Skip to content
Activity and strategy

Adapt “Roll a Character” Games

Find out how to adapt a "Roll a Character" game using braille and tactile elements! Promote braille literacy and numeracy through this fun game.

The popular “Roll a Character” printable games can be adapted using braille and tactile elements for players who are blind. It’s easy and doesn’t take much time to prepare if you plan ahead!

Materials

  • Print & Braille Game Instructions
  • Tactile Pieces cut from template
  • Tactile Dice (or Dice app works with VO)

Adapting the Game

First, print the game instructions using an ink printer, or a braille embosser if available. Add braille text to the ink only printed pages. You can either add braille numbers to each of the dice or use puffy paint to fill in the dots for a tactile image.

Next, print the template for the character pieces. You can then simply place the template on the desired paper or material and cut out both at the same time, or trace the template outline onto the material to cut out.

Consider using different textured papers, felt, foam and other materials that will make the pieces easily distinguishable. Some lightly textured papers can be used in ink printers to simplify the process. You could also print the black and white templates to create raised line drawings of each piece using a braille embosser that prints graphics or a PIAF machine.

Finally, add any other tactile elements you wish using glitter glue or other embellishments. Allow to dry/set before using.

Playing the Game

The game can be played by one or more players. Each player should have his/her own character pieces but the game instruction board could be passed around along with the dice.

To begin, one player rolls the die and reads the number rolled by counting the bumps on the die. (Consider calling them “bumps” if you consistently refer to braille as “dots” to keep beginners from confusing the two concepts.)

The player then finds the number on the instruction sheet and reads the character part to add to his/her character.

If the player does not already have that part, he/she finds the tactile piece and then adds it to his final character sheet. 

The die and instruction sheet are passed to the next player who then completes his/her turn in the same manner.

Play continues until one or all players complete their characters.

Variations

The Dice App for iOS is a fun alternative to using regular dice. It is accessible with VoiceOver and also has options to change the color of the dice and background. It can be used for students who cannot physically roll dice, read dice, or if you just don’t have access to dice. 

Flashcards with the numbers 1-6 with large print and/or braille could also be used in place of the dice. The player would simply draw a card randomly from cards spread on the table, then turn it over to “roll” the number. The player returns the card to the table for the next player’s turn.

The instruction board text naming each character piece could be simplified for early learners or struggling readers or more descriptive for advanced readers. For example, in the Roll a Snowman Game, the teacher could braille “hat” instead of “felt hat” for a simplified version, or leave as “felt hat” for a more advanced version of the game.

Download PDF of “Roll-a-Jack-O’Lantern” Game.

Collage of "How to Adapt Roll a Character" games for tactile learners
SHARE THIS ARTICLE
Blog

Ideas for Teaching Tracking and other Tactile Skills

Alphabox showing an apple in the position of dot 1 in a braille cell
Activity and strategy

AlphaBoxes

Cut flowers in a mason jar
Blog

Flowers in a Jar Braille Art Design