English
English
If you are a secondary English teacher with a braille-reading student in your class, you probably have many questions about how to teach this student. Remember, you are a trained teacher in this subject area. All you will need are pointers, guidelines and strategies for teaching your braille-reading student in your inclusive classroom.
Considerations in Planning for Instruction in English
When planning for your English lesson, begin by reminding yourself about the unique learning processes of your braille-reading student. For example, suppose you are teaching a unit on how to use graphic organizers, such as webs and flow charts, to develop and understand story plots. You may show your class examples of different types of graphic organizers. While the majority of your students will be able to develop an understanding of graphic organizers simply by looking at them, your braille-reading student will need to explore the webs in a more sequential tactile manner in order to develop the same holistic understanding of it.
It is important that your take a proactive approach when creating your English curriculum. While planning your lesson, ask yourself, "How will my braille-reading student access the concepts learned in today’s lessons?" Make sure that you have an answer to this question before you teach your lesson.
Strategies for Learning
Consider the following strategies when developing your English lessons.
- Use a discovery approach in your learning. Encourage your braille-reading student find answers to questions and problems.
- Use a hands-on approach to teaching. Provide your braille-reading students with real objects to explore.
- Relate the real life experiences of your braille-reading student to concepts being learning in your English class.
- Encourage lots of dialogue during the learning process. Pair your braille-reading student with a peer to discuss issues and problems.
- Verbalize all information that is written on the board or on posters. Pair your braille-reading student with a peer who can read notes from the board for your student to braille.
- Provide an electronic copy of your notes to your braille-reading student if they use high-tech devices, such as a braille notetaker or computer.
- Touch base with your braille-reading student during your class to make sure that he or she is actively participating in your lesson activities.
- Prepare your braille-reading student for any upcoming fieldtrips. It may be necessary for him or her to be orientated to the fieldtrip site ahead of time.
- Prepare all braille and tactile materials ahead of time so that they are handed out to your student at the same time as the rest of the students in your class.
Social Studies Tools for Learning
Your braille-reading student will use specific tools to access your science curriculum. Your student's TVI will help you understand how these tools are used. The following is a list of possible tools that may be used by your braille-reading student in your class.
- Slate and Stylus, Perkins Brailler or other electronic braille notetaker for reading and writing.
- Computer with Jaws or other speech program.
- Social Studies textbooks or informational books available in braille.
- Tactile graphics.
Additional Resources
As you teach your course, it is likely that you will have many questions about teaching specific concept skills to your braille-reading student. Remember, you are not alone! Discuss your questions with your students TVI, as he or she will likely have suggestions and resources to guide you along your journey. There are also many resources that you can access on-line.