Art and design at KS2 and visual impairment

The additional challenges for KS2 involve the enhanced use of tools, and the need to give feedback on methods used in the pupil's own and others’ work.

You can:

• Use a magnifying lens-cum-light and enlarge all resources for the child with some sight. Use digital techniques too - try bright colours, or contrasting monochrome so that there is a big contrast between outlines and background.
• Use paper or card with a bright background.
• Use tactile resources as much as possible – especially for the child with less or no functional sight. Find topics appropriate for tactile work.
• Try ultraviolet light and florescence (see KS1).
• Try different materials for 3-D work - they all feel different and respond in different ways (Fimo – soft and hard, air-drying clay, oven-firing clay, playdough, salt dough – and Plasticine). Provide examples for the pupil to feel.
• Support new vocabulary in as practical a way as possible so that the key words are relevant and in context, preferably with visually enhanced examples on screen or to touch.