[blindkid] Playground strategies for low-vision 5 yr. old

[Brandy with Discovery Toys]

Hi, I would encourage your daughter to take her cane to recess. I'd also 
have someone help her be comfortable with the playground when students 
aren't on the playground and then again when it is crowded. Some of the 
skills you are seeking are social and will developed over time with good 
role models and normal life experiences. I have taught blind children after 
they know the playground to keep their cane with them. They can leave it at 
the bottom of a play structure while they play.

This all being said I'm blind and loved playgrounds! My mom took me to parks 
from a very young age. I also had opportunities to make friends outside of 
school as I participated in clubs such as girl scouts and it taught me to 
make friends. I often made a few good friends and I was content with playing 
with them. I also found things I enjoyed and others joined me. I loved 
sidewalk chalk. (I had some usable sight then more than I have now.) Jumping 
rope hula hooping etc.

Hope this helps.

Bran


"We all have our time machines. Some take us back, they're called memories. 
Some take us forward, they're called dreams."
Jeremy Irons

Brandy Wojcik
Discovery Toys Group Manager and Educational Consultant

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----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Brandon and Sarah" <lanesims at gmail.com>
To: <blindkid at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Sunday, January 25, 2009 11:54 AM
Subject: Re: [blindkid] Playground strategies for low-vision 5 yr. old


>I would love some ideas or strategies other folks have used to help their
> low-vision or blind kids interact on the playground.  I have a 5 year old 
> in
> 'regular' kindergarten and recess is pretty challenging so far this year.
> Emilia is a twin, so she has had a ready-made playmate her whole life. 
> She
> also tends to be on the quiet side.  I am starting to schedule play dates
> with other kids in her class, but moving quickly on the playground in not
> her forte (she is a very grounded kid - in more ways than one!).  Her
> teacher is not helpful at all, but I am starting to work with the school
> counselor and would love any input from parents who have been there.
> Thanks!
>
>
>
> - Sarah Sims
>
>  Boise, ID
>
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