VIDBE-Q Volume 66 Issue 4
Belinda Rudinger,
Texas A&M University-Commerce,
Belinda.Rudinger@tamuc.edu
Learning to read is commonly a shared experience between parents and
children. Bedtime stories, magnetic letters, trips to the library, and favorite books
passed down through generations all form the framework for early literacy. What
happens when children use a different literacy medium than their parents? How
can parents support their children who will use braille as their gateway to books?
While it may seem intimidating at first, there are many ways that parents can
support their children on this journey. The fields of applied behavior analysis,
embodied learning, and multi-sensory instruction offer some helpful guidelines for
the path forward.
Five Areas of Reading
Parents of budding braille readers can start by familiarizing themselves with
two of the National Reading Panel's five key concepts: Phonemic Awareness and
Phonics (National Reading Panel, 2000). Phonemic awareness involves the ability
An Interdisciplinary Approach to Braille
Literacy: Tips & Tricks for Parents