I loved when my students made their own graphics. First we started with tactile graph papers, foam stickers, and wikki stix. As my students go older, they learned how to make designs, pictures, and graphics using aluminum diagramming foil, Tactile Graphics Kit, and a hot glue gun.
Great question! For the learner in my example, we worked on graphics skills and understanding (on the school map) for a full school year twice a month for 1.5-2 hours each session (other conceptual learning, graphic skills, and O&M skills were also embedded). We had repeated exposure and experiences with parts of the map - starting small and breaking the large map into bite-sized chunks. Creativity was key (hence the Candyland School) to keep the learner engaged and attentive. We then built off of these skills in the next school year to more advanced skills and graphics learning.
These provided her with foundational skills that could be transferred to graphics in textbooks - her TVI provided further instruction for these skills once the gap was identified.
Check out this resource - it is free and has a ton of resources that would likely benefit your student!
I definitely plan to exploit the language used to describe The Job of the Fingers, with both my new braille readers and my stubborn, I only want to use one hand, reader. Thank you!
I also plan to have students create their own tactile graphics as a culminating activity. After teaching them to read a graphic. I’ve had them teach the graphic to someone else and I’ve had them make their own graphics but I’ve never thought of having them recreate a graphic as a way to solidify their learning. Thanks again!
The fact that the student can now navigate the tactile graphic screen by panning is a skill in itslef. It needs to be taught and they should practice accessing all areas of the diagram. To teach this skill, I am wondering if a familiar diagram should be used so they can practice the panning techniques without being presented with novel information. Once the skill is aquired, the student should then explore accessing the tactile library and choosing a diagram of their interest.