[BlindKid] Food for Thought: Explaining Perception to Blind and Sighted Children

[Tina Hansen]

I've often wondered how you can help blind and sighted kids to understand
that eyesight is not the only way to perceive something. In Follow my
Leader, one of the better children's books I know of with a blind character,
this quote struck me.

 

You have an eye on the tip of each finger, one at the end of your white
cane, one more on the point of each shoe, and the one great tye in the
center of your brain. People don't see with their eyes. They see with their
brains. They don't feel with their fingers or hear with their ears. When you
touch something with your hand (such as a stuffed animal), or when you hear
a sound (such as a piece of music), your brain tells you what it is.

 

Any comments? Is this a good way to explain this concept to kids? Do any of
you see any flaws? Oh, and has anyone read this book? Thanks.