The Future at Their Fingertips: Promising
Practices in Literacy Instruction for Braille
Readers
Dr. Kathleen Stanfa, stanfa@kutztown.edu
Dr. Nicole Johnson, stanfa@kutztown.edu
Katherine Flick, kflic412@live.kutztown.edu
Kutztown University
What is fluency? Fluency is defined as the ability to read text accurately,
quickly and with proper expression. When fluent readers read, they recognize
words automatically and gain meaning from what they read. Fluency is
important because it forms the bridge between word recognition and
comprehension. Fluency development is critical for all students, including
those with visual impairments. It is important that teachers of the visually
impaired utilize effective practices that will support the braille user's
development of reading fluency. Many fluency-building strategies shown to be
successful with print readers can be adapted for braille. Below are games and
hands-on activities that can be
used with both braille readers and their
sighted peers. Using reading activities that can be easily implemented within
the general education classroom will not only aid with fluency development,
but may also enhance students' social skills.
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