Twirl Element: The Gnome Family

Created by: Anaïs Rumfelt

Optical illusions are a matter of perspective. Sometimes we call optical illusions “tricking the eye,” but it’s the brain that’s getting tricked as it tries to make sense of the visual information it’s receiving. Finding fun and clever ways to play with optical illusions is a great way to help children develop a keen eye and critical thinking skills that will help them navigate the world as they grow up. 

An optical illusion can also be called a visual illusion and is characterized by images that differ from objective reality. The information gathered by the eye is processed in the brain to give a perception that does not add up to a physical reality. 

The Gnomes are a fantastically fun optical illusion that provides an opportunity to be silly and to do a costume play without the costume. They are an optical illusion of perspective and help us to recognize self and others in disguise. The holes for faces that align with an area in the image create the illusion of the person's face being an actual part of the scene. 

This illusion is then often immortalized by taking a photograph of the person's face through the board. So take a moment to make a fun and silly memory and take a photo with the Gnomes. As a keepsake, a photo with the Gnomes also acts as a touchstone for positive childhood memories.

Children experience milestones in sight until they are up to 6 years old. From birth to age 6, the eyes must learn to focus and work together in balance to scan the surroundings. Learning to assess visual information is a big job in childhood. Playing with optical illusions can help a caregiver to have a better understanding of how the child perceives the world by helping to stimulate conversations about what we see and why. If you are ever concerned about your child's eyesight, reach out to a doctor or your child's school about screening services