National Braille Literacy Month

Braille Reading and Writing Activities and Lessons for Sighted Kids

Mar 16, 2009

Learning braille writing can be fun with activities for Braille Literacy Month, like working with braille paper, writing braille and learning about braille books.

In January, National Braille Literacy Month and Eye Care Month are opportunities to learn more about the vision and the human eye through science and activities. Learn about the history of braille and try your hand at writing braille and learning braille via books and braille paper.

Braille Writing and Braille Books

Louis Braille is the inventor of the raised dot system of printing that allows the blind to read and write. Braille books and magazines were first printed in Louisville, Kentucky at the American Printing House for the Blind. This is the world's largest not-for-profit company, according to their 1999 press release inviting visitors to tour the printing press and learn to write their names in braille. The first braille book printed at the American Printing House (APH) was Fables and Tales for Children.

With a stylus, a special braille embossing tool, and braille paper or another fibrous paper that is tough enough to retain a raised dot without breaking, students can practice reading braille and writing braille. Each of the six dotted characters is written in a 2x3 square. Have students practice running their hands over the dots.

Have students bring in plain t-shirts and use puff paint to write their names on their shirts using braille. It's best to use the back of the shirt, especially for girls. When the paint dries, they will have custom made braille T shirts.

Reading Braille Activities for National Braille Month

In small groups of 2-3 students, mix up the name strips from the previous activity and see who can identify his or her own name. Similarly, blindfold one student and see if he can identify two other students by the name on their T shirts.

Check with your local Foundation for the Blind, a nursing home or other agency to see if you can find braille books. Allowing the students the opportunity to thumb through braille books and see that there are no pictures, and no visible printing can help them understand the plight of the blind reader.

Braille Month Discussion Questions

In 1809 when braille was invented, people didn't have access to audio recordings. What modern conveniences do we have that a blind person can use without knowing braille? Can the blind use computers? Christian families might want to discuss the impact of the first braille Bible. Ask students if they've seen public signs written in braille. How would a blind person know where the sign was? Invite a blind person to speak to your class or homeschool support group during national Braille Literacy Month to discuss life as a blind person. Visit a facility that trains guide dogs.

Learning about the different ways that the blind can access literature through braille writing can help students gain an understanding for the obstacles a blind person might face. Combine January's Eye Care Month with National Braille Literacy Month and students may end up with an appreciation for their vision and a desire to protect their eyes. Understanding braille and braille writing can give sighted students a sense of awe over the accomplishments of Blind Foundations. Reading braille books and practicing braille writing are memorable activities that can help kids feel braille with their own hands.

The copyright of the article National Braille Literacy Month in Homeschooling is owned by Lisa Russell. Permission to republish National Braille Literacy Month in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.