Introducing Braille to Kindergartners

TYPE

Research Project

COMPLETED

2021

OVERVIEW

Obtaining a strong understanding of what braille is and how to use it can help an individual excel in school, work, and their personal life. With rapid technological advancements, students are now turning to audio books and assistive technology to learn and complete assignments. This does not help with the retention and comprehension of braille reading and writing.

Introduction

Given the importance of braille writing skills for blind and partially sighted individuals (BPSI), this research aims to introduce braille concepts and emphasize pre braille learning in the kindergarten classroom, regardless of whether students have sight or have sight loss.

Pre braille: Activities that work to develop fine motor skills (two-handed coordination, finger mobility and dexterity, etc.) and concept development.

Methods

I collaborated with kindergarten teachers and teachers of the visually impaired (TVI), located in the Greater Toronto Area and Niagara Region.

Together, we questioned:

What tools and/or support might teachers need to conduct greater inclusive-based lessons in the classroom?
How can we increase engagement in pre braille and awareness about the braille writing system?

Through co-creation (co-design sessions, prototyping and feedback), we created an activity system to help foster pre braille practice and introduce conversations about braille in the classroom.

Introducing braille to kindergarteners, students will:

Become aware of other abilities, making the classroom a more safe and inclusive space to learn and explore.
Have preliminary knowledge if they need to later learn the braille writing system.
Have reduced stereotypes of people with other abilities.

Outcome A
Activity Prompt System

The activity prompt system includes:

Introductory cards outlining what the system is and how to use it
30 prompts: 10 settings, 10 actions, and 10 learning outcomes, all intended to be cut out and mixed and matched to create unique activities.
Example activities including the steps to plan and construct, and ways to introduce braille discussion in the classroom.
Blank activity cards for recording activities that were successful or enjoyable by students in the classroom.