Braille is a tactile reading and writing system used by individuals who are blind or visually impaired. At the heart of the Braille system is the Braille cell, a six-dot configuration that represents a letter, number, or symbol.
Each Braille cell can be felt with the fingertips, allowing individuals to read and write without relying on their vision. As a parent, introducing the Braille cell to your child who is blind can be an important step in their education and independence.
Below are ten ways to introduce the Braille cell to your child:
1. Start by exploring the basic shape and layout of the Braille cell by using a swing cell, braille Lego, magnets, braille tiles, or ping pong/ tennis/ foam/ felt balls in a cupcake tin, etc.
2. Demonstrate how to create a Braille cell using any of the above materials, or, a slate and stylus.
3. Use Braille blocks, swing cells and other tools to help your child learn the shape and structure of the Braille cell.
4. Encourage your child to practice writing Braille with a slate and stylus or Braille machine if you have one available. Children have various preferences in braille machines. Starting favourites are a Smart Brailler, Mountbatten, or Perkins Braille machine as shown in images below.
5. Introduce Braille flashcards to help your child learn the different letters and symbols.
6. Use Braille stickers, magnets or labels to help your child identify objects around the house.
7. Create tactile books with Braille text or tactile kits to read with your child. Tactile Collective sells twin vision and braille books under our 'Resources' Tab.
8. Play Braille-based games such as Braille Bingo, Braille Boggle, Braille Uno, Braille Yahtzee or Braille Scrabble.
9. Attend Braille literacy events or workshops in your community. Click on the images to go directly to the organisation websites and community pages.
10. Connect with other families of children who are blind or visually impaired to share resources and support. Visit our Tactile Collective Facebook and Instagram pages for more support & community connection. Links can be found on our 'home' page or Tactile Collective logo above.
Warm regards,
Jax@Tactilecollective
*Image credits to pathstoliteracy.org allinjoin.net digitaltrends.com visionaustralia.org guidedogsqld.org
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