Visual closure. What is it and why will it help my child to read?

Visual closure is the skill that allows us to recognise an object when we can only see part of it, as we are able to imagine the rest of the object. It is a skill that will help your toddler read in the future, as they will read the whole word rather than individual letters, and it is useful now for things like finding a toy in a toy box, or completing a puzzle.  

Sometimes, as your toddler grows you wonder when you need to start teaching them important skills like reading and writing – because most of us think that starts with letter cards, or alphabet games. But your toddler is already mastering skills that lay the foundations for literacy – without an alphabet poster in sight!  

Developing visual closure is one of those skills that gives your toddler a great foundation for future learning. We have some simple ideas that will help them build this skill.  

Five ways to help  

Play a game hiding a toy, leave a little bit peeping out for your child to find. At first, play in a fairly uncluttered space but as they practise they might be able to find an object among others.  

Complete simple jigsaws or puzzles together, you could make your own by cutting up a cardboard cereal box or picture from a magazine. Just have a few pieces at first and as your child gets more confident use puzzles with more pieces.  

Take close-up photos of objects and play a game with your child where they guess the object.  

Cover up a part of a picture and see if your child can guess what is hidden.  

Give your child lots of time touching, moving and exploring objects, they will be linking what they feel with what they see and learning by seeing objects from different angles.