages: a game sheet, a page to record the answers, and an answer key. Both the answer sheet and answer key include the image as well as written words to describe the object.

To get a copy of this I spy game, click the link below:

>> Click here to download the free printable

 

Want More I Spy Games?

You'll find even more themes in the I spy games bundle!

Click here to get your copy of the I spy games bundle

Free Printable Penguin Winter Sports I Spy Game

This free printable penguin winter sports I spy game for kids is a perfect way to work on a variety of skills!

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I think it makes a lot of sense to share this adorable wintery I spy game given that we are on fourth (or fifth or sixth? I've lost count at this point) consecutive day of temperatures well below -40 C. Between that and the amount of snow in my front yard (I don't think our snow pile has ever been this huge!), it's clearly February in Saskatchewan.

So, whether you experience winters like we do (I hope you're somewhere much warmer!) or not, this free printable penguin winter sports I spy game is adorable. It features penguins skating, skiing, tubing, and more.

This game is perfect for animal lovers and sport lovers alike.

I Spy Games are Versatile!

I spy games are tons of fun and great for kids of all ages. You can use them with toddlers or preschoolers or even preteens and teens. I know that lots of people have even used my I spy games with elderly people and those with dementia.

What I love about I spy games is how versatile they are, even beyond appealing to various age groups. There are lots of different ways to use them (there's a section below with some ideas) and they can also be used in different settings.

For example, I spy games are perfect to use as a quick boredom buster activity at home when the kids are saying, "I'm bored!" Or to keep kids busy while you're cooking supper.

They can also be used in the classroom as part of a learning center or included in a specific lesson or unit. You could also use them as filler activities for those kids who finish their classwork quickly.

You could also print off a bunch of the I spy games, package them up into a binder, and create a busy book for road trips or plane rides. You could even laminate them first (here's the laminator I use and love) or put them into sheet protectors and use a dry erase marker so that the book could be reused over and over.

I spy games are also a great activity to use in speech or occupational therapy since they can be used to target a variety of skills, which we'll touch on in the next section.

The Benefits of I Spy Games for Kids

There are lots of benefits to playing I spy games like this winter themed one.

For instance, they're great for developing visual tracking skills and improving visual discrimination. After all, these printable games require kids to visually scan through the objects, compare and contrast them, and find all the ones that are the same.

Then there's obviously the math benefits. I spy games are a great way to practice and develop math skills such as sorting, counting, comparing, etc.

You can also work on fine motor skills using I spy games. You might cross off items, cover them in play dough, or use tongs to place pom poms to cover the items (see the next section for other ideas for how to use I spy games).

Furthermore, you could work on handwriting skills with I spy games. After all, there is an answer sheet to record your answers and kids can practice writing numbers or drawing tally marks.

Playing I spy games with your kids is also a great way to work on speech and language skills. You could target articulation and vocabulary for instance. All of my I spy games include written words to accompany the images to aid in comprehension, especially for hyperlexic learners.

I spy games can also be a great way to work on executive functioning related skills and working memory.

See, lots of benefits! Now, let's take a look at some different ways to use this I spy game.

How to Use this I Spy Game

The most obvious way to use this I spy game is to simply print and play (you'll be able to download your copy below). Just grab a pencil, start counting, and record the number of items you found on the answer key (write the number or use tally marks, if you'd prefer). 

Maybe you also want to cross off or circle items on the game sheet with a pencil as you find them.

Another option would be to use bingo dabbers or dot markers. You could also use pom poms or counters to cover the items as you count. You could even pair pom poms with tongs or tweezers to target different fine motor skills.

You could also laminate the I spy game first to make them reusable. Simply use dry erase markers to cross off the items as you find them and fill in the answer key. 

You could also use play dough instead of dry erase markers to cover the items on the laminated game sheet. That way you add an additional sensory component.

Finally, you can go digital by playing this I spy game right on the computer or tablet. You can also pull it up during a Zoom meeting, teletherapy session, or similar using the screenshare function. Then use the annotate tool to cross off the items.

Download the Free Printable Penguin Winter Sports I Spy Game

This penguin winter sports I spy game has three pages: a game sheet, a page to record the answers, and an answer key. Both the answer sheet and answer key include the image as well as written words to describe the object.

