Students who are just learning braille have a lot of challenges, namely tactile recognition. They need to be introduced to braille, through the avenue of pre-braille skills. In this easy to make and rather “on the cheap” activity, you can create a braille cell out of a carton of eggs and some round objects like ping pong or golf balls.
- 12 or 6-egg egg cartons
- sharp knife
- golf balls or ping pong balls
Procedure
- Take a standard-sized egg carton that normally holds 12 eggs. Six-egg cartons work just as well.
- Open the lid of the egg carton and use a sharp knife to cut the egg carton into 2, six-hole cartons. Amazing! You know have two complete braille cells.
- If you are still looking for cheap and inexpensive, or even free, drop by a local golf course and ask the manager if he or she will donate some golf balls. Usually, they will, if you explain the reason you need them.
- By turning the half of an egg carton vertically, you now have a complete braille cell, in which you can teach Grade I (uncontracted) and Grade II (contracted) braille. Having multiple egg cartons allows you to create more contractions and even sentences!
