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Concepts to Teach Students who are Blind or Visually Impaired

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Concepts to Teach

By: Carmen Willings
teachingvisuallyimpaired.com
Updated October 28, 2017


Concept development involves understanding the characteristics of an object and it’s spatial relationship with other objects. Students with visual impairments miss out on many opportunities to learn concepts incidentally as they may not be able to observe and effectively interact with their world.  
Students who are blind or visually impaired need to be provided with meaningful experiences and interaction with real objects that they can touch, hear, smell and see (if they have any vision). 
As stated in the Impact on Development and Learning section of this website, there are three primary limitations that students with visual impairments face. These include:
​
  1. A loss in the range and variety of experiences;
  2. A loss or the restriction in the ability to get around (which influences opportunities both for gaining access to experiences and for developing social relationships); and
  3. Loss of the control of the environment and the self in relation to it.

Students may also need guided exploration and explanations of what they are interacting with. Explanations provide the student with vocabulary associated with the experience, help the student make sense of what they are feeling and make connections to previous experiences. These experiences will help develop the students understanding of new concepts, develop their language, and motivate them to explore their environment which will subsequently lead to motor development.

To minimize or eliminate these restrictions, it is important to provide concrete and unifying experiences as well as to encourage the student to be a part of the action by "doing". When provided with concrete experiences, the student will experience many opportunities to develop concepts. Many of these concepts can be developed simply by actively participating in family and school routines. Other opportunities can be created that are fun and relevant for both students with visual impairments, but for sighted peers and siblings too. Both the Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments and the Orientation and Mobility Specialist will work with the student on building concepts. ​

Objects

(ex. chair, table, paper, book, etc.) 
​

​The best way to help children to identify and understand the difference between objects is to expose them to a wide variety of objects. Encourage the student to interact with the object and identify the characteristics of the object.
​
Suggestions for instruction:
  • Verbally label the objects, pointing out their similarities and differences. For example, what makes a chair a chair? A chair can be hard and a chair can be soft but the function of the chair is to provide the user with a place to sit.
  • Challenge the student to classify other items with similar characteristics. Provide literacy opportunities by pairing the objects with print/braille whenever possible in addition to the verbal labels.

Shapes 

(square, circle, triangle, rectangle, cylinder, cube, curve, oval, etc.) 
​

​Children need to first learn about three-dimensional objects and then once the student has an understanding of 3D objects, they can begin to transfer the skill to two-dimensional objects. All students will need this understanding, but it is imperative for future braille readers to have this foundational understanding in order to prepare them for identifying tactual graphics which is more abstract.
​
​Suggestions for instruction:
  • Shape inset puzzles, shape sorter toys and exploration of 3D shape models are a natural way to introduce shapes.
  • As the student touches the shape, verbally label the shape for the student.
  • Assist the student in tracing around the perimeter of the shape, pointing out the smooth edges or corners and sides. Incorporate literacy opportunities by placing the name of the shape on the object or puzzle piece and be sure to point out the print or braille word to the student.
  • Locate and explore shapes in play as well as in the environment. Encourage the student to search for and compare similarities and differences in shapes.
  • Help the student trace the outside of objects and compare to shape models to help them make the connections (e.g., the box of crayons is the shape of a rectangle, the lunch tray is also a rectangle, etc.)
  • Provide many opportunities with a variety of objects to help the child transfer their knowledge and understanding that shapes are all around them.

Once the student is able to identify 3D shapes, create 2D representations of the shape and encourage the student to match the 3D shape to the 2D shape as well as the 2D shape to a matching 2D shape.

Sizes

(ex. big, little, tall, short, thick, thin, wide, narrow, etc.) 
​
​Suggestions for instruction:
  • Practice learning about sizes by discussing sizes of objects and materials in the environment.
  • Provide the student with objects in a variety of sizes (ex. travel size items versus full-size items) related to the classroom topic or related to an area of interest.
  • Compare and contrast the size of the items. A classic story to practice size concepts is Goldilocks and the Three Bears.
  • Once students can sort and match shapes, encourage them to place them in order from smallest to biggest, shortest to tallest, thin to thick, etc.