To get a copy of this I spy game, click the link below:

>> Click here to download the free printable

 

Want More I Spy Games?

You'll find even more themes in the I spy games bundle!

Click here to get your copy of the I spy games bundle

Free Printable Colorful Hearts I Spy Game

This free printable colorful hearts I spy printable for kids is a perfect way to work on a variety of skills this Valentine's Day!

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For many hyperlexic learners, colors and shapes can be a big passion or special interest.

So, the following I spy game leans into that love for colors and specifically one shape: hearts. After all, Valentine's Day is right around the corner!

Now, whether you want to work on colors or just need a quick Valentine's Day activity, this free printable colorful hearts I spy game is lots of fun for kids of all ages, hyperlexic or not.

By the way, since I live in Canada where we use colour versus color (although I tend to use the American spelling on this blog for simplicity), you will find two copies of this game included below, one with the American English spelling and one with the British English spelling. That way you can print the one that best suits your needs and spelling variant.

I Spy Games are Versatile!

I spy games are tons of fun and great for kids of all ages. You can use them with toddlers or preschoolers or even preteens and teens. I know that lots of people have even used my I spy games with elderly people and those with dementia.

What I love about I spy games is how versatile they are, even beyond appealing to various age groups. There are lots of different ways to use them (there's a section below with some ideas) and they can also be used in different settings.

For example, I spy games are perfect to use as a quick boredom buster activity at home when the kids are saying, "I'm bored!" Or to keep kids busy while you're cooking supper.

They can also be used in the classroom as part of a learning center or included in a specific lesson or unit. You could also use them as filler activities for those kids who finish their classwork quickly.

You could also print off a bunch of the I spy games, package them up into a binder, and create a busy book for road trips or plane rides. You could even laminate them first (here's the laminator I use and love) or put them into sheet protectors and use a dry erase marker so that the book could be reused over and over.

I spy games are also a great activity to use in speech or occupational therapy since they can be used to target a variety of skills, which we'll touch on in the next section.

The Benefits of I Spy Games for Kids

There are lots of benefits to playing I spy games like this Valentine's Day heart themed one.

For instance, they're great for developing visual tracking skills and improving visual discrimination. After all, these printable games require kids to visually scan through the objects, compare and contrast them, and find all the ones that are the same.

Then there's obviously the math benefits. I spy games are a great way to practice and develop math skills such as sorting, counting, comparing, etc.

You can also work on fine motor skills using I spy games. You might cross off items, cover them in play dough, or use tongs to place pom poms to cover the items (see the next section for other ideas for how to use I spy games).

Furthermore, you could work on handwriting skills with I spy games. After all, there is an answer sheet to record your answers and kids can practice writing numbers or drawing tally marks.

Playing I spy games with your kids is also a great way to work on speech and language skills. You could target articulation and vocabulary for instance. All of my I spy games include written words to accompany the images to aid in comprehension, especially for hyperlexic learners.

I spy games can also be a great way to work on executive functioning related skills and working memory.

See, lots of benefits! Now, let's take a look at some different ways to use this I spy game.

How to Use this I Spy Game

The most obvious way to use this I spy game is to simply print and play (you'll be able to download your copy below). Just grab a pencil, start counting, and record the number of items you found on the answer key (write the number or use tally marks, if you'd prefer). 

Maybe you also want to cross off or circle items on the game sheet with a pencil as you find them.

Another option would be to use bingo dabbers or dot markers. You could also use pom poms or counters to cover the items as you count. You could even pair pom poms with tongs or tweezers to target different fine motor skills.

You could also laminate the I spy game first to make them reusable. Simply use dry erase markers to cross off the items as you find them and fill in the answer key. 

You could also use play dough instead of dry erase markers to cover the items on the laminated game sheet. That way you add an additional sensory component.

Finally, you can go digital by playing this I spy game right on the computer or tablet. You can also pull it up during a Zoom meeting, teletherapy session, or similar using the screenshare function. Then use the annotate tool to cross off the items.

Download the Free Printable Colorful Hearts I Spy Game

This colorful hearts I spy game has five pages: two game sheets (different spellings for colorful/colourful), two pages to record the answers (different spellings for colorful/colourful), and an answer key. Feel free to print off the page that makes sense for your regional spelling of colorful/colourful. Both the answer sheet and answer key include the image as well as written words to describe the object.

