The whole language-based classroom offers many opportunities for acquiring these skills and an appropriate context for simultaneously developing concepts about literacy. The teaching strategy described here is compatible with the whole-language philosophy and was devised to be linked with the special skills required for reading by touch. The example presented next involves the published text, The Three Billy Goats Gruff. The activities for this example have been used with beginning braille readers and writers and are authentic examples of children's work. You be the billy goat and cross the bridge.
Braille is confirmed as a viable medium for conveying a message.
The hand and finger movements required for braille reading are developed before detailed perception is required. A semblance of real reading is created, and opportunities for modeling the reading and writing process are provided. When dictated stories are used, the child's language and experiences are the bases for the message, so meaning and motivation are high and feelings of self-worth are conveyed. The use of dictated stories Both published texts and the children's personal writing can be used with this technique. Children's dictated stories are an accessible context in which to develop the special skills discussed earlier while integrating reading and writing.