Textures

(ex. rough, smooth, bumpy, soft, hard, furry, sticky, fuzzy, slick, etc.) 
​
​Suggestions for instruction:
  • Provide students with many opportunities to explore a wide variety of materials with various textures.
  • Tactile books can be obtained or created to compare textures.
  • Provide a variety of clothes with different textures and compare and contrast them.
  • Identify and sort a variety of textures. 

Body Awareness

(ex. parts, functions & movements)
​
​Suggestions for instruction:
  • Families can practice body awareness with little children naturally during bath time and during dressing.
  • ​In the classroom, a fun way for students to practice learning their body parts is by singing songs about body parts and movements. 

Positions & Spatial Relationships

(ex. on, off, in, out, front, back, left, right, up, down, above, below, top, bottom, in front, behind, on top, underneath, next to, beside, through, middle, center, between, here, there, under, over, upside down, right side up, first, last, together, apart, forward, backward, sideways, straight, there, under, etc.)

​According to Fazzi and Petersmeyer (Imagining the possibilities: Creative approaches to orientation and mobility instruction for persons who are visually impaired, AFB Press 2001), “development of spatial awareness helps students understand the placement, arrangement, and spacing of persons or things in relation to one another.” O&M specialists will play an important role in teaching spatial concepts to the student. Spatial awareness concepts apply not only to education but relate directly to travel. Spatial concepts include body awareness and spatial awareness. As with other concepts, direct experiences will help the student learn the concept. Physical experiences will help lay the foundation for development. Once a student has learned the concepts using their own bodies, they can then develop concepts related to models and representations.
​
​Suggestions for instruction:
  • Take advantage of opportunities throughout the day to point out the position of materials/objects in the environment. 
  • Create games to encourage the students to place themselves or materials in relation to other items.
  • Encourage the student to demonstrate the concepts on their own bodies, from the student's body to an object, and between two objects. 
  • Encourage activities that will develop the student's body concept such as large movement games that include rolling, crawling, walking backward and sideways, jumping and other movement variations.​

Suggested Materials

Tactile treasures kit
Tactile Treasures Kit, Tactile-Color Edition, available from APH, consists of tactile graphics of thermoformed real objects. This is another great tool for transitioning students from 3D objects to raised line drawings and tactile graphics.

Picture of picture maker
Picture Maker Geometric Textured Shapes, available from APH provides Velcro backed 2D shapes. This is a great transitional and versatile tool to use moving from 3D shapes toward tactual graphics.

Colors & Shapes Game by Trend
Colors and Shapes Lotto Game by Trend is a great shape matching game this is not only good for students with low vision but can easily be adapted with the addition of textures and tactile graphics making materials in order to make it accessible to students who are blind!

Positions lotto game
Positions Lotto Game by Trend is a great position photo matching game that is great for students with low vision who are able to visually discriminate pictures. I like the simple photos on an uncluttered surface!

