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Braille Math: Symbols & Spacing

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Lesson Plan

Braille Math: Symbols & Spacing

Students will be able to apply the correct UEB symbols and spacing rules for basic operation and comparison signs in mathematical expressions.

Mastering UEB math symbols and spacing is essential for accurate braille literacy in mathematics. This lesson empowers adult learners to confidently read, write, and understand mathematical equations, fostering independence in academic and daily life.

Audience

Adults

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Hands-on practice and direct instruction.

Materials

Whiteboard or projector, Braille embosser (optional), Braille paper (optional), Slide Deck: Operations and Spacing, Equation Building Tiles (Braille), Spacing Rules Cheat Sheet, and Equation Practice Worksheet

Prep

Teacher Preparation

15 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up: Review Numeric Mode (5 minutes)

5 minutes

  • Display Slide 1 of the Slide Deck: Operations and Spacing.
    - Ask students to recall the numeric indicator and how it affects the reading of numbers in braille.
    - Briefly review the braille representation of numbers 0-9.
    - Facilitate a quick oral drill, asking students to identify braille numbers displayed on the board.

Step 2

Introduction to Operation and Comparison Signs (10 minutes)

10 minutes

  • Display Slides 2-5 of the Slide Deck: Operations and Spacing.
    - Introduce the UEB symbols for addition (+), subtraction (-), multiplication (x), and division (÷). Discuss their shapes and how they are written.
    - Explain the spacing rules for these operation signs (e.g., spaces typically on both sides).
    - Introduce the UEB symbols for equality (=), less than (<), and greater than (>). Discuss their shapes.
    - Explain the spacing rules for comparison signs (e.g., spaces typically on both sides).
    - Distribute the Spacing Rules Cheat Sheet and review it with students.

Step 3

Activity: Building and Spacing Equations (10 minutes)

10 minutes

Step 4

Partner Practice: Reading Braille Equations & Wrap-Up (5 minutes)

5 minutes

  • Have students pair up and exchange their braille equations created during the activity.
    - Each partner reads the other's equations aloud, identifying any errors in symbols or spacing.
    - Display Slide 7 of the Slide Deck: Operations and Spacing.
    - Distribute the Equation Practice Worksheet for homework or additional practice.
    - Briefly review key takeaways and answer any remaining questions.
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Slide Deck

Braille Math: Symbols & Spacing

Let's unlock the secrets of math in braille!

Greet students and introduce the topic. Briefly explain the day's objective: mastering braille math symbols for operations and comparisons.

Review: Numeric Mode!

• What is the numeric indicator?
• How do we write numbers in braille?
• Quick practice: Read these braille numbers!

Ask students to recall the numeric indicator. Show examples of braille numbers and have them identify them. This helps activate prior knowledge.

Operation Signs: Addition & Subtraction

• Addition Sign (+):

• Subtraction Sign (-):

• Remember to leave a space before and after the sign!

Introduce the addition sign. Show the braille symbol clearly. Explain that a space is generally used on both sides for clarity.

Operation Signs: Multiplication & Division

• Multiplication Sign (x):

• Division Sign (÷):

• Consistent spacing makes reading easier!

Introduce the multiplication and division signs. Emphasize their distinct braille forms and consistent spacing rules.

Comparison Signs: Equal, Less Than, Greater Than

• Equals Sign (=):

• Less Than Sign (<):

• Greater Than Sign (>):

• These also need spaces around them!

Introduce the comparison signs: equals, less than, greater than. Highlight their braille representations and the importance of spacing.

Activity: Build Those Equations!

• Use your braille tiles.
• Build these equations, paying attention to symbols and spaces:
• 2 + 3 = 5
• 10 - 4 > 5
• 6 x 2 < 15
• 20 ÷ 5 = 4

Explain the activity. Students will use their tiles to build equations. Circulate to provide support and check for correct symbol usage and spacing.

Practice Makes Perfect!

• Partner up and read each other's equations.
• Identify any errors in symbols or spacing.
• Complete the Equation Practice Worksheet for more practice!
• You've got this!

Conclude the lesson by assigning the worksheet. Reiterate the importance of practice and answer any final questions.

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Activity

Equation Building Tiles (Braille)

Objective

To provide a hands-on method for students to practice constructing mathematical expressions using correct UEB symbols and spacing.

Materials

  • Cardstock or thick paper
  • Scissors
  • Braille embosser or stylus and slate (optional)
  • Markers (for sighted assistance if needed)

Instructions for Teacher

  1. Preparation (Prior to Class):

    • Print this guide on cardstock. If you have a braille embosser, emboss the braille symbols directly onto the tiles. Otherwise, students can use a stylus and slate, or you can use markers to draw the symbols (for sighted reference).
    • Cut out the individual tiles below. You will need multiple copies of the numbers and common operation/comparison signs for each student or pair.
    • Place each set of tiles into a small bag or envelope for distribution.

  2. During the Activity:

    • Distribute one set of Equation Building Tiles (Braille) to each student or pair.
    • Present various simple equations (e.g., "2 + 3 = 5", "10 - 4 > 5", "6 x 2 < 15", "20 ÷ 5 = 4"). You can write these on a whiteboard or say them aloud.
    • Instruct students to use their tiles to physically arrange the braille symbols for each equation, paying close attention to the correct symbols and required spacing as learned in the lesson.
    • Circulate around the classroom, observing students' work. Provide individualized feedback and guidance, correcting any errors in symbol recognition or spacing.
    • Encourage students to verbalize the equations as they build them.

Braille Tiles to Cut Out

(Print multiple copies as needed for each student/pair)

Numbers

Braille (Dots)Number
⠼⠁1
⠼⠃2
⠼⠉3
⠼⠙4
⠼⠑5
⠼⠋6
⠼⠛7
⠼⠓8
⠼⠊9
⠼⠚0

Operation Signs

Braille (Dots)Symbol
⠖ (dots 2-3-5)+ (plus)
⠤ (dots 3-6)- (minus)
⠐⠔ (dots 5, 2-4-6)x (multiplied by)
⠨⠴ (dots 4-6, 3-5-6)÷ (divided by)

Comparison Signs

Braille (Dots)Symbol
⠨⠶ (dots 4-6, 2-3-5-6)= (equals)
⠨⠐⠒ (dots 4-6, 5, 2-3-5)< (less than)
⠨⠒⠐ (dots 4-6, 2-3-5, 5)> (greater than)
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Reading

UEB Math Spacing Rules Cheat Sheet

This cheat sheet summarizes the essential spacing rules for mathematical operation and comparison signs in Unified English Braille (UEB). Remember, consistent spacing helps ensure clarity and correct interpretation of equations.

I. Operation Signs

(Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division)

Rule: A space should generally be left before and after each operation sign.

  • Plus Sign (+): ⠖ (dots 2-3-5)

    • Example: 2 + 3 = 5 is written as ⠼⠃⠀⠖⠀⠼⠉⠀⠨⠶⠀⠼⠑
    • Explanation: Spaces around the plus sign and the equals sign.

  • Minus Sign (-): ⠤ (dots 3-6)

    • Example: 10 - 4 = 6 is written as ⠼⠁⠚