Step by Step

When you teach to a student that is visually impaired, every educational activity represents a challenge for him. That is why you should always guide him, every step of the way. How do you do this? Follow these instructions and you will both benefit from them.

• Choose an activity and analyze the educational goals that you wish for your student to attain by the time it is complete. Since your students already is facing the challenges of being visually impaired, the chosen activity should be chosen meticulously.

• Identify the steps that your student must follow to complete successfully the activity. It will prevent frustration caused by difficulties while trying to figure out how to do it.

• Describe each step of the activity in great details. It would be easier for your student if the steps were describe orally, on a tape recorder that he can forward and rewind according to his needs than writing them down. After all, reading on a sheet of paper is a challenge in itself and can be quite frustrating for your student.

• A picture is worth a thousand words and when you describe each little step to your student while giving oral instructions, you will notice that to "picture" how to complete the chosen activity, the words and the details that they describe will not only be helpful but also precious as they will prevent frustration and wasted time. This way, your student will really learn and fully understand the concept taught as well as being able to attain the educational goals that you set for him through this activity.

• Make sure that your activity is ready with all the necessary material displayed on one surface, avoiding the need to run around and face additional challenges. Not having the activity fully prepared will create unnecessary difficulties and add to the frustration level of your student.

• Encourage your student to become independent as in "the real life", help will not always be as easily available as it is in class. Make it a safe environment as well as an educational one, not only on the academic level but also on the personal one.

• Encourage group participation as in life, your student will need to do his share as a team member, especially in the work place. Discourage team members when they try to help by doing your visually impaired student's work for him.

Follow these tips and you will both benefit from them...on a regular basis as they are tools to be used to built a positive tomorrow.