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Optical illusions

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Optical illusions

What to do with this activity?

Things are not always as they seem. Our eyes and brains often play tricks on us!

Optical illusions are pictures that trick us into seeing things differently from what is really there. Sometimes it is possible to see the same picture in different ways. It's all to do with how our brain and eyes work as a team. 

Have fun looking together at these intriguing optical illusions.  

And there are some more famous optical illusions on the Science Kids website.

Talk with your child about what you think is going on, and try to work out what your brain and eyes are doing. Don't worry - important scientists are still trying to figure that out! Don't expect to have the answers, but it's fun to talk and think about optical illusions. 

  • Why am I doing this?

    Pretend games help your child to develop their language skills and practise things they have seen and heard. Games and activities that build concentration and thinking skills are great for your child. They build skills such as being able to see patterns, being able to group things together and using numbers. Being able to join in games and working with you or other people on a project, is a life skill used every day and a way many people learn.

  • How can I do more?

    Encourage your child to tell you about games they play – with other children, at school or on the computer. Get them to explain the rules of the game to you. Imaginative play is important too so encourage your child in any creative play they are engaged in.  

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