ABSTRACT
Children are encouraged to trace, copy and draw various forms freely from an early age in our educational system, in preparation for the learning of printing and writing skills. Various studies have investigated the influence of surrounding cues or picture frame cues on the discrimination, construction, placement and drawing of squares and diamonds. The task of copying a geometric figure from a visual model involves adequate perceptual and cognitive abilities. Both visual and kinaesthetic information is required to reconcile the copy drawn with the model, and to correct errors evident in the copy. As well, fine motor abilities are essential in planning, programming, execution and possible correction of errors in the movements. A comparison of the two scores relevant to developmental trends in the copying tasks of squares and diamonds yield somewhat different results. At all ages the diamond was less accurately drawn than the square as measured by angular variability.
