It is with great joy that I now introduce to you the students of Blessings School For The Visually Impaired!
We are starting with the Primary 1 Class.
Next is the Primary 2 Class.
This group is super sweet and there are many who are talented singers!
Here we have the Primary 3 Class.
From looking at all the smiles in this group, you can tell that they are full of joy! There are more talented singers in this group and this is Blessing, Bosco's daughter's, class. Blessing is the one wearing a sweater. She always has a smile on her face!
Next we have the Primary 4 Class.
I spent the majority of my time in the P4, P5 and P6 class rooms, so I got to know these kids pretty well. It was fun watching the P4 class learn new lessons and help each other out. They had plenty of questions for me as well and I enjoyed telling them about my life!
Here we have the Primary 5 Class.
I can say that I enjoyed watching this group learn, help each other and answer their questions about my life as well! There were many moments that we had to figure out what I was saying in English or what they were trying to say in English. It made for lots of laughs and it was a good learning experience!
Finally, here is the Primary 6 Class.
Again, I can say that I enjoyed watching this group learn, help each other and answer their questions about my life as well! There were many moments that we had to figure out what I was saying in English or what they were trying to say in English. Both of these students are smart and are always trying to get the best marks on their work. Since they are older I liked hearing the questions they had about the lessons and life, learning more about the world we live in.
The tools the students use for Learning
The students start off learning braille. What is braille?
"Braille is a tactile method of reading and writing. Instead of text, each letter, number, and punctuation mark is represented with a series of dots.The dots follow a predictable pattern, making braille more successful than other alternative reading and writing options. Like Western text, braille is read from left to right. Instead of reading with the eyes, the reader uses their fingers to feel the raised bumps representing each letter. The average braille reader can read braille at 125 words per minute."
Information found: www.webmd.com/what-is-braille-
The students learn to write in braille using Braille Slates that come with a Stylus.
"What is a Braille Slate and Stylus? The slate and stylus for braille are writing tools. Using the slate and stylus is, in a way, the braille equivalent to writing on pen and paper. This system allows users to emboss dots on their paper by hand.The braille slate can range in size from small enough to fit in your pocket to the size of a desktop. The slate is made up of two pieces of metal or plastic connected by a hinge. When the hinge is closed, one piece rests on top of the other.The top piece consists of rows of rectangles. Each rectangle overlays a grid with six indented dots. To write using a braille slate, a piece of paper is placed between the two layers. The user then uses the stylus to create indentations within each rectangle. The size of the slate depends on how many lines the slate has and how many cells are in each line. Smaller slates may only contain a few lines, while larger slates may have several.The braille stylus has a wooden or plastic handle and a sharp metal point. The metal point is what embosses the paper to create the raised dots. Styluses may come in many sizes and handle shapes to accommodate different-sized hands."
Information found: www.webmd.com/what-is-a-braille-slate-and-stylus
They later learn to use a Perkins Brailler Writer for typing.
"The Perkins Brailler has been the most widely used mechanical braille writer in the world since its invention in 1951. With over 70 years of craftsmanship, the brailler stands the test of time with a resilient metal casing and a closed body architecture that limits dust accumulation.Whether you’re learning to read braille or working on a complex math equation, the Perkins Brailler was built to accommodate a range of uses. The wide paper length, full margin adjustment and fast response time between typing and output allows for versatile, lifelong use."
Information found: www.perkins.org
They also use Orbit Writers, which is portable, electronic and has a sim card to save notes/data.
The key features of the Orbit Reader are:
- Ultra-compact, Bluetooth-enabled Perkins-style Braille keyboard
- Works seamlessly with all smartphones and computers
- Ergonomic design for comfortable use
- High-quality scissor keys for smooth and quiet operation with tactile feedback
- Navigation keys for intuitive device control
- Simultaneous connection to multiple devices via Bluetooth and USB
- Haptic feedback for actions and settings
- Lightweight yet rugged construction
- Attachment points for a strap or lanyard
Information found: ceciaa.com/orbit-writer-portable-braille-keyboard
For math they use a Math Teaching Slate with Cubes and the Orbit Reader.
"The Math Teaching Slate helps blind and visually impaired students perform arithmetic calculations
Each cube is embossed with Braille signs using upper four dots (1,2,4 and 5) and embossed line
Cubes are placed on partitioned board/slate to do calculations."
Information from: amazon.com/Braille-Teaching-Slate-Cubes-
What the students Learn
The different subjects that the students learn are:
English
Social Studies
Science
Math
Kinyarwanda
ICT
Music
Every school morning starts off with Morning Assembly, singing the national anthem, prayer and announcements.
Every Monday is Chapel with worship songs, prayer and Bible study lead by the teachers.
There is also Mobility Training on Mondays. Teacher Luke starts off by asking students different questions to quiz them on what they are learning. He will then give a lesson such as how to find which direction they are facing, etc.
Students start ICT class in P4. The class is neat to watch and the school is blessed to have a very nice ICT room/equipment!
There are many teachers/staff who are gifted in playing guitar and singing. For the time being, Luke teaches students guitar and piano. Many students show talent in playing guitar, singing and keeping rhythm!
Whenever there is break time or it is after school the students always show their love and encouragement to each other. They will sit in groups and talk, play hand clapping games, dance and have joy in living life together!
Being with these students for 3 weeks was a huge blessing! I was able to teach them and they also taught me. I look forward to going back to see everyone again and just how much they have grown in height and their learning!
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