Braille Fluency & Comprehension

By: Carmen Willings
teachingvisuallyimpaired.com
​Developing fluency and comprehension in braille is key to building confident, independent readers and writers. This section focuses on strengthening reading speed, accuracy, and understanding while reinforcing writing and formatting skills. Through guided practice and meaningful literacy experiences, students gain the tools to access information efficiently and express ideas clearly in braille.

Reading Fluency

Instruction in braille fluency emphasizes consistent practice to increase reading speed and accuracy. Activities focus on tracking, recognition of contractions, and efficient hand movements. Strategies include repeated readings, timed practice, and the use of engaging, age-appropriate materials to motivate developing readers.

Reading Comprehension

Comprehension instruction helps students move beyond decoding to understanding and analyzing braille text. Lessons emphasize making predictions, identifying main ideas, sequencing events, and answering comprehension questions through both oral and written responses. Strategies include shared reading, discussion prompts, and tactile graphic interpretation.

Writing Activities

Writing practice supports literacy development by reinforcing braille reading concepts and encouraging expressive communication. Activities focus on sentence structure, punctuation, and use of contractions. Students create journals, stories, and reports using braillewriters, slates and styluses, or digital devices with refreshable braille displays.

Evelyn Jane Stories

The Evelyn Jane Stories provide leveled, high-interest passages designed for early braille readers. Each story builds reading confidence through familiar vocabulary, predictable sentence structures, and repeated contractions. Printable versions can be used for individual reading practice or guided comprehension activities.

Braille Formatting

​Instruction in braille formatting helps students organize written work to meet standard conventions. Lessons cover headings, paragraphing, lists, and spacing, promoting clarity and professionalism in academic and personal writing. Students learn to apply formatting rules using a braillewriter, slate and stylus, or digital braille notetaker.

ECC Instruction

Teaching Strategies
Compensatory
Concept Development
Alternative Communication
Emergent Literacy
Beginning Braille​
Braille Code
Braille Fluency & Comprehension
Braillewriter
​​Slate & Stylus
​​Tactile Graphics
​Nemeth Code
Access Classes
​Abacus 
​Organize​
​Study Skills
​Time Management
​​​​Listening Skills
Sensory Efficiency
Support Sensory Needs
​Auditory Efficiency Visual Efficiency Skills ​​Optical Device Use
Tactile Readiness
Assistive Technology
Social Skills
​Non-Verbal Skills​​​​ ​Communicate Cooperative Identity ​Interactions
Self Determination
independent living
Personal Care
Hygiene & Grooming
Personal Health
Eating & Table Manners
Household Skills
Shopping & Consumerism
Clothing Management
Telephone
 Food Preparation
Money & Budget
Services
​Safety
Orientation & Mobility
Recreation & Leisure
Career & Vocational