The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), the UK's leading sight loss charity, is launching a special Braille themed teaching pack for children in accordance with National Curriculum key stage 1 and 2 History courses, to celebrate the bicentenary of the birth of Louis Braille in 2009.
The ready-to-teach education pack will be sent out to 22,000 primary schools across the UK and will include information, lesson plans and literacy games themed around the life and work of the remarkable inventor of braille, the embossed type used by blind and partially sighted people for reading and writing.
Until 2008, learning about the life and work of Louis Braille was a mandatory part of the curriculum. He is still eligible as a 'significant person' in the current National Curriculum, and it is hoped this year's celebrations of his life will spark further interest in his story.
RNIB is also encouraging schools to get involved in the bicentenary celebrations by taking part in a 'Dotty Day' - a fundraising activity where children are asked to come to school wearing something spotty. The money raised will help RNIB continue to produce and promote the use of Braille for blind and partially sighted people and education professionals.
Mandy White, RNIB's Braille Bicentenary Co-ordinator says: "RNIB wants every primary school student in the country to have the opportunity to learn about the amazing story of Louis Braille and develop a better understanding of what it's like to live with sight loss.
"Braille gives people the independence to manage their own lives, to read their own bills, to label everyday items, such as tins or packets of food, cleaning products, washing machine and cooker dials.
"Since its creation RNIB has been at the heart of braille and continues to champion the development of technology, giving braille users even more opportunity to take charge of their own lives. We hope lots of schools will take part in a 'Dotty Day' so their pupils can do more than just learn about the problems faced by blind and partially sighted people, they can make a difference by helping us raise fund to continue this vital work."
Each pack contains discs and materials covering the following areas:
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The history of Louis Braille with a range of activities suitable for pupils studying History at key stage 1 and 2.
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The basics of braille with activities and puzzles that help develop literacy in a fun way.
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What it's like to live with sight loss with engaging real-life stories of blind and partially sighted adults and children talking about the difference braille makes to their everyday lives
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A pass-around Braille card to allow pupils to try out 'real braille'.
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A guide for running a 'Dotty Day'.
The education and fundraising packs are free and are being sent out to 22,000 primary schools from late January 2009. Schools that don't automatically receive a pack can request one by calling RNIB's supporter enquiry line on 0845 345 0054 or email fundraising@rnib.org.uk
Find out more about the Louis Braille Bicentenary celebrations.
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