[Pibe-division] Teaching Braille to a Teenager

[Wagner, Gail Katona Y]

Hi Pauline,
No matter the age, I start with the Mangold program to work on good technique and to get through the alphabet. I don't do every single page necessarily, but it really helps with proper finger and hand movement. The Braille Too program is good for getting through the Braille code, but it is boring as heck! All worksheets, unrelated sentences and very few stories.  Once a student knows his/her letters, I will Braille sentences and short stories having to do with the student's interests.  I will include and add contractions as they are learned.  Braille her CD cases (or don't they even use CDs any more??) or DVD boxes. Braille friends' names and phone numbers and email addresses. I have my students write to each other as pen pals, or you can sign up for a "Slate Pal" with the NFB.  I read to my students and have them follow along. I will stop and have them continue reading. I play word games in Braille - something as easy as "go fish" with letters or new Braille contractions can be goofy fun for a 14 year old. Have words/contractions on separate cards and have them used to create sentences. I think one of the most important things you can do is try to connect your student with someone close to her own age who is a Braille user, or who is also learning. Contact your local NFB or POBC group to see who is close by.
Be patient, be encouraging and have fun.

Gail Wagner, TBVI

From: Pibe-division [mailto:pibe-division-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Smith, Pauline L
Sent: Friday, November 16, 2012 9:08 AM
To: 'Pibe-division at nfbnet.org'; Brink-Chaney, Marcie A; Landino, Alice J.
Cc: Miley, Priscilla; 'Vision at lists.pdx.edu'
Subject: [Pibe-division] Teaching Braille to a Teenager

Good Morning,

I teach braille in a local rehabilitation program.  In a little over a week, we will be geting a 14-year-old studfent who lost her sight earlier this year.  She has ben reluctant to begin braille instruction.  What materials do you recommend for teaching braille to this population of students?  What techniques or suggestions do you have for encouraging and/or teaching her?  Your assistance is appriciated.

Pauline Smith
Braille INstructor

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