Visual Hygiene: Classroom Suggestions

Birmingham Vision Care. P. C.
280 N. Old Woodward o Lower Level o Birmingham, Michigan 48009 o
Dr. Harriet C. Pelton | Dr. Lloyd 1. Snider | Dr. Ronald S. Spalter Optometrists

VISUAL HYGIENE CLASSROOM SUGGESTIONS

A CHILD’S CLASSROOM ENVIRONMENT MUST BE COMFORTABLE. ALL SITUATIONS WHICH MAY CAUSE PHYSICAL STRESS MUST BE ELIMINATED. For More details on Visual Hygiene in the Classroom call 828-435-0670  .

CHALKBOARD – A green chalkboard with yellow chalk provides the best contrast.

DESK & CHAIR – Ideally desks and chairs should be adjustable because children come in different shapes and sizes. However, this is not always possible in today’s classrooms. If a child clasps her hands at chin level while sitting up straight, her elbows should just touch the desk surface. The proper chair height can be determined by having the child sit on the chair she is to use, with both feet on the floor. in this position, you should be able to barely slip your flat hand under her thighs just behind the knees.

SLOPED STUDY SURFACE – A child’s working surface should be slanted at a 20 degree tilt. This will provide a more equal working distance across the whole reading surface. It usually enables the child to work at a longer working distance than when the task is flat on the desk.

ROTATION OF WRITTEN WORK – When writing the student should rotate the paper approximately 45 degrees. This makes it easier for the child to have good posture and reduces fatigue.

DESK ARRANGEMENT – Ideally desks should be 6 meters (20 feet) from the chalkboard. Do not have children sitting, facing the wall. Windows should be at the sides of the desks, not behind them.

LIGHTING – The classroom should be sufficiently lit in both the horizontal and vertical planes. Light should be evenly distributed, with no or a minimum of reflections and shadows. Natural light through the windows is most important.

ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR VISUAL HYGIENE

1. Be AWARE of space between self and the page when reading. Also, be aware of things around and beyond the book.

2. When reading, occasionally look off at a specific distant object and LET its details come into focus. Maintain awareness of other objects and details surrounding it. Do this at least at the end of each page.

3. When studying, place a book mark 3 or 4 pages ahead. Get up and move around for at least one minute each time you reach the book mark.

4. Tilt the book up about 20 degrees (this slopes up about 4 inches). A tilt top for the desk can be made by screwing two door stops to the back of a piece of 1″ inch plywood or drawing board and attaching two rubber knobs to the front (near) edge so it does not slip off the desk. This can be used for reading, studying, writing. It usually enables working farther away from the task than when the task is flat on the desk.

5. When riding, avoid reading and other near activity. Encourage looking at sights in the distance for interest and identification.

6. Encourage outdoor play or sports activities that require seeing beyond arms length.

7. When outdoors, sight a distant object at about eye level. At the same time, be aware of where things are on all sides.

8. Walk with head up, eyes wide open and look TOWARDS, not at objects.

9. Become very conscious of the background of the objects you look TOWARDS, be it a person, print on a page, an electric sign, the TV, or any other object.

VISUALLY THERAPEUTIC TOYS & GAMES