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Welcome to the BrailleDoodle
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Unpacking the BrailleDoodle and 5 Super-Important Hints
Welcome to the BrailleDoodle. We are so glad that you are part of the BrailleDoodle family! Now, let’s get to know your new BrailleDoodle.
The BrailleDoodle, the two sheets of directions, and three thin plastic sheets with cutouts are inside the box. These plastic sheets are ‘Doodle Touch Covers,’ which slide onto the device and are cut out like stencils.
The BrailleDoodle is two-sided. It has a “Braille Learning Side” and a “Doodle Side.” First, we want to explain five super-important tips to help you get the most out of your new BrailleDoodle.
- Like a good pair of shoes, the BrailleDoodles improve as you break them in. The more you use them, the better the ball bearings will perform. Some of the ball bearings may seem a little sticky initially and may need a couple of direct taps by the magnet, but they will quickly perform just like the others.
- Do NOT press down when using the stylus. Simple taps and swipes raise the dots, and touching creations should always be done gently. Being gentle will increase the life of your BrailleDoodle.
- The stylus has a rounded magnet on one end and is shaped like a thick pen. The bottom has a triangular grip to help those not accustomed to holding a pen. Just pinch the triangle grip, let the top of the stylus drop into the space between the pointer finger and thumb, and you are holding it correctly.
- The spring lanyard may sometimes feel too short or tight. If this is the case, stretch the spring as far as it will go. Don’t worry—it will not break. Then when you try again, it will feel looser. This may need to be repeated several times.
- Work with two hands, one holding the stylus and the other to simultaneously touch the dots as they come up.
VERY IMPORTANT – If you are experiencing any technical issues, please contact us immediately so we can help. Click the Contact Us button below or email Matthew@TouchPadProFoundation.org.
The Braille Learning Side
Understanding the Braille Learning Side
Now, let’s get to know the Braille Learning Side of your new BrailleDoodle.
First, let’s orient the BrailleDoodle on the Braille Learning Side. This begins with finding the raised printed letters of the word “BrailleDoodle” at the top and two lines of standard Braille across the bottom. The magnetic stylus should be in its storage holder on your left-hand side (at 9 o’clock). Each corner, front and back, has rounded legs to raise the device slightly and protect the surfaces.
A magnetic stylus is stored in a slot on the side, tethered to the BrailleDoodle with a spring cord. Again, the stylus has a triangular grip to help those not accustomed to holding a pen. Just pinch the grip, let the top of the stylus drop into the space between the pointer finger and thumb, and you are holding it correctly.
The front of the BrailleDoodle has holes arranged in groups of six, two dots by three dots. These groupings create two sizes of large Braille cells. Each hole contains a tiny metal ball bearing that can be raised to the surface using the magnetic stylus and securely locked in place, creating a tactile dot. The dot is erased using a finger to push it back down.
Starting in the upper-left-hand corner are four rows of eight rectangles, each surrounded by tactile ridges. These larger rectangles are divided into four sections with thinner tactile lines. From left to right, the first section has a jumbo Braille cell called the ‘Example Cell.’
Here, only the holes specific to that Braille character are functional. This allows learners to repeatedly create that particular character as an example while still being able to feel all six holes.
Next to the ‘Example Cell” is the ‘Practice Cell.’ In the Practice Cell, learners can refine their skills using the six operative holes to practice that character. We go into further detail in the First Braille Lesson video.
Under each ‘Example Cell,’ letters and words are rendered in raised yellow print, allowing sighted users to follow along. Beneath each ‘Practice Cell,’ the Braille character is displayed in standard size on a raised rectangle.
Along with the Braille alphabet, there is also the capital indicator, the number indicator, and the words ‘and,’ ‘for,’ ‘of,’ and the word ‘the.’
Beneath the Braille alphabet and sight words, you’ll find two rows of 19 Braille cells separated by fine ridges. These smaller holes and metal balls are configured in 6-dot clusters. These rows of cells allow learners to read and write in complete words and sentences.
Located beneath these two lines of 19 Braille cells is a recessed rectangle with standard-sized Braille extending the length of the BrailleDoodle. The top row presents the standard-size Braille English alphabet with appropriate spacing, while the row below showcases the famous sentence encompassing every letter: “The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.” This arrangement enables users to experience standard Braille in letter, word, and sentence formats.
The next video introduces the Doodle Side of the BrailleDoodle. So, flip over the BrailleDoodle and get ready!
