Watches: A Tactile Book for Young Braille Readers

Submitted by Calleen Gaeir on May 07, 2014

I always try to pay attention to what the students I work with are most interested in and then make tactile books on those themes or using those objects. Many children who are blind or visually impaired are drawn to watches, as they make interesting sounds, they are found on the wrists of many adults the child spends time with, there is a big variety, and they give us important information in relation to our schedules and routines.

This is a very simple book all about watches, with one line of braille and print describing each watch, This is a great way to work on basic concepts, such as big and little, as well as a chance to discuss the concept of time and what it means for us in our daily lives.

My wish is that all of the children we work with should have just as many books as their sighted classmates! This inspires me to make lots of tactile books on all different topics.

Materials:

a variety of watches (They don't have to work, although it's fun and interesting if they tick.)
heavy paper
braille and print text or labels
hot glue or velcro to attach the watches to the pages
binding (This can be done using metal rings, a big 3-ring notebook, or comb binding, if you have access to that.)

Procedure:

Create the book with the student, if possible. Gather together a variety of watches and other materials.
Discuss with the child what a watch is, where it is worn, and why.
Examine the variety of watches and how they are all the same and how they are different.
Write a page about watch and what makes it special.
Attach the watch to the page.
Assemble the book when all of the pages are ready.