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      • Visual Efficiency & Magnifier Grab & Go
      • Thematic Keyboarding & Braille Fluency
      • Vocabulary Cards & Checklists
      • Interactive Sensory Stories Product
      • Interactive Matching Activities
      • Interactive Visual Discrimination Product
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      • Conducting a FVLMA
      • Developing SMARTER Goals
      • Determining Service Intensity Using the VISSIT
      • Strategies for Selecting the Right AT
      • The Art of Teaching the ECC
      • Activities to Teach the ECC
      • Using Themes to Teach the ECC
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  • Presentations
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    • Workshops >
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    • Foundations of Teaching the ECC in the Age of Virtual Instruction
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    • Strategies & Activities for MIMO
    • Job Tasks for Job, Career & Life
    • Itinerant Teaching Strategies & Tips
    • Accommodations for VI
    • Strategies & Activities for Standard Course of Study
    • Using Themes to Teach the ECC
    • Accessible Content for BLVI
    • Conducting a FVLMA
    • Developing SMARTER Goals
    • Selecting the Right AT
    • Tips for Being a "Physically Fit" TVI
    • The Art of Teaching the ECC
    • Activities to Teach the ECC
    • Determining Service Intensity Using the VISSIT
  • Professional Practice
    • Vision Professionals >
      • Become a Vision Professional
      • Professional Preparation Programs
      • Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments
      • Orientation & Mobility Specialist
      • Low Vision Specialist
      • Rehabilitation Specialists
      • CATIS
      • Parapros & Braille Transcribers
    • Professionalism >
      • Professional Ethics
      • Professional Development
      • Teacher Standards
      • Professional Organizations
      • Certification Organizations
      • Awards & Recognition
      • APH Scholar Program
    • Instructional Planning >
      • VI Program Handbook
      • Caseload Analysis
      • Itinerant Teaching Tips
      • Year at a Glance
      • Role of the Classroom Teacher
      • Simulation Activities
    • Professional Publications >
      • General VI Resource Books
      • CVI & MD Resource Books
      • Braille Resource Books
      • O&M Resource Books
      • Early Intervention Resource Books
      • Journal Resources
  • Foundations of VI
    • History of Visual Impairments >
      • Timeline of VI
      • Biblical Passages Concerning Blindness
      • Notable People
      • Helen Keller
      • APH Museum
      • Leaders & Legends
      • History of Braillewriters
      • Legislation
    • Visual Impairments >
      • Structure & Function of the Eye
      • Vision Classifications
      • Common Vocabulary
      • Common Visual Impairments
      • Cortical Visual Impairments
      • Convergence Insufficiency (CI)
      • Deaf-Blind
    • VI Resources >
      • VI Organizations
      • US Government Agencies
      • Support Networks
      • Deaf-Blind Resources
      • Georgia Vision Resources
      • Online Parent Resources
    • V.I. Book Resources >
      • Children's Books
      • Young Reader Books
      • Books about Dog Guides
      • Teen & Young Adult Books
      • Non-Fiction Books
      • Helen Keller Books
      • Parent Resource Books
      • Grief & Suffering Books
    • Impact on Development & Learning
    • Psychological Impact
    • Social Etiquette
    • Financial Assistance
  • VI Service
    • Educational Programming >
      • National Agenda
      • The Expanded Core Curriculum
      • IDEA and Vision
      • Federal Quota Funds
      • Deaf-Blind Child Count
      • State SpEd Agencies
      • Schools for the Blind
    • Referrals >
      • Vision Concerns
      • Referral Process
      • Eligibility Guidelines
      • Vision Therapy Controversy
      • When Student Doesn't Qualify
    • Medical Vision Exams >
      • Medical Professionals
      • Vision Tests & Tools
      • Visual Acuity
      • Lenses
      • Visual Fields
    • FVLMA >
      • What is the FVE
      • Interpret the Eye Report
      • Environmental Observations
      • FVLMA Observations
      • Interviews
      • Assessment Kit Materials
      • Oculomotor Skills
      • Near Visual Acuities
      • Print Comparisons
      • Distance Acuity
      • Test Visual Fields
      • Vision Skills
      • Learning Media Assessment
      • Reading Rates
      • Writing the FVE Report
    • Service Planning >
      • ECC Annual Needs
      • Service Delivery Models
      • Least Restrictive Environment
      • Early Intervention Services
      • Students with Multiple Disabilities
      • Student Led IEPs
      • 504 Plans
      • Transition Plans
    • Writing Goals >
      • Writing SMART Goals
      • Blooms Taxonomy
      • Independent Living Goals
      • Compensatory Goals
      • Sensory Efficiency Goals
      • Assistive Technology Goals
      • Social Skills Goals
      • Recreation & Leisure Goals
      • Self Determination Goals
      • Career & Vocational Goals
    • Low Vision Eval
