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The Braille Bug
Learn Braille online.
Grade Level: 3-5, 6-8, Parents

http://www.afb.org/braillebug/

	CONTENT: The Braille Bug Web site for children was developed by the American Foundation for the Blind with the hope that children will not only learn about Braille but also increase their understanding of people with disabilities.
	AESTHETICS: The site gives users control of the background color and text, making it easier to read for those with low vision. It also uses a large font with good spacing to make it easily read. With the use of special hardware or software the blind as well as the sighted can use the site. Windows Media Player or Real One Player is needed for parts of the site.
	ORGANIZATION: Main sections of the site are accessed through the menu on the front page. A bottom navigation menu is also present on all pages with a link back to the homepage.
	REVIEW: Students in grades 3-6 can learn to recognize Braille letters and numbers, learn about blindness and related topics, and develop a better understanding of how disabled people adapt to meet their needs. There is also a good explanation of what Braille is as well as why and how Louis Braille invented the code. There is a description of high and low tech tools used to read and write Braille. Included is a printable Braille alphabet key. Games and activities are available for learning to recognize the Braille alphabet and numbers. A fun way to start is to type in your name and see it displayed in Braille. A section you won't want to miss is the Helen Keller Kids Museum. It gives an account of the life and achievements of this remarkable woman. The information, given in a timeline format, includes photos, videos, letters and more. Included in the section for teachers and parents is an instruction sheet for downloading Braille files, classroom activities and other resources.
	RELATED REVIEWS: Parents: Kids & Disabilities Internet: Interactive Web Sites Students: General Teachers: General Language Arts: General

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