Oral Language-Tactile
Tactile Strategies
Appropriate Grade Level: Any age student that is visually impaired.
Procedures/Steps:
o Select the message you want to communicate.
o Decide the best way to communicate that message through what type
of touch- back of hand, shoulder.
o Identify how you will let the student know that you are close, before
touching him or her…saying name.
o Discuss whether and how to examine an item with the student.
o Decide whether and how to use tactile modeling.
o Observe the students reactions to your tactile interactions and modify
the interaction accordingly.
o Identify how you will end the interaction-let him know you are
leaving…pat on the shoulder.
Comments and/or tips: This article explained ho teachers often us visual
and auditory information and body gestures as well as tactile expressions;
however students that are blind cannot receive these modes of
communication. We must provide other strategies. The main alternative is
tactile. This article provided some good tips.
Source:
Downing, E. (2003). Using Tactile Strategies with Students who are
Blind and have Severe Disabilities. Exceptional Children, 36, 5660.