To get a copy of this I spy game, click the link below:

>> Click here to download the free printable

 

Want More I Spy Games?

You'll find even more themes in the I spy games bundle!

Click here to get your copy of the I spy games bundle

How to Start Using Visual Supports

Want to start using visual supports with your child, but unsure of where to start? Here are some tips for how to start using visual supports.

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One of my top tips for anyone supporting hyperlexic learners is to write things down and make things as visual as possible. That's where their strengths lie, after all.

But, where do you start? How do you know what types of visuals to use and when? How many is too many? What should you look for in a visual support? The questions go on and on...

So, if you're new to using visual supports, then these tips are for you. You'll learn all about how to start using visual supports, including what things to consider, how to adapt them to fit your needs, and so much more.

Tips for How to Start Using Visual Supports

Whether you're using a premade visual support (like any found here) or making your own from scratch (tips here!), there are a few things you need to consider first before implementing a new visual support.

1. Consider Your Child's Needs & Preferences

Before you start using visual supports, it's important to consider a few questions:

• What does your child need support with?

• What are some current challenges or struggles?

• How does your child learn best?

• What are their sensory preferences?

• What are their current interests?

• What's their current level of understanding?

Asking these types of questions can help you identify areas where visual supports might be helpful and give you an idea of what type of support to create or use.

For example, let's say your child needs help identifying emotions and how they're feeling. You know that they learn best when things are written down (because they're hyperlexic, for instance) and are paired with a simple image. You also know that they get easily overstimulated when things are visually busy and that their current interest is LEGO. They're just learning basic emotion terms. So you might want to use something like this LEGO feelings chart.

Taking the time to assess your child's needs and consider their preferences in this way is a great first step to ensuring that the visuals you plan to use will be helpful and effective. After all, visuals will be more engaging and useful when they're tailored to your individual child's needs, preferences, and interests.

2. Start Small & Build Gradually

There are lots of possible visual supports that you can use, but it's best to introduce only one or two supports at a time. That way you don't overwhelm your child. Once your child is comfortable using visual supports, then you can gradually start to introduce more.

You also want to focus on what would be high-priority and have the most immediate benefit. A perfect example was when my son first got glasses. Since he didn't need to wear them all the time, we would often find ourselves forgetting them on our way out the door to school. So, I made a little poster that showed a pair of glasses paired with text that asked, "Do you have your glasses?" I taped it to our back door that we go through when leaving for school and it worked great.

3. Use Simple & Clear Visuals

It's important to make sure that the visuals are easy to interpret. For instance, that means making sure the design isn't too busy, that there's only one image per step or concept, and that the images make sense.

You also want to make sure that the visuals are tailored to your child's level of understanding. That means carefully consider things like the text. You want to make sure that the text is clear and understandable based on your child's abilities.

4. Involve Your Child in the Process

We've already touched on how it's important to tailor the visual supports to your child's needs, preferences, and interests. And one of the best ways to do that is to involve your child in the process.

For instance, let them help you create or choose the visuals. You might even want to consider taking photos of your child and their favorite items and incorporating them into your visuals, if possible. Let them pick the colors, fonts, or images if you're creating your own.

You can even work together to figure out where to put the visual supports so that they will be accessible and visible. Then hang them up together.

And, finally, work together when using the visual support. For example, when we started using this visual schedule at our house, we started off each morning planning our day out by putting the cards into the slots of the pocket chart. We would discuss together the order of events and whatnot too.

5. Model How to Use Them

When you start to use a new visual support, it's important to show your child how to use it. That way they know when to use them, what their purpose is, etc. Showing them how they work is also a great way to practice modeling gestalts too!

For example, let's say you are using a little visual routine chart that shows the different steps for brushing your teeth. You can point to the first step and model something like "Let's grab the toothbrush!" Then, once you do that, you can ask, "What's next?" or "Let's check what's next" and point to the next step.

Or let's say you have a checklist for bedtime. Something like this. Show your child how to do a step and then check that step off on the list. You can also model gestalts like "What's next?" or "All done!" while checking items off of the list.

