25 Days of Christmas Advent Calendar

Submitted by Charlotte Cushman on Dec 08, 2012
Photo of advent calendar with braille numerals

This Braille Advent Calendar by Hillary Kleck is a great way to reinforce recognition of numerals in braille or print!  Using a set of drawers in which small toys, objects, or sound-makers are placed, children are encouraged to practice identifying and sequencing numbers in the countdown to Christmas.

Materials: 
  • 25 Box 3D Advent Calendar
  • Round Crystal Sticker – small (or any raised/dimension circle stickers)
  • Print Number Stickers
  • 12″ Christmas pattern/color cardstock
  • Paper adhesive
  • 25 prizes to put in each box (candy, bell, small tree ornaments, braille note, etc. Be creative!)
Procedure: 
  • Put braille numbers on each box using round crystals or other tactile materials.  Corresponding number stickers can also be placed on each box.
  • Measure the sides of the box that will show and cut the holiday cardstock to fit.
  • Adhere with paper glue.
  • Let everything dry overnight, or longer if the adhesive directions suggests.
  • Fill the boxes with all the fun and sensory exploring goodies you find to put inside! You could also use the extra crystals to create a message on the top side of the box such as your child’s name, “Merry Christmas” or the family name. 
Variations: 

Have the child braille the numbers to go on each box and help to set up the calendar.  You can be the one to place the items in each box, so that they can be a surprise, but having them help to write the numbers and place them in sequence is a nice way to reinforce number skills in a meaningful and motivating activity.

Common Core and Braille Standards
Foundational Skills: 
RF.K.1 Demonstrate understanding of the organization and basic features of print.
RF.K.1a Follow words from left to right, top to bottom, and page by page.
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Comments

Submitted by Hillary Kleck on Dec 09, 2012