VIDBE-Q Volume 66 Issue 3
Janessa and Our Experience
Janessa and I opened the box together. This was a thrilling time for both of
us as we had talked about them for a week or so while we anxiously waited for
them to arrive. It was a huge moment for me as I watched her pull out a brick and
we oriented it together and she was able to identify the letter B. It is one of those
teaching moments that I will never forget. The moment she realized that the bricks
held meaning to her was monumental for me, and I won't forget it.
We started by just allowing Janessa to explore the bricks. Once we oriented
her to the placement of the blocks she was ready to go. The blocks have enough
space for eight studs on top but following the 6 cell braille code, the bottom two
spots are always blank and include a text of the letter/number displayed on the
brick. Janessa began to place the bricks upright following this orientation pattern
onto the gray baseboard (two are included in each kit). She would explore each
brick and giggle while telling me or peers what letter was on each brick. The bricks
have the text on the bottom allowing anyone sitting or sharing the activity with her
to also know the letter on the brick regardless of their visual ability.
LEGO® Foundation and The American Printing House for the Blind have
teamed up and have created over 90 lessons and activities to use with the LEGO®
Braille Bricks. These activities have pictures and step by step directions that are
easy to follow and modify for your students. These can all be found on both the
