How Do I... 

Tell when my students are misbehaving?

Kids usually make noise when they’re not behaving. Use auditory clues and move around the room. Keeping transitions smooth and having a full lesson also allows less time for the students to create their own activities. Randomly calling on students during class activities for participation can also keep them focused.

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Keep track of my class on a field trip?

Have attendance sheet in Braille or another medium that you can access. Then take attendance at designated times and places. Using a buddy system is another way to keep kids grouped together.

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Do lunch/recess/bus duty?

Circulating and talking with kids constantly is an effective way to monitor larger groups. It is also helpful to establish procedures with students ahead of time—line up, safety issues, etc.

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Pick up on nonverbal communication from my students (i.e. tearing up in frustration)?

Relying on audio clues is really most effective for blind people.

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Familiarize myself with print curriculum?

Use scanners and live readers before beginning the school year to immerse yourself in the curriculum you will teach. Some districts have curriculum on databases that only teachers can access, so a screen reading or magnifying program could help you to access the print on the web site. As you are reading and learning, translate necessary materials into a format that you can access. It is also possible to contact publishers ahead of time to see if you can get an electronic copy of the text.

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Grade assignments and homework?

When possible, have students e-mail papers; then you can use a screen reading or magnifying program. If their work is typed, you can also scan it. Some teachers use CCTV’s or other magnifying equipment. You can also hire readers to read the student work to you.

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Evaluate students’ work as they work on it in class?

Have students read aloud what they have written on the paper. It is easy to tell if the student is actually reading. You can give feedback based on their reading. Additionally you can have student use your hand to trace lines to help them describe their drawing, problem-solving, etc.

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Do all the paperwork required by administrators?

Much of it can be completed electronically, so again using a screen reading or magnifying program is most helpful. Programs like JAWS, Window Eyes, and Zoomtext are common programs for teachers to use. Additionally you can use scanners or live readers to complete the paperwork.

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Keep track of who is who?

Learn voices—have kids say their names when they raise their hands.

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Work with proprietary software that is inaccessible?

Use readers as you try and work with the company to make it accessible.

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