Pre-Braille InstructionBy: Carmen Willings
teachingvisuallyimpaired.com Updated May 27, 2024 Finger PlacementDeveloping proper finger position and technique for reading braille is necessary for efficient and accurate reading. Ensure that the student's fingers are in contact with the braille as you read together. This helps them engage with the text and develop tactile sensitivity.Use the following strategies to encourage proper finger and hand positioning:
Light TouchEncourage the student to use a light touch when reading braille. Pressing too hard ("smooshing") can make the braille unreadable, so emphasize gentle pressure. Use the following strategies to help the student develop a light finger touch.
Smooth TrackingGuide the student to smoothly track along the lines of braille text with the pads of their fingers, moving from left to right. This helps develop fluency and comprehension. In the beginning stages of learning braille, it's not necessary for the student's fingers to be on the exact words you're reading. Focus on developing tracking skills without strict word alignment. As the student becomes more proficient with braille reading, encourage them to track along with your reading, aligning their fingers with the words. This reinforces the connection between finger movement and reading comprehension. As the student begins to read, identify and address regressive hand movements, where hands and fingers move back and forth or up and down unnecessarily on the braille line. These movements interfere with efficient tracking skills. Provide practice in tracking lines while tactually discriminating between characters and words. Focus on helping the student develop smooth, left-to-right tracking patterns without unnecessary hand movements.
Tracking PatternsTeaching correct finger and hand movements for reading braille is essential for developing efficient reading skills. Here are some strategies for teaching tracking patterns and promoting proper finger and hand use:
By incorporating these strategies into braille instruction, you can help students develop proper technique, the mechanical skill of using light finger touch while reading braille, and proficient tracking skills. Consistent practice and reinforcement will support the development of proficient braille reading skills and enhance overall literacy abilities. |
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