6. Adapt as Needed

Once you start using a visual support, it's important to monitor how well it's working for your child. Consider asking the following questions:

• Are there any tweaks that you might need to make to the design? (e.g., wording/phrasing, types of images used)

• Does it need to be more interactive? (e.g., dry erase checklist, adding velcro elements)

• Do you need to change the format? (e.g., needs to be a checklist versus a story, needs to be more portable)

• Is it working in its current location or does it need to move elsewhere? (e.g., try it in a different room)

• Has your child's interests changed? (e.g., they've moved from Pokemon to Minecraft)

• Has your child's needs changed? (e.g., need to expand emotions chart to include more advanced emotions)

• Has your child shared any feedback about the visual? (e.g., they don't like the pictures)

Based on the responses to questions like these, you should adapt and tweak the visual support so that it will better suit your needs.

Recap of Getting Started with Visual Supports

Okay, let's do a quick summary of those tips again.

• Consider your child's needs and preferences to make sure the visuals are tailored to your individual child

• Start small and build gradually to avoid overwhelming your child

• Use simple and clear visuals that are easy to interpret and are tailored to your child's level of understanding

• Involve your child in the process, everything from picking the visuals to placement of the visuals

• Model how to use them so your child knows what their purpose is and how to make the most of them

• Adapt as needed so that they better suit your needs

Now that you know how to start using visual supports, you might want to consider these different examples of visual supports for different needs.

What are Visual Supports?

What are visual supports? A look at what they are, who benefits from them, how they work, and why they're important.

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Whether you are new to supporting neurodivergent learners or not, you've likely come across the term visual supports before.

But, what does that mean exactly? What are visual supports?

Well, below you'll learn what they are, who benefits from them, how they work, and why they're important. So, let's dig in.

What are Visual Supports?

Visual supports are tools, images, items, or aids that are used to support understanding, communication, and learning by providing clear and concrete representations of tasks, concepts, or expectations.

Keep in mind that visual supports can take many forms. They can be simple or complex. They can be photos, videos, objects, drawings, or checklists. They can be posters, visual schedules, or communication cards. The possibilities are endless really. If want to see more examples, then I highly recommend checking out this list of different types of visuals.

Who Benefits from Visual Supports?

In short, everyone! That means that all kids can benefit from using visual supports, regardless of age, ability, or neurotype. After all, visual supports can cater to a wide range of learning styles and abilities. In other words, they support all learners.

Consider this: When you travel to a foreign country, you might not be able to read or speak their language. However, you know that that little airplane icon on a sign is pointing you towards the airport, right? That's because visuals can communicate so much and improve our understanding of things.

Now, obviously, our focus around here is on neurodivergent learners, particularly hyperlexic and autistic learners. For these types of learners in particular, visual supports are effective because they align with their strengths in reading and visual processing, while also supporting their weaker areas of comprehension, auditory processing, and verbal communication.

Remember, visual supports can benefit all kids though, not just hyperlexic or autistic learners.

How Do Visual Supports Work?

Visual supports can transform abstract concepts into something more tangible, accessible, and easier to process. For example, what's easier to understand: someone saying "five more minutes" or a visual timer that physically shows five minutes?

Also, visuals can simplify complex or abstract concepts into individual parts, making the information more concrete and digestible. Take this deodorant visual schedule, for instance, that transforms "put on deodorant" into its individual steps like removing the lid and then putting it back on when you're done.

Additionally, unlike spoken language that quickly disappears, visuals are static and permanent. That means that kids can refer back to them as much as they need and as often as they want.

Visuals can also help reduce ambiguity because they're clear and predictable. For instance, you don't have to rely on remembering what was said because you can reference the written instructions or the classroom's visual schedule for what's next.

Why are Visual Supports Important?

There are lots of benefits to using visuals. Yet, the short answer here is that visual supports are important because they enhance understanding, communication, and learning for ALL learners.

A Recap of The Basics of Visual Supports

Here's what was covered above regarding the basics of visual supports:

• Visual supports are tools that provide clear and concrete representations of tasks, concepts, or expectations

• They come in many forms from visual schedules and checklists to photos and posters

• They benefit all learners, regardless of age, ability, or neurotype, but are particularly helpful for our neurodivergent learners

• Visual supports are accessible, static, and clear, transforming abstract concepts into something easier to process

• They support understanding, communication, and learning for all learners

So, hopefully that helps answer the question what are visual supports?

