Literature Review

Literature Review

Future Reflections Fall 1988, Vol. 7 No. 3
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LITERATURE REVIEW
JUST ENOUGH TO KNOW BETTER: A
BRAILLE PRIMER
Written by Eileen P. Curran, M.Ed.
Published by National Braille Press, 1988
A Review by: Doris Willoughby
Parents of blind children realize that if they
themselves learn Braille, they can be much more
helpful and involved with their children's education.
Too often, however, they are bogged down
and intimidated by the regular manual for Braille
transcribers. Lessons are long and detailed, with
rather technical descriptions. Precise rules for
arrangement on the page-unimportant to the
Braille code itself-are emphasized.
A thoroughly enjoyable new book from the National
Braille Press changes all this. Short lessons
are clearly presented in an easy-to-read style.
Whimsical illustrations and clever wording add
humor and a cheerful approach.
Practice passages of Braille text consist of articles
which themselves promote positive attitudes:
"Braille, the Key to Literacy," from a speech by
Bernadette Kobierecki, and "A Report card for
the Teacher" by Mary Ellen Reihing. (The latter
is reprinted with permission from Future Reflections, Spring/Summer 1987.) Each passage is
given in double-spaced Braille, with the intent
that the learner will figure it out and pencil in the
words above the corrresponding Braille,
workbook-style. When the page is turned, the
same passage is then found in inkprint for
verification.
All of the signs of Grade II Braille are presented, with the common punctuation marks and the
numerals. Major rules of Braille usage are given,
though not all exceptions and ramifications are
explained.
Most of the Braille copy is in the form of actual
raised dots rather than dotted inkprint representations.
In a few places the Braille dots are a
bit weak and uneven, but generally the quality of
the dots is satisfactory.
Positive attitudes are emphasized. The Introductory
page begins, "Great Expectations-Your
child can learn to read and write, like you
do...maybe better."
Those learners who do want to study all the technicalities
of Braille transcribing can go on, fortified
by this excellent primer, to the study of the
regular transcriber's manual.
Just Enough To Know Better is available at the
reasonable price of $12.50 from:
National Braille Press, Inc.
88 St. Stephen Street
Boston, MA 02115
SCENES FROM THE 1988 CONVENTION
[PICTURE] Jane Kronheim (far right) is shown here in the Exhibit Hall of the
1988 National Federation of the Blind Convention. Her Learning Pillows were a popular and much-talked-about item.
[PICTURE] Joseli Walter of Michigan
(left) and Leslie Allen of
Texas (right) pose with
Leslie's mother, Brenda, on
the dance floor.
[PICTURE] The 1988 National Federation of the Blind Convention in Chicago, Illinois,
was the largest ever-over 3,000 people attended.
[PICTURE]Rebecca Loomis (top) of Iowa and Paivy
Ballayan (left) of California enjoy the new
toys in the convention child-care room.
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