[Blindtlk] Tips for Better Braille Reading Speed Request Please...

[Mary McGee]

Dear James;
	Reading two-handed as described below is the best way to read
Braille.  I read both print and Braille.  I was never taught Braille, even
though I attended one of those "Braille Schools" when I was young.  I
learned it at the Iowa Orientation Center in 1976, but, with work and law
school, I let it go till about a year ago.  Then, I began checking out
novels from the I.D.B. Library and, surprise, surprise, it's been easy to
pick it up again.  I learned the two-handed method from people like Mabel
Nading and Ramona Walhof and it must have stuck, because now I'm reading the
Braille novels almost as fast as I read print ones.  I suppose I wouldn't be
able to write that fast, but, oh well, I don't care at this point because my
computer skills are good.  
	The part about practicing every day is important too.  I've made a
new rule around this household:  Once the daylight is gone, there will be no
artificial light because all reading will be Braille.  It's worked for me!
Sincerely,
Mary L. McGee


-----Original Message-----
From: blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
Behalf Of Hyde, David W. (ESC)
Sent: Thursday, September 08, 2011 1:56 PM
To: 'Blind Talk Mailing List'
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Tips for Better Braille Reading Speed Request
Please...

Hi James. I once got up to 500 words per minute, but have slowed down. Here
is what I did. Read with both hands. Start the line with the left, pick it
up with the right about half way through, bring the left down to the next
line, and continue. It will seem unnatural at first, but it works. Practice.
Don't try to speed up all at once. Make sure the book is something you
really want to read. Limit your speed work to a specific amount of time each
day. Do not try to
 Identify each character. All readers get things from context.

If you are reading aloud, try not to do it cold. Read the material first.
You may want to start with easy reading books.

Finally, you have to practice. Set aside a period of time each day. Use that
time to practice for speed. Good luck.
-----Original Message-----
From: blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
Behalf Of James Kelm
Sent: Thursday, September 08, 2011 1:30 PM
To: Blind Talk Mailing List
Subject: [Blindtlk] Tips for Better Braille Reading Speed Request Please...

Dear friends,

    Well I am turning to those who are on this list for assistance once
again, and I know that I will get a lot of valuable feedback!  My question
is, what are some tips that you can offer me, concerning how to increase my
Braille reading speed?

    My Braille reading is good by general standards, but I still feel as if
my speed is below that of the average print reader.  I am interested in
improving so that I can read at a general conversation or speaking speed.
What are some tips or tricks that you can offer me, other than simply
practicing, which I currently do.  I have been reading Braille for my
personal use for a number of years now, but I am interested in raising my
skills to compair with an average print reader.  I find that when I read out
loud, I feel uncomfortable and uneasy, and although no one seems to notice,
I would like to feel more comfortable within myself.

    Thank you for your help!


Respectfully,
James Kelm


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