The Doodle Side
Introducing the Doodle Side of the BrailleDoodle! This side has an array of 1,333 dots. Orienting the Doodle Side in front of you begins by finding the raised printed letters at the top and the inset rectangle for a sticker at the bottom. The stylus will now be on your right-hand side.
The Doodle Side features four notches, two on each side of the surface, which securely hold the DoodleTouch Covers in position.
Each dot has a metal ball that can be raised by gently sliding the magnetic stylus across the surface. Or the dots can be raised by tapping to select individual dots.
These dots can be erased or reset by pushing them back down with a finger. They can also be cleared completely by sweeping the surface with the side of the stylus. To clear the surface quickly, hold the triangular bottom of the stylus sideways and swipe the board vigorously.
Another feature on the Doodle Side is raised dot markers like a dotted line across the center, from side to side, and down the middle from top to bottom. These raised dotted lines allow for orientation to the center of the Doodle Side and can also be used to set up an x and y axis for advanced graphing. An introduction to more advanced x and y graphing will be part of another video.
The DoodleTouch Covers
The DoodleTouch Covers for the Doodle Side
First, let’s try The House Cover. Hold the Cover over the BrailleDoodle with the large letter H and jumbo Braille cells at the top left and the large tree shape on the right. Starting at the very top of the BrailleDoodle, slide the cover under the four notches until it touches the stop notches at the bottom of the unit.
Now only the dots that are not covered can be raised. Begin to fill in the dots, creating the drawing of the capital H and the letters to spell “house” in Braille. It is best to fill in the entire shape with gentle strokes of the stylus. Another video will include a more detailed lesson on art and perspective with The House Cover.
Next, you can try the MathDoodle Cover. Hold the MathDoodle Cover so the cutout dots are across the bottom and from bottom to top to the left. Slide the cover down onto the device, dividing the dots into 2-by-2 square cells. Another video will explain some of the uses of the MathDoodle cover, including how to make and manipulate bar graphs and solve long-form math equations like the Brannan Cubarithm Slate, invented over 130 years ago.
Next, we can try the Braille Cover that divides the Doodle Side into dozens of large Braille cells. IMPORTANT – the Braille Cover has thin (half-inch) margins on the sides and top and a thick (one-inch) margin on the bottom. Slide the Cover onto the Braille Doodle with the thick margin in the down position. After sliding it on, you can start writing words and sentences in the jumbo Braille format.
More videos on using the Doodle Side and DoodleTouch Covers will be coming soon. Help us think of more uses and DoodleTouch Covers; click the Contact Us button.
The BrailleDoodle!
The Braille Side
‘The First Braille Lessons’
Please note that these instructions are to be used as a general guide. Once understood, lessons can be modified to match a teacher’s instructional style or a student’s learning style. Modifications will also need to be made for the age of the student. BrailleDoodle was designed to make learning intuitive, relaxed, and fun!
The time students take to master each of the following steps will vary greatly. Efforts should be made to note each student’s pace of learning and adjust instruction accordingly. For example, some students may only learn 2 to 4 letters at a time.
Be sure to pile on lots of praise!
PART ONE
Step one – Learn to raise and ‘erase’ the dots
Place the BrailleDoodle with the Braille Side in front of the learner and put the stylus in their dominant hand. Explain how the stylus raises the dots while the other hand feels them as they work. Move around the surface, practicing raising and pushing various dots back down. Tell the learner that the stylus requires no pressure to make the dots, and touching creations should always be done gently and simultaneously with their free hand.
NOTE: Have the learner get in the habit of occasionally putting aside the stylus and feeling their work on the BrailleDoodle using both hands. Explain how reading is always done with both hands.
Step two– Identify the dot numbers
Put the stylus aside, and starting in the upper left-hand corner, using hand over hand, have the learner feel the first braille cell and have them be able to count the dots in the assigned order. Explain – “The braille cell is comprised of six dots arranged in two columns and three rows. Each dot has a number 1 through 6. Beginning in the top left corner of the cell is dot 1. Moving down are dots 2 and 3. In the top right corner is dot 4. Then, moving down the right column are dots 5 and 6.”
Step three– Practice the dot numbers.
Have the learner move to the second cell, the ‘Practice Cell,’ where all the dots function, and have them lift the numbered dots you instruct them to. “Lift, dot one. Good, push it back down.” “Lift dot 5. Good, push it back down.” “Lift dots one and three. Good, push them back down.” and so on. Practice all dots and some combos, then move to the bottom rows of 19 smaller braille cells and practice by continuing the exercise across the bottom.
