[Pibe-division] Is this the way to teach a kindergartener Braille?

[vickie chapman]

I would be concerned if this continued.  Sometimes this method can be used to teach tracking for a child who is just being introduced to braille.  For a child who has some vision, I tend to stay away from a connect the dot using a pencil or crayon.  When I am teaching braille to a child who has some vision, I am working on tactile skills, not visual skills.  
As a parent, it might be helpful to ask the TVI the purpose of this assignment.  If the purpose is to learn how to tactile trace pictures, you might ask the teacher to send braille art home, and you as the parent can work with your child on tracing the braille art with their fingers.  One thing I have done is have children put their fingers in colored chalk or fine colored sand and trace a braille line or tactile picture.  After the child has completed tracing the tactile drawing, If the child had some vision, I let them see if they could see the colors they made by tracing the picture.  
Vickie Buchignani, TVI, COMS
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Carrie Gilmer<mailto:carrie.gilmer at gmail.com> 
  To: 'Professionals in Blindness Education Division List'<mailto:pibe-division at nfbnet.org> 
  Sent: Thursday, March 05, 2009 3:49 PM
  Subject: [Pibe-division] Is this the way to teach a kindergartener Braille?


  All lines were directed to be drawn and circled by the student. Picture of it taken by mother is attached.

  Six years old, albinism, 20/160-200 measured with correction. Please everyone comment.

   

   

  Carrie Gilmer, President

  National Organization of Parents of Blind Children

  A Division of the National Federation of the Blind

  NFB National Center: 410-659-9314

  Home Phone: 763-784-8590

  carrie.gilmer at gmail.com<mailto:carrie.gilmer at gmail.com>

  www.nfb.org/nopbc<http://www.nfb.org/nopbc>


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                    I'm attaching a Braille sheet that came home today. I get these many times a week. Is it strange that Brian is instructed to circle and draw lines? It appears that he is being directed to approach Braille visually. 

                     

                    Please tell me if this is normal or acceptable for teaching a low-vision child Braille. Please tell me if this is so far out of the norm that I should be very concerned. 

                     

                    Thank you!

                    :) Carolynn
                   

                 
             

       

   

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