Why Compare Two Pictures works

Compare Two Pictures works best as one connected sequence built around reasoning that can be explained from visible clues or rules. Compare two pictures systematically to find specific similarities and differences rather than scanning at random. Begin by asking the child to start at the top or one corner of both pictures, and let that result prepare them to compare the same region in each picture.

Set up — Start at the top or one corner of both pictures

Prepare paper before the child is asked to start at the top or one corner of both pictures. Make sure that opening step is comfortable before the child moves on to compare the same region in each picture. Use age-appropriate pieces and avoid small loose parts for children who may mouth objects during the opening attempt to start at the top or one corner of both pictures.

Step 2 — Compare the same region in each picture

Allow room for a mistake while the child tries to compare the same region in each picture. A self-correction here is more useful than fast repetition before the child moves on to name one similarity before searching for a difference.

Step 3 — Name one similarity before searching for a difference

After the child tries to name one similarity before searching for a difference, ask one brief question about the result. Connect their answer to the next request to continue region by region until the main differences are found rather than explaining it for them.

Step 4 — Continue region by region until the main differences are found

Have the child continue region by region until the main differences are found before offering a solution. What happens here should help them understand how to review whether each difference is addition, removal, position or color change, especially compared with the earlier request to name one similarity before searching for a difference.

Step 5 — Review whether each difference is addition, removal, position or color change

Give the child time to review whether each difference is addition, removal, position or color change and notice the result. The following instruction to review whether each difference is addition, removal, position or color change should use what they learned after previously trying to continue region by region until the main differences are found.

What to notice before Review whether each difference is addition, removal, position…

Do not judge the activity only by whether the sequence reaches the point where the instruction is to review whether each difference is addition, removal, position or color change. Pay attention to which clue, position, or relationship supports the answer during the transition from name one similarity before searching for a difference to continue region by region until the main differences are found.

Make Name one similarity before searching for a… easier or harder

If the child loses the thread while trying to name one similarity before searching for a difference, use fewer items and make the relevant difference more obvious. When that step is secure, add one plausible distractor, remove one cue, or ask the child to explain the rule without changing the setup that leads to continue region by region until the main differences are found.

Finish after Review whether each difference is addition, removal, position…

Review whether each difference is addition, removal, position or color change. When that step is complete, Compare Two Pictures has done what it was designed to do. Continue with a different idea from the activity search or the activity generator.