NOTE: The learner may benefit from having the instructor isolate the cells where the learner works by using their hands or some form of guide. The guide can be made by cutting a rectangular hole in an index card or thick paper. Fold the paper in half and toward the center, making two small cuts down and one across. Then, when you unfold the paper, you will have your guide.
PART 2
Start Learning the Braille Letters
- Guide the learner back to the top cell in the upper-left-hand corner and explain that the first letter they will make is “A.” Have the learner identify the dots and then “discover” with the stylus that dot 1 is the only one that functions. (Always use the two-hand method, one hand creating with the stylus and the other feeling as they go.)
- Have them examine this cell closely while they say the letter ‘ay’ aloud. (This is a multisensory learning technique that increases retention.)
- Have the learner form an ‘a’ in the practice cell and have them make sure it matches. Mistakes can be fixed right away by pressing down on the dots. Again, they should say ‘ay’ aloud and repeat these steps several times.
- Have the learner put the stylus aside and use both their hands. The letter ‘a’ in standard-sized braille is below the practice cell. Have the learner discover how the jumbo braille Cells above and this standard-size braille feel similar.
- The learner can move down to the rows of braille cells below the alphabet and be instructed to make 19 ‘a’s across.
- Put the stylus aside and have the learner feel their creation. Be sure to emphasize proper finger placement and tracking. A video that explains how to teach this well is available. Click on the text below, HERE, or Google “YouTube Braille Tracking Techniques.”
- Guide the learner’s hand down to the rows of standard-size braille letters at the bottom of the device. Help the learner find the letter “A” in the row with the alphabet and then in the row below that has the sentence, “The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.”
NOTE: For younger children, one should emphasize the phonics of each letter heavily. Sounds and words that start with that sound should be repeated: ‘A’ for ape. ‘A’ for apple, etc.
PART 3
Complete the alphabet
Repeat step four until the letters A through J are mastered. Learners may write different letters or combinations in the lines below. Then, introduce the braille patterns to complete the alphabet.
NOTE – Most braille instructors introduce the following braille patterns in this order:
Explanation of the chart below.
ROW 1 – A through J uses only the top four dots (Positions 1, 2, 4, and 5). The same patterns also represent numbers 1 through 0, but a number sign is used before them to indicate they are numbers.
ROW 2 – K through T are similar to A through J but with an extra dot in position 3
ROW 3 – This line includes the letters U through Z. These letters are similar to K through O but with an additional dot in position 6.
NOTE: There was no “W” in the French alphabet when Louis Braille invented it. Therefore, it was added later.
Optional idea for teaching the pattern of Braille. Mnemonics.
Mnemonics is like a fun trick to help one remember something. It is also good to imagine (visualize) each combination. The sillier and more fun you make it the better!)
- Guide the learner to remember A through J.
- Starting at K, say, “What does ‘3 Kittens Arrive’ mean? Can you remember that? Say ‘3 Kittens Arrive’ 10 times fast!”
- Say and have the learner touch as you explain, “K is like the A only it adds dot 3. So ‘3 Kittens Arrive’ means for a K is dot 3 + A. Then we see a pattern.”
- Introduce 3 Likeable Bees. L is dot 3 + B (say fun things like, “Can 3 bees be likeable? … buzz zap!” Make sure these concepts are mastered before moving on.
- Starting with U introduce 36 Unicorn Kites. U is dot 3 + 6 + K. Etc.
Mnemonics of K through Z
- 3 Kittens Arrive
- 3 Likable Bees
- 3 Mice Cry
- 3 Napping Doves
- 3 Oranges Eaten
- 3 Rabbits Hop
- 3 Socks? Impossible.
- 3 Ticks Jump
- 36 Unicorns Arrive
- 36 Violins Break
- 6 Wacky Jacks
- 36 X-rays of Cats
- 36 Yellow Diamonds
- 36 Zebras Eat
PART 4
Understanding the capital indicator
These steps will be continued with some of the following lessons:
- Identify dot 6 – the capital indicator. (Shown after the letter ‘Z’ on the BrailleDoodle)
- Practice making 38 capital indicators on the rows of blank Braille cells at the bottom.
- Explain how the capital indicator, dot 6, in a Braille cell comes before a letter to capitalize that letter. Therefore, capital A is dot 6 then dot 1.
