Student Worksheet

As Far As I Can See - Activity Instructions

“Grass and wild flowers as far as you can see.”

From the moment we wake in the morning to the moment we close our eyes at night, our eyes see so much. From smooth, pleasing tones to jarring contrasts, so much of how we feel is ascertained through sight. A feeling of calm happiness can come from seeing rolling plains, from mountains, an ocean that stretches into the distance. Let’s look at these things up close, isolating images.

Note: Before completing this activity, read Where Happiness Hides with your parent/caregiver.

Listen to the recording or read the script:

To see as far as the eye can see - wonderful. Rolling plains, layers of mountains, endless sky, tall grass for miles around, blocks of buildings across the skyline. Nothing calms, eases the mind more than our sight of the background moving towards us.

How can we continue this with only four walls around us? Our sight stops short and cannot see further.

But quick, let’s grab your toilet paper roll and begin.

Sit in your favourite chair, on your bed, in the bath, somewhere you feel safe. Look at the wall before you. You might see cupboards, you might see clothes, toys, a blank wall. Can you see as far as the eye can see? How far is it? Not so far, right? Now, lift up your toilet paper roll to your eye, whichever eye you prefer. Close the other eye and look again. Your view is restricted, seeming to go further now. Now, you can examine each detail bit by bit. Start at the bottom, where the floor joins the wall, at the skirting board. What colour is it? Examine the textures, how it all fits together. Move your toilet roll slowly upwards, resting part way up the wall. Is it still the same colour, or is it different now? The texture might be the same as before, right? What do you notice about the wall now that we are looking at it piece by piece? Keep moving your toilet roll up, using it as a telescope to examine the inches of the wall before you.

Taking It Further

Repeat the exercise with the other eye, seeing if things become clearer or more blurry.

As Far As I Can See (home learning)

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