Examples of Visual Supports for Hyperlexic Learners

A look at examples of visual supports that are great for hyperlexic learners, whether that's at home or in the classroom.

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It's no secret that hyperlexic learners have a preference for written language and are drawn to anything with the written word. Additionally, they have strong visual processing skills, easily recognizing patterns, letters, and symbols.

On the other hand, auditory processing difficulties are quite common (more on that here). By relying solely on spoken language or verbal instructions, you'll be doing a major disservice to our hyperlexic learners.

So, that's why we want to lean into those strengths of decoding and visual processing by using visual supports with hyperlexic learners.

Below, we'll take a closer look at some different examples of visual supports that are great to use with hyperlexic learners. And also give you some inspiration for things to try. (Hint: you'll find lots of pre-made printables as examples!)

Examples of Visual Supports that are Great for Hyperlexic Learners

As you will see shortly, you can use visual supports with hyperlexic learners to help with schoolwork, boost comprehension skills, support communication, and so much more. I've broken down each category with some possible examples with links to lots of printable resources that you can use to support those areas. Hopefully it will give you some great ideas and tools for incorporating more visuals into your daily routine.

1. Visuals for Helping with School or Homework

School can be sensory overwhelming for many and homework can also be a struggle, especially related to areas such as expressive writing or comprehension. However, as you will see, there are lots of different visual support examples that you can use to help hyperlexic learners in the classroom or at home with their homework. You might want to consider trying:

• Graphic organizers

• Mind maps - You can even quickly create these on a whiteboard or Boogie Board.

• Checklists - Here's an editable backpack checklist as an example.

• Written instructions to supplement verbal instructions

• Rubrics

• Examples of completed work - Can be especially helpful for open-ended art projects!

• Anchor charts

• Word walls

• Flashcards

• Posters with classroom rules or expectations - Here's an example of one for remembering to use complete sentences when writing.

• Visual schedules, timetables, or calendars

• List of signal words - Grab a free printable list of them here or try these math signal words.

2. Visuals for Boosting Comprehension Skills

Obviously, comprehension issues are a common challenge for hyperlexic learners so prioritizing this area is extremely important. Thankfully, there are lots of great visual supports and aids that we can use to support development in this area, including:

• Illustrated dictionary

• Closed captioning or subtitles - Learn more about the benefits of closed captioning for hyperlexic learners.

• Graphic organizers

• Videos & photographs - Here are some helpful reading comprehension videos to try.

• Tables, graphs, charts, & diagrams

• Copy of the book for read alouds - That way they can follow along!

• List of signal words or text features  - Grab a free printable list of them here or try these math signal words.

• Posters & anchor charts

• Flashcards

3. Visuals for Supporting Effective Communication

As you may or may not know, hyperlexic learners are gestalt language processors and learn language differently. They often find WH questions difficult, use a lot of echolalia to communicate, and have receptive and expressive language issues, just to name a few of these differences. So, to support communication and language development, consider trying the following ideas:

• Written scripts - Try these apologizing social scripts, for example.

• Emotion cards

• Communication boards or cards - For example, try these I need help cards or this bedtime communication board.

• Augmentative & alternative communication (AAC)

• Texting or messaging apps

• Choice boards

• Picture cards

• Whiteboards, chalkboards, notebooks, or sticky notes

• Social stories - Check out this asking for help social story, for example.

• Letter toys - It's actually how a lot of hyperlexic toddlers and preschoolers communicate when they're younger so please don't discourage or take away their letters. More on that here.

4. Visuals for Promoting Self-Regulation Strategies

Hyperlexic learners can also benefit from using visuals to support their sensory needs, emotional development, and regulation. Here are some visual tools to try:

• Emotion cards & charts

• Calm down cards

• Written scripts - For example, here are some scripts for when you're frustrated or angry.

• Social stories - Here's one that helps with deep breathing, for instance.

• Choice boards

• Deep breathing posters - Here's one inspired by the hyperlexic child's love for the book Chicka Chicka Boom Boom.

