Tactile and Object Exploration Among Young Children with Visual Impairments

Tactile and Object Exploration Among Young Children with Visual Impairments
Carl J. Dunst and Ellen Gorman; CELLReviews: Vol. 4, no. 2 (2011)
Center for Early Literacy Learning

The relationships between variations in object and surface features and tactile and object exploration were examined in nine studies including 82 preschool children with visual impairments. The types of exploratory behavior that were investigated have been hypothesized to be precursors of braille readiness. Results showed that objects and surfaces that were more complex in feel and provided children more feedback were associated with greater amounts of exploratory behavior. Implications for practice are described.