Views on Vision - Build Your Vision: pdbq

By Dr. Charles A. Boulet

(Page 9)

Vision, like a car, is complex but easy to use. The difference is that we, humans, can build a car. The visual system, like vehicles, can be broken down into various subsystems: motor control and perception, and those even further. When one subsystem is not working optimally, it only makes sense to get it fully operational. Even when it's working relatively well, one can always extract a little better performance from a vehicle. Likewise for vision.
Vision's various elements can be studied by measurement, testing and observation. The vast majority of children with reading problems also have some significant visual dysfunction. If these are severe enough, they can be the cause of many other problems observed in troubled students. Very often, there are other areas of concern as well. It is frequently possible to address these concerns and remove obstacles to reading and learning.
We are developing an online library of activities designed to boost skills required for reading and academic success. These cover a broad array of skills for academic success and visual development. There are a number of paper and pencil activities that you can do even if you are a good reader, like the 'pdbq' activity. Parents are encouraged to do this with their children to boost reading skills.
'pdbq' is a great exercise and helps build fine motor control, visual perception and reading skills. It's like reading, but much easier. It can also be made quite challenging. This activity is worth doing simply for the gains in visual control, but what I appreciate most about it is that most children will absolutely know p's from q's and b's from d's after just a few sessions.
To get your copy of this exercise go to:
www.learningmanagement.ca. Locate the search box in the top right of the web page. Into that search box, type 'pqbd'. You will find notes, a downloadable file, and instructions.

Dr. Boulet is an optometrist and owner-operator of Diamond Valley Vision Care in Black Diamond (403-933-5552 or info@dvvc.ca.) He is also a former high school teacher and continues to work with children who have trouble learning.