• Sensory diet/break cards

• Posters of coping strategies or mindfulness techniques - Try this ABC grounding technique poster, for instance.

• List of calm down strategies

• Movement cards (e.g., yoga poses, animal walks, etc.) - Here's a Google Slides deck with animal walks.

5. Visuals for Strengthening Executive Functioning Abilities

Hyperlexic learners may also need some support with their executive functioning, including planning and organization. So, if you're looking for ways to strengthen these executive functioning abilities, consider trying the following.

• Visual schedules or timetables

• Visual timers - Something like this, for example.

• Checklists - Here's an editable backpack checklist as an example.

• Calendars or planners

• First-then schedules

• Labels

• Maps

• Color coding

• Apps (e.g., reminders, notes, calendar, etc.)

• Written instructions

6. Visuals for Supporting Social Skills

Social skills is another area where hyperlexic learners can benefit from some extra support and guidance. You can use the following types of visual supports to build confidence in this area.

• Social stories - Here's one that helps kids learn how to play the game of hide and seek.

• Written scripts - Try these losing a game scripts.

• Books

• Videos (e.g., songs that teach social rules, video modeling, virtual tours, video social stories)

• Posters

• Checklists

• Communication boards & cards

• Visual schedules & routine charts

• List of expectations, rules, or steps involved

• Cue cards - Grab these turn taking cue cards for example.

7. Visuals for Teaching Self-Advocacy Skills

Perhaps one of the most important skills you can teach a hyperlexic learner is how to advocate for themselves! Here are some examples and ideas of how you can incorporate different types of visual supports to build self-advocacy skills.

• Social stories - Be sure to check out this social story about self-advocacy.

• Written scripts - Try these self-advocacy scripts.

• Communication boards & cards - Something like these I need help cards, for example.

• Augmentative & alternative communication (AAC)

• Texting or messaging apps

• Sensory checklist - That way you know what your sensory triggers are!

• List of accommodations & calm down strategies

• Cue cards

Some Final Thoughts on the Different Types of Visual Supports

As you can see, visual supports are helpful for supporting a wide range of support needs, from teaching self-advocacy and social skills to supporting regulation and comprehension. You can use things like social stories and scripts, videos, posters, cue cards, graphic organizers, checklists, visual schedules, books, labels...the list goes on and on.

Each type will, of course, have their own advantages and disadvantages. However, it's important to remember that when it comes to supporting hyperlexic learners, we want to include the written word as much as possible. So visuals that incorporate the written word - as well as their interests! - will go a long way.

So feel free to try out some of the above examples of visual supports and see what works best for your hyperlexic learner.

Tips for Creating Your Own Visual Supports for Kids

Want to create effective visuals for hyperlexic and autistic learners? Here are 9 tips for creating your own visual supports.

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It's no secret that visual supports are extremely useful for hyperlexic and autistic learners, from graphic organizers and visual schedules to social stories and scripts.

Keep in mind, though, that visual supports can benefit all kids, not just hyperlexic and autistic learners. So, while some of the following tips focus more on these types of learners, the tips will still be helpful for and applicable to non-autistic and non-hyperlexic learners as well.

I do want to mention that there's absolutely nothing wrong with using premade visuals. I mean there's a reason why you'll find tons here and in the shop. But, sometimes, you can't quite find what you need, especially if your child needs support with something super specific or has really unique interests such as traffic lights or lawn mowers.

So, if you're wanting to dive into creating some visuals yourself (even if it's only from time to time), then you're going to find these tips for creating your own visual supports helpful. Let's dig in and take a closer look!

Tips for Creating Your Own Visual Supports

Obviously, you're thinking of making your own visuals for your child (hence, why you're here). We're going to cover 9 tips in total to help you make effective visuals.

1. Visuals don't have to be fancy

Remember, visuals don't have to be fancy with all the bells and whistles like specially selected fonts and clipart.

Sometimes, low tech options such as scribbling things down quickly on an index card or sticky note can often do the trick. Even just opening up the notes app on your phone to quickly type something out can go a long way.

Seriously, index cards, sticky notes, whiteboards, a Boogie Board (a must own tool for all hyperlexic learners, in my opinion!), and even a label maker (here's the one we have) can make for effective visual supports.

Shop Boogie Boards now

2. Use technology & templates to help

I've already mentioned using the notes app on your phone, but there are also lots of great apps and websites that you can use to create visual supports for your kids, whether that's visual schedules, checklists, or social stories.

Let's take social stories for instance. You can use an AI tool such as ChatGPT to help your brainstorm ideas and/or write the story. Then you can pop it into PowerPoint, Canva, or even our free social story templates and then add some pictures, and voila, you have a custom social story.

Learn more about these templates

3. Break concepts down into specific steps or individual parts

When creating visuals, it's important to consider all of the necessary steps to include. I'll never forget the toileting social story that someone created for us years ago and it didn't include the important step of flushing the toilet...

Additionally, you want to make sure you explain the why behind the steps as our kids often want to know why certain steps are important.

Finally, be sure to consider what "done" looks like. For instance, when brushing teeth, does done mean just brushing teeth? Or does it mean brush, floss, and mouthwash AND put everything away after? Then make sure that whatever "done" looks like is properly communicated via your visual.

4. Include relevant images

Text on its own can be great, but pairing it with relevant images will be so much more effective. Plus, it can better support comprehension and boost engagement.

Ideally, you also want to use real photos as much as possible, especially for personal or familiar items (e.g., a picture of grandma, a photo of the dentist's office that you will be going to, a photo of the child with their pet).

5. Incorporate the child's interests & passions

If you want to increase engagement and interest, consider using themes or visuals that align with their interests and passions. For example, I created these video game themed posters for my youngest son to help with writing complete sentences and he loved that he could pick his favorite controller to use.

Learn more about this poster

Another example is this ABCs of problem solving poster which incorporates a hyperlexic child's interest in letters.

Learn more about this poster

6. Incorporate the written word as much as possible

Remember, for our hyperlexic learners in particular, they're drawn to the written word and can decode. So, when we include the written word in our visuals you're not only playing to their strengths, but you're also including their interest in the written word.

7. Keep the design simple

It's best to avoid hard-to-read fonts, busy borders, lots of colors and images, etc. that are visually distracting, busy, and overstimulating (honestly, it's my biggest complaint with a lot of teacher-made visuals and assignments). Instead, you should opt for plain text, a clean format, and uncluttered designs to avoid overwhelming the child. Doing so makes it much easier for the child to focus on what's important.

A good example of keeping visuals simple are these social scripts (one example pictured below), which use one line of text per card with a simple font and nothing else. There's also this free visual schedule, which pairs an image with short text or our social stories that pair a real photo with plain text.

8. Tailor it to the individual child, their needs, & situation

Remember, visual supports should be individualized as much as possible. That means considering their learning style, preferences, strengths, weaknesses, and interests when designing a visual support. If possible, you could include the child in the creation process and let them have some say in how it looks and what it includes.

You also want to consider the situation. For example, does the visual need to be portable? Does it need to be waterproof? Is a digital version okay or does it need to be printed off? Depending on your needs and your answers to these questions, you might want to consider the size of your visuals (will they big or small?), laminating them for durability, adding them to a keychain, storing them on your phone, etc.

9. Make it interactive and hands-on, if possible

Think of how satisfying it is to check things off of a list. That's what we're talking about here. So you might want to consider brainstorming different ways to make your visual support interactive whether that's using velcro (like this emotions chart) or magnets, adding a checklist, using a dry erase surface, adding flaps that can be closed when completed, using a pocket chart so that things can be rearranged as needed (see here or below), or similar.

A Quick Recap of Tips for Making Visual Supports

In case you're a skim reader, here's a summary of the tips that were discussed above:

• Visuals don't have to be fancy so don't forget to consider low tech options

• Use technology & templates to help

• Break concepts down into specific steps or individual parts

• Include relevant images

• Incorporate the child's interests & passions

• Incorporate the written word as much as possible, especially for hyperlexic learners

• Keep the design simple

• Tailor it to the individual child, their needs, & situation

• Make it interactive & hands-on, if possible

Finally, don't forget to have fun and get creative. After all, there are so many different types of visual supports that you can make for your child.

Just remember that, if you want to make an effective visual for hyperlexic or autistic learners, then you should keep the above tips for creating your own visual supports in mind.