Surveys research on the differences between haptic and visual learners and describes a haptic testing program to help industrial arts teachers work with haptic students. (SK)

Four stages in the development of tactual perception are described (awareness of tactual quality, shape conception and recognition, graphic representation, and symbology systems). Educational applications for blind infants and children are given for each stage. (CL)

Small-set segmental identification experiments were conducted with three deaf-blind subjects who were highly experienced users of the Tadoma method. Systematic variations in the positioning of the hand on the speaker's face for Tadoma produced systematic effects on percent-correct scores, information transfer, and perception of individual…

Describes the ways in which our own view of the world effects the way that we interpret information. Contends that we need to know the difference between perceptions and illusions. Discusses the world of illusions; haptic senses; adaptive adjustments; and visual illusions. (ZWH)

A teacher describes ways in which learning disabled students can learn through tactile-kinesthetic approaches devised by the teacher. Examples are given of multiplication instruction by counting on fingers, and grammar and long division instruction through movement. (CL)

The author defines and describes tactile defensiveness, provides information to assist the special educator in recognizing and coping with the syndrome, and addresses the unique behavioral problems and academic performances characteristic of learning disabled students. (SB)

This article suggests ways to use tactile teaching strategies with students who have severe and multiple disabilities including blindness. Guidelines address tactile modeling, tactile mutual attention, presenting tactile information, providing effective tactile representation, hypersensitivity to touch, and a team approach. (Contains references.)…

Two experiments, each involving 96 sighted undergraduates, investigated the effects on braille learning of presenting information about the number of dots a symbol contains at the beginning of the study interval (prompting condition). In study 1, prompting was compared with presenting no information during the study interval. In experiment 2,…

Research on object exploration by infants addresses milestones in the process by normally developing infants, including spontaneous manipulation strategies. Implications for developmentalists working with high-risk preterm infants are noted, including the need for direct assistance in manipulation and for selection of materials. (CL)

This article defines tactile defensiveness as a sensory processing problem that results in aversive responses to touch. The article outlines causes, presents sample behaviors to assist in recognizing the possible presence of this dysfunction in infants and toddlers, and offers suggestions to assist in coping with and seeking appropriate treatment…

Reviews the development of spatial organization in children with blindness. Discusses the importance of motor exploration, tactual development, and spatial representation as critical factors in developing spatial and cognitive organizations of their surroundings. Suggests seven specific activities to improve spatial organization in blind children.…

The article suggests that Belcastro rods, which retain the basic properties of Cuisenaire rods but allow instant identification by touch, may be useful in teaching mathematical concepts to blind children. Drawings illustrate use of the rods in teaching such concepts as addition and subtraction. (Author/DB)

Children are motivated to write when they produce their own rubber stamps to use in their stories. Suggestions for making rubber stamps in the classroom are given. (DF)

In an effort to make freehand drawing instruction more easily transferred to architectural design, a series of exercises was developed based on touch, movement, and vision. The intent is for students to mimic and develop empathy with the items they are drawing. Examples and illustrations are provided. (MSE)