Great Expectations: Bringing books to life for blind kids

Cartoon girl lying on an open book

https://www.nbp.org/ic/nbp/programs/gep/ge_tips.html

Reading to kids when they’re little is a great way to introduce them to literature, and to set them on the path to being good readers themselves. But when your kid is blind and can’t see all the beautiful illustrations in the picture books made for small children, how do you help them experience the whole story? Some of us are natural performers but for those who aren’t, you might want to check out the National Braille Press’ Great Expectations program.

They have step-by-step instructions on how to bring a book to life through description, movement, songs, touch and more. Truthfully, a number of their tips are appropriate for all children, sighted and visually impaired. But it’s nice to see it all laid out so clearly.

They even have a featured book with interactive suggestions specific to this book. But really, the list works for any book.

 

 


Related Posts

A collection of colorful folded origami animals arranged on a wooden table, including a red crane, orange fox, yellow rabbit, green cat, blue dog, blue fish, and purple elephant.

Braille and Literacy

Fold, Feel, Read: How Origami Builds Pre-Braille Skills

Blind adult and origami enthusiast Lindy van der Merwe shares how paper folding can help blind children build important pre-braille skills, including tactile discrimination, spatial awareness, bilateral coordination, and active...

A colorful cartoon illustration of children gathered around a magic hat, pulling out bright word cards while letters, musical notes, and stars swirl through the air around them. The scene captures imagination and creativity coming to life through a collaborative poetry game.

Braille and Literacy

3 Inclusive Creative Writing Games for Blind and Disabled Children

Three creative-writing games transform simple words, numbers, and stories into collaborative poems. These playful activities encourage imagination, teamwork, language development, and creative thinking while helping children discover that poetry can...

Whimsical illustration of a gentle bridge made of flowing lines, musical notes, and Braille dots, connecting two sides. The image suggests music and Braille coming together as a pathway for learning and inclusion.

Braille and Literacy, Music Play, Special Needs, Visual Impairment

Braille needs allies. Music can be one of them.

An inspiring look at how music can support Braille literacy, creativity, and inclusion for blind children.