    • O&M Evaluation
    • Educational Assessments
  • Adaptations
    • Unique Visual Needs
    • Accommodations & Modifications
    • Home Adaptations >
      • General Home Safety
      • Kitchen Adaptations
      • Bathroom Adaptations
      • Medication Adaptations
      • Clothing Management Adaptations
    • Curriculum Adaptations >
      • Numbers & Counting
      • Algebra
      • Geometry & Spatial Sense
      • Measurement & Data
      • Early Literacy Experiences
      • Create Tactile Books
      • Reading Instruction
      • Reading Efficiency
      • Science Adaptations
      • Social Studies Adaptations
    • Material Adaptations >
      • Accessible Educational Materials
      • Large Print
      • Braille Code
      • Photocopying
      • Font Legibility
      • Increase Contrast
      • Pictures and Worksheets
      • Tactile Graphics Guidelines
      • Creating Tactile Graphics
      • Teacher Made Materials for Students with MD
    • Instructional Adaptations >
      • Individual Schedules & Communication Cards
      • Movies & Assemblies
      • Lectures & Instruction
      • Board Work (Chalk, Interactive, White)
    • Environmental Adaptations >
      • School Campus Adaptations
      • Classroom Design Tips
      • Labeling System
      • Adjust Lighting
      • Playground Adaptations
      • Sensory Areas & Rooms
    • Early Childhood Adaptations >
      • Daily Schedule
      • Morning Meeting
      • Weather Check
      • Dramatic Play
      • Blocks
    • Adaptations to the Arts >
      • Art Adaptations
      • Art Materials
      • Music
      • Music & Movement
      • Dance
    • Recreation & Leisure Adaptations >
      • Recreation Adaptations
      • VI Sports Associations
      • Recreation Resources
      • Camps for VI
      • Card and Board Game Adaptations
      • Transcribe Playing Cards
  • VI AT
    • Overview of Assistive Technology
    • VI Assistive Technology >
      • Non-Optical Low Vision Devices
      • Low/Medium Tech Devices for Tactual Learners
      • Optical Devices for Near
      • Optical Devices for Distance
      • Video Magnifiers
      • Screen Magnification & Readers
      • Braille Technology
      • Tactile Graphics Technology
      • Auditory Access Devices
      • Braillewriter Repair
    • Apps for VI >
      • Note Taking Apps
      • Apps for Accessing Books
      • Identification Apps
      • Navigation & Location Apps
      • Braille Apps
      • Magnifier Apps
      • Sound Making Apps
      • Cause & Effect Apps
      • Vision Skills Apps
      • Apps for Early Learning
      • Read to Me Story Apps
      • Apps for Communication
      • Android Apps for VI
    • AT Instruction >
      • Video Magnifier Instruction
      • Notetaker Instruction
      • Accessing Audio Books
      • Navigate Computer without a Mouse
      • Word Processing and Shortcuts
      • Keyboarding Instruction
    • iOS for VI >
      • iPads as Instructional Tools
      • Making the iOS Device Accessible
      • iOS Accessibility Resources
      • VoiceOver
    • Assistive Technology Assessment
    • VI AT Resources
    • Vendors
  • Instruction
    • Virtual Instruction
    • Instructional Strategies >
      • Development of ECC Resources
      • Teaching in Thematic Units
      • Teaching the ECC
      • Summer Reading (braille)
      • Summer Outdoor Activities
      • Rainy Day Activities
    • Compensatory >
      • Guiding Principles of Concept Development
      • Functional Skills
      • Community Based Experiences
      • Concepts to Teach
      • Organization & Study Skills
      • Cranmer Abacus Instruction
      • Time Management
    • Communication Modes >
      • Language Development
      • Braille Instruction
      • Braille Instruction Materials
      • Writing Braille
      • Signature & Handwriting Instruction
      • Nemeth Braille Code
      • Tactile Graphics Instruction
    • Sensory Efficiency >
      • Sensory Input
      • Encourage Use of Vision in Students with MD
      • Lightbox Use
      • Sensory Activities for Students with MD
      • Sensory Table
      • Visual Efficiency Skills
      • Visual Attend and Scan Activities
      • Visual Tracking Activities
      • Visual Discrimination Activities
      • Visual Motor Activities
      • Optical Device Use
      • Tactual Readiness
      • Developing Skillful Hands
      • Auditory Readiness
      • Listening Skills Instruction
    • Independent Living >
      • Responsibility & Independence
      • Mealtime Independence
      • Eating Adaptations
      • Food Preparation
      • Recipe Activities
      • Hygiene & Grooming
      • Dressing & Clothing Management
      • Money
      • Housekeeping Instruction
    • Orientation & Mobility >
      • Transition Between Activities
      • Proper Guide Techniques
      • Orienting Student to Environment
      • Mobility Skills
      • Travel
      • Dog Guides
    • Social Skills >
      • Non-Verbal Communication
      • Social Interactions
      • Self Concept
      • Icebreakers & Mixers
    • Career Education >
      • Classroom Jobs
      • Career & Vocational
      • Prepare for College & Career
    • Recreation & Leisure >
      • Learn to Play
    • Self Determination