[Blindmath] Blindmath Digest, Vol 67, Issue 2

Fri Feb 3 15:18:32 UTC 2012

When I read Maylene's note, as a TVI, I immediately thought of conversations I have had with classroom teachers who have said. "Well the student can skip this because how will they need it in the future." It always raises the hair on the back of my neck, but I try to professionally respond, and mention to them that  blind students are attaining great things, probably because they were exposed to and expected to attain good math skills, including Dr. Nemith.  

I think perhaps Maylene was expressing her desire to see blind children get the right materials so they do not have to live by the rule "Because you are blind, you cannot...."

I personally did not get the impression she was calling anyone lazy. As a TVI I am sure she has worked with many a go-getter as I have. 

Have a great day.

Maureen Murphy Lewicki
Maureen Murphy Lewicki
Teacher of Visually Impaired
Bethlehem Central Schools
(518)439-7681
"When we do the best that we can, we never know what miracle is wrought in our life, or in the life of another." Helen Keller 

-----Original Message-----
From: blindmath-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindmath-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Pickrell, Rebecca M (TASC)
Sent: Friday, February 03, 2012 9:35 AM
To: 'Blind Math list for those interested in mathematics'
Subject: Re: [Blindmath] Blindmath Digest, Vol 67, Issue 2

I've heard of a Brailler that uses a touch screen v. keys. That would rule!
My note was more meant for the teacher who to me came off as a bit high and mighty without providing a solution set to her statement.

I agree with her point, but only if solutions are given that don't convey the student as being lazy.  Maybe it's just me, but her post did have that flavor to it.

-----Original Message-----
From: blindmath-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindmath-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Ken Perry
Sent: Friday, February 03, 2012 9:04 AM
To: 'Blind Math list for those interested in mathematics'
Subject: Re: [Blindmath] Blindmath Digest, Vol 67, Issue 2

You might want to try one of the new perkins if you have not it's a bit softer on the hands.

Ken

-----Original Message-----
From: blindmath-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindmath-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Pickrell, Rebecca M (TASC)
Sent: Friday, February 03, 2012 8:50 AM
To: 'Blind Math list for those interested in mathematics'
Subject: Re: [Blindmath] Blindmath Digest, Vol 67, Issue 2

With reference to the skipping large amounts of homework "just because they are blind" what is your solution if the use of the Braille writer is literally exhausting and painful?
This is my issue. I read and write Braille well. I just cannot write using the manual Perkins for very long periods without it causing me pain and without wearing me out.
I find the way you phrased this a little offensive, because it presumes that people who are blind are looking for ways to skip the homework.  I don't think that's true.  I do think that circumstances related to the tools you use due to your blindness can impact the need to shorten assignments to a level that meets the needs of both student and instructor.

It's like saying "You shouldn't be allowed to take a large chunk of time off work just because you're a woman"  only to realize that women who have babies do generally take a large chunk of time off work when the baby is born, and nobody bats an eye.

So, can you explain your statement and provide tools to meet your need? Note "Toughen up you blind wimp" is not the right answer, because you wouldn't tell a sighted student to use a device that takes far more muscle strength and indurance then most of us are accustomed to using. -----Original
Message-----
From: blindmath-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindmath-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Maylene Bird
Sent: Friday, February 03, 2012 6:42 AM
To: blindmath at nfbnet.org
Subject: Re: [Blindmath] Blindmath Digest, Vol 67, Issue 2

Dear Ruchi,
You might want to get the APH Math Builders Unit 6 kit.  It has all kinds of hands-on items.  I would also suggest getting the APH Graphic Aid for Mathematics soon if you don't have one.  You will need it when he starts to learn how to do anything on a graph.  Another APH item for drawing is the APH Draftsman Tactile Drawing Board.  The last thing I will say is to make sure he learns his Nemeth code.  I teach high school math at the TX School for the Blind, and the students who really learned their Nemeth well and were exposed to lots of hands-on tools are my top students.  They should not be allowed to skip large sections of homework either just because they are blind.

Good luck!  Our Website for TSBVI has a lot of tools listed under Susan Osterhaus' math section.

Sincerely,
Maylene Bird

On Thu, Feb 2, 2012 at 12:00 PM, <blindmath-request at nfbnet.org> wrote:

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> Today's Topics:
>
>   1. Re: Arithmetic and Geometry tools for kids (Gaylen Kapperman)
>
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Message: 1
> Date: Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:02:48 -0600
> From: Gaylen Kapperman <gkapperman at niu.edu>
> To: ruchi_patil at samruddha.net,  Blind Math list for those interested in
>        mathematics <blindmath at nfbnet.org>
> Subject: Re: [Blindmath] Arithmetic and Geometry tools for kids
> Message-ID: <201202011802.q11I2s9B016782 at essmail.ess.niu.edu>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed
>
> Dear Ruchi
>
>
>
> My colleagues and I have written a text on teaching math to blind 
> youngsters. We have posted  it on the Texas School site at 
> www.tsbvi.edu Go there and search for project math access or search 
> for Gaylen Kapperman and you can find lots of suggestions of all 
> types.
> Good luck.
> Gaylen Kapperman
>
> At 11:17 AM 2/1/2012, you wrote:
> >Dear All,
> >
> >
> >
> >I am a mother of a 8 year old blind child. My son uses Vp Arithmetic 
> >from Henter math for Math at school and Marvel Math from marvelsoft 
> >for mental math polishing at school.
> >
> >
> >
> >He would be going to grade 3 now and while adapting his school 
> >textbook I realized that Vp Arithmetic may not be sufficient any 
> >longer for the following reasons:
> >
> >1.       There are word problems, for which he will have to make the
> problem
> >and the workspace and then solve it.
> >
> >2.       Problems now involve addition and subtraction both which again
is
> >not possible.
> >
> >
> >
> >Eagerly waiting to hear some suggestions from you.
> >
> >
> >
> >Warm regards,
> >
> >Ruchi
> >
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