Help your preschooler practice looking closely and noticing what is different with this free Circle the Picture That Is Different worksheet.
Each of the five rows shows four pictures. Three pictures match, and one is different. Children compare the pictures and circle the one that does not belong.
This simple printable encourages visual discrimination, careful observation, and early problem-solving through familiar illustrations.
Download your free worksheet below:
What This Worksheet Teaches
Children look carefully at four pictures in each of five rows and find the one that is different.
They circle the picture that does not match the other three, practicing visual discrimination, comparison, observation, and pencil control.
How to Use This Worksheet
Give your child the printed worksheet and a pencil or crayon.
Look at the first row together. Ask, “Which three pictures are the same? Which one is different?”
Invite your child to circle the different picture. Continue through all five rows, offering help as needed.
After each row, ask your child to tell you what made that picture different.
Why This Skill Matters
Noticing what is the same and different helps young children compare, sort, and classify information.
These observation skills support early mathematical reasoning and prepare children for matching, sorting, patterns, and recognizing differences in letters and shapes.
Circling the selected picture also gives children useful pencil-control practice.
Skills Practiced
This preschool activity offers practice in:
Visual Discrimination: Noticing which picture differs from the others.
Comparing: Looking for matching features across pictures.
Observation: Checking each picture carefully before deciding.
Fine-Motor Control: Drawing a circle around a chosen picture.
Oral Language: Explaining why one picture is different.
Learning Goals
After completing this activity, children can work toward these learning goals:
✔ Look carefully at a group of four pictures.
✔ Recognize which three pictures match.
✔ Identify and circle the one different picture.
✔ Use words such as same and different to explain their choice.
✔ Practice holding and using a pencil or crayon.
Parent & Teacher Tips:
Work at your child’s pace. You can complete one or two rows at a time if needed.
Encourage children to look at every picture before circling. Ask open-ended questions rather than immediately giving the answer.
Celebrate careful looking and clear explanations as much as getting the answer right.
Extend the Learning
Keep practicing with simple activities around your home or classroom:
Find the Odd One Out: Place three matching objects and one different object together.
Sort by Type: Group toys, buttons, or blocks by a visible feature.
Picture Hunt: Look through a book and find two pictures that match.
Explain Your Choice: Ask your child to tell you what makes one item different.
Materials Needed
You will need:
• Printed Circle the Picture That Is Different worksheet
• Pencil, crayon, or marker
• An adult to help read the directions, if needed
Perfect for Homeschool or Classroom Learning
This free one-page preschool worksheet works well for homeschool lessons, classroom centers, small-group practice, or a quiet independent activity.
It can be used as a short introduction to visual discrimination or as extra practice with comparing pictures.
Building Early Math and Observation Skills
Looking for matching and different pictures builds a foundation for sorting, classifying, and noticing patterns.
For more preschool activities, explore our Numbers & Math resources and practice comparing objects during everyday play.
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