- Practice – starting with capital a, capitalize all the letters on the rows of blank cells at the bottom.
PART 5 (To Be Continued)
Understanding number sign # (aka the number indicator)
- Review how letters A through J also represent numbers 1 through 9, and 0.
- Identify the number indicator as dots 3, 4, 5, and 6.
- Practice making 38 number indicators on the rows of blank Braille cells at the bottom.
- Explain how the number indicator in a Braille cell before a letter to indicate that letter now represents a number. Therefore, #1 is dots 3, 4, 5, and 6 in one cell and then dot 1 in the next.
- Have learner practice #1, #2, #3, #4, etc.
Reading and Writing Numbers Video.
PART 6 (To Be Continued)
Understand contractions for sight words
- And
- For
- Of
- The
- Introduce “With”
PART 7 (To Be Continued)
Step 10. Begin forming three-letter words
- Start with 3-letter, rhyming words: cat, sat, fat, mat, rat.
- Form short sentences like:
- “The cat sat.”
- “The fat cat sat.”
- “The fat cat sat on a mat.”
- PART 8 (To Be Continued)
Form longer words and sentences.
Detailed description or “Alt text” to explain the BrailleDoodle:
The BrailleDoodle is a two-sided tablet designed for braille learning and creating tactile images. The dimensions resemble that of a standard laptop, and it is constructed with durable dark blue plastic.
MEASUREMENTS
– Length: 12.8 inches (325 mm)
– Width: 9.25 inches (235 mm)
– Thickness: 1.1 inches (27 mm)
On its front side, the ‘Braille Side,’ the word “BrailleDoodle” is centered in yellow, and the TPPF logo is positioned to the right. This side is adorned with an array of holes arranged in two sizes of Braille cells. Each hole contains a tiny metal ball that can be raised to the surface using a magnetic stylus and securely locked in place, creating a tactile effect. The magnetic stylus is stored in a slot on the side, tethered to the BrailleDoodle via a spring cord.
Prominently featured are four rows of eight rectangles, each demarcated by substantial tactile ridges, housing examples, and practice spaces for each individual letter. In the ‘Example Braille Cell,’ only the holes relevant to that specific letter are functional, allowing learners to repeatedly create that particular letter as an example. Adjacent to it, within the ‘Practice Braille Cell,’ learners can refine their skills by using the six operative holes situated beside it to practice that letter. Complementing the Braille Alphabet, there is also the capital indicator, the number indicator, and the words ‘and,’ ‘for,’ ‘of,’ and ‘the’ presented in Braille.
Directly beneath each ‘Example Braille Cell,’ letters and words are rendered in yellow print. Underneath each ‘Practice Braille Cell,’ the Braille letter is displayed in standard size on a raised rectangle. The four sections are divided by slender tactile lines. The Braille cells in the upper section feature larger holes and metal balls for enhanced legibility.
Beneath the Braille alphabet, you’ll find two rows of 19 Braille cells separated by fine ridges. These smaller holes and metal balls are configured in 6-dot clusters, facilitating the composition of complete words and sentences. In this picture, in Braille, a sentence reads, “The BrailleDoodle is awesome!!! Yes!”
Located beneath these two lines of Braille cells is a recessed rectangle extending the length of the BrailleDoodle. The top row presents each standard-size Braille letter with appropriate spacing, while the row below showcases the famous sentence encompassing every letter: “The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.” This arrangement enables users to acquaint themselves with standard Braille in both word and sentence formats.
Turning to the “Doodle Side,” an array of 41 by 31 holes awaits exploration, totaling 1333 dots in all. Each ball, when raised, maintains a consistent distance of 6 mm from center to center. As depicted in our primary image, the surface is adorned with raised silver dots, creating tactile representations of a house, a capital letter ‘H,’ and the word ‘house’ in Braille.
In the near future, the BrailleDoodle will introduce a range of specialized cover options that serve as stencils. The BrailleDoodle features four notches, two on each side of the doodle surface, securely holding these flat covers in position. These flat covers will encompass guidance in various aspects, including Braille music, Braille math, contractions, shapes, graphs, art, and Braille in multiple languages.
The stylus is 4.6 inches (117mm) long and has a rounded magnet on one end and a hole for the tether on the other. It is shaped like a thick pen and is .5 in (13mm) wide at its widest point. The bottom has a triangular grip to help those not accustomed to holding a pen. Just pinch the grip, and you are holding it correctly.