How to Help A Colorblind Child in the Classroom

Colorblind children can suffer in the classroom, especially if they are not diagnosed properly. Think of the colored pie charts, maps whose countries are categorized by colors, and even colored chalk on chalkboards. By diagnosing color blindness early and using a few simple tips, you can greatly help a colorblind child in the classroom.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Labels
• Patience

How to Help a Colorblind Child in the Classroom

1. Use white chalk on the chalkboard. Although some teachers prefer yellow or pink chalk, against a green chalkboard, these colors are sometimes hard for a colorblind child to see, especially if there is a glare. Always use white chalk.

2. Xerox all textbook and educational items that are colored in black and white. Although a child cannot separate the items on paper, by copying them in black and white they will be able to see all the different sections properly. Always Xerox on white paper.

3. Teach colorblind students the colors of common items. Oranges are orange. The sun is yellow. Although the student will not be able to see the differences, they will have a frame of reference when people are discussing colors.

4. Be patient with colorblind students on classroom activities. It’s easy to get frustrated or think a child is not trying when they guess on certain activities. If a child has not been diagnosed, yet you see them panicking when asked to work with pie charts or color coded maps, insist that child be tested for color blindness.

5. Stop color-coding items, or write the color below it. Do not use color-coding for paperwork, classroom items, or on homework or testing. If you do, write the color below.

6. Help a child with standardized tests. Standardized tests are not colorblind friendly. If there are charts or color-coded items, write out the colors below the appropriate colors so the child will not be at a disadvantage.

7. Label all craft items that have color like markers, crayons and paper. So the child will not fall behind in art, or struggle, make sure everything is appropriately marked.

8. Teach what colorblindness is. Children who do not suffer from colorblindness will have a hard time understanding what it is. There are tests you can use to show a child how things look to a child that sees normally versus a child that cannot see all colors properly.

Tips & Warnings

• Be patient.
• Label things by word not color.
• Use white chalk.
• Teach them common colors of common items.