Three exercise types
Find the one that matches the model, spot the odd one out and match the pairs: three ways of comparing that can be mixed on one worksheet.
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Teaching Guide: Visual Discrimination in Preschool
Visual discrimination is the ability to see how two pictures are alike and how they differ, a foundation for reading (telling b from d) and for maths. This free visual discrimination worksheet generator builds A4 worksheets for ages 3 to 5 with big pictures and differences that get finer and finer.
- For
- Pre-K & K Pre-K 3, Pre-K 4, K (ages 3-5)
- Subject
- Early Years › Attention & Logic
- Includes
- Student sheet and answer key
- Format
- A4, to print or save as PDF; new exercises every time
- Price
- Free, no sign-up
- Available in
- Catalan, Spanish, English
Student worksheet 
Answer key Difficulty by age
At age 3 the shape changes; at age 4, the pattern or the way the picture faces; at age 5, only a small detail such as a dot or a stripe.
For pre-readers
Every group of rows starts with a pictogram that shows what to do (circle, cross out or join) and a very short sentence.
Black and white
Pattern differences (stripes, dots, checks, solid) look just as clear on a black-and-white printer. Colour is optional.
Answer key
The same worksheet with the answer marked in red: the matching picture circled, the odd one crossed out and the pairs joined.
Always new
Every row is drawn at random from 14 pictures and 9 geometric shapes: tap an exercise and press “New” for a different version.
Frequently Asked Questions about Visual Discrimination
Which level should I pick for each age?
Start with Easy at age 3 (very different shapes), Medium at age 4 (patterns and turns) and Hard at age 5 (small details). If a child finds it easy, move on to the next level.
Does it work on a black-and-white printer?
Yes. The medium-level differences are different patterns (stripes, dots, checks or solid), not just colours. The “Pattern colour” option, under More options, only tints them.
How do children know what to do if they cannot read yet?
Each exercise type has its own pictogram: a circled picture for find the same, a crossed-out picture for odd one out and two pictures joined by a line for match the pairs.
Are the “same” pictures really identical?
Yes. Every picture is built from its features (shape, pattern, orientation and details), and two matching pictures have exactly the same ones. Different pictures only change in what the level allows: the shape, the pattern or the orientation, or a small detail.
Can I mix types and levels on one worksheet?
Yes. Add as many exercises of each type and level as you like; each one gets its own instruction and you can move it up, down or drag it. The same worksheet can also hold exercises from other generators, such as basic concepts.
Is any data sent to a server?
No. The worksheets are made in your browser and templates are saved in your browser's memory.
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