[blindkid] Braille instruction for 12 year old

Wed May 14 00:11:10 UTC 2014

Arielle, can I reply to u off list, or possibly talk on the phone with you about specifics please thank very much


> On May 13, 2014, at 5:54 PM, Arielle Silverman <arielle71 at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> Hi Amber,
> 
> I agree with the suggestions about assessing reading speed, and
> working on Braille math skills (including diagram reading) and
> technology. The bottom line is her reading speed should be equal to a
> sighted sixth-grader's.
> However, I would caution against adding goals just to fill up time. If
> she doesn't really need one-on-one instruction to be excelling in
> school (not just keeping up but excelling) I think an unnecessary
> pull-out at her age could have a cost to her social life and
> self-esteem. I know age 12 is about when I started to get annoyed and
> embarrassed when my TVI (or O&M or APE) would pull me out because it
> made me feel more different and no preteen wants to stand out. The
> absolute worst was when a special teacher would drop in on my classes
> especially unannounced. Sometimes these feelings of embarrassment
> could lead to defiance. Of course, there are times when a pull-out or
> instruction in-class is necessary regardless of the embarrassment
> factor, but I just think it needs to be a balance. Being pulled out of
> electives could also affect her social life. Having one-on-one
> instruction before or after school or during a study hall might be
> ideal for cutting down the embarrassment potential.
> Further, I think any direct instruction is just a beginning. Much of
> her learning will come from independent practice, be it independent
> reading to build speed, computer homework assignments etc. Ideally the
> TVI would provide very basic instruction and then hold her accountable
> to practice her skills on her own time. This approach is not only more
> effective in her long-term learning, but also should require less
> direct instruction time.
> 
> Best,
> Arielle
> 
>> On 5/13/14, Marianne Denning <marianne at denningweb.com> wrote:
>> UEB is Unified English Braille.  There will be a few minor changes to
>> the braille code beginning in 2016. I believe students will pick them
>> up very quickly.  I would focus more on nemeth code related to higher
>> level math and technology.  I am teaching a fifth grade student how to
>> complete most of his homework using his computer with a braille
>> display attached.  IOS devices can also be very important.  I use many
>> tools from my tool kit to complete my job.  I believe that is true for
>> most of us who are blind.
>> 
>> Learning to read charts, tables, graphs, maps... is very important for
>> our blind students today.  I did not have these tools so some things I
>> should have learned were skipped over.  If she learns to use these
>> skills then it is critical that all materials be made accessible too
>> her.
>> 
>> I also believe it is never too early to begin learning self-advocacy
>> skills.  There is a lot involved in developing a well-rounded,
>> confident blind woman and it begins now.
>>> On 5/13/14, Alyssa <alyssahenson95 at gmail.com> wrote:
>>> I would definitely suggest continuing work with the Nemeth code as well
>>> as
>>> technology skills. As your daughter progresses through school, computer
>>> technology will become increasingly important. She will need to perform
>>> more
>>> complex assignments which will include higher skills such as research
>>> papers. Also, use of the iOS devices will be valuable.
>>> Hope this helps,
>>> Alyssa
>>> 
>>> Sent from my iPhone
>>> 
>>>> On May 13, 2014, at 11:29 AM, Amber Hall <amhall973 at gmail.com> wrote:
>>>> 
>>>> Ok, I will have her check reading speed with Jerry Johns.
>>>> I think her tactual skills are good.
>>>> What would u suggest for her to work on her with for future grades?
>>>> 
>>>> Sent from my iPhone
>>>> 
>>>>> On May 13, 2014, at 12:20 PM, Marianne Denning
>>>>> <marianne at denningweb.com>
>>>>> wrote:
>>>>> 
>>>>> If her braille skills are good her TVI should focus on other areas if
>>>>> needed.  How are her tactile skills?  How are her technology skills?
>>>>> Ask the TVI to complete an assessment for reading speed.  I use the
>>>>> Jerry Johns for this.  It gives good information for reading speed and
>>>>> comprehension. The TVI can work on many skills your child will need in
>>>>> future grades.
>>>>> 
>>>>>> On 5/13/14, Amber Hall <amhall973 at gmail.com> wrote:
>>>>>> She is in. 6 th grade. And at grade level as far as her sighted peers.
>>>>>> She
>>>>>> is a fast 2 handed Braille reader not sure on words per minute.
>>>>>> She knows the Braille code with the exception to symbols she
>>>>>> encounters
>>>>>> occasionally. Especially in math.
>>>>>> Hope this helps.
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> Sent from my iPhone
>>>>>> 
>>>>>>> On May 13, 2014, at 10:39 AM, Alyssa <alyssahenson95 at gmail.com>
>>>>>>> wrote:
>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>> Hello Amber. I believe we need a bit more information before making
>>>>>>> suggestions. How proficient is your daughter with Braille now? What
>>>>>>> needs
>>>>>>> to be improved? By that I mean just her speed or actual knowledge of
>>>>>>> Braille. Knowing these things will give you better answers.
>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>> Sent from my iPhone
>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>>> On May 13, 2014, at 8:08 AM, Amber Hall <amhall973 at gmail.com> wrote:
>>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>>> Hello,
>>>>>>>> I'm having issues with my 12 year old daughters VI teacher wanting
>>>>>>>> to
>>>>>>>> dwindle her Braille instruction time to nothing.
>>>>>>>> we had our case conference in March and it was to my understanding
>>>>>>>> she
>>>>>>>> would be in for 20 minutes a day. It's not a lot but hard to find
>>>>>>>> any
>>>>>>>> other time to pull her out of class.
>>>>>>>> The problem is the 20 minutes is either being missed, used to give a
>>>>>>>> test/ istep, or to come by and say " how r u doing? Are u having any
>>>>>>>> problems? " To my daughter.
>>>>>>>> Can any TVI 'a on here give me some things she can work on with my
>>>>>>>> daughter? I feel like my problem is her missing or not using the
>>>>>>>> time.
>>>>>>>> But my daughter isn't having any issues right now. My first thing to
>>>>>>>> say
>>>>>>>> was a the things blind kids can't see that sighted kids get by
>>>>>>>> looking
>>>>>>>> at
>>>>>>>> it, could b touched on.
>>>>>>>> It just stresses me out, knowing she could b challenged instead of "
>>>>>>>> getting by".
>>>>>>>> Any comments  or suggestions are greatly appreciated!
>>>>>>>> This isn't a great description of the situation,it's the shortened
>>>>>>>> version.  I'm at work.
>>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>>> Sent from my iPhone
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>>>>> 
>>>>> 
>>>>> --
>>>>> Marianne Denning, TVI, MA
>>>>> Teacher of students who are blind or visually impaired
>>>>> (513) 607-6053
>>>>> 
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>>>> 
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>> 
>> 
>> --
>> Marianne Denning, TVI, MA
>> Teacher of students who are blind or visually impaired
>> (513) 607-6053
>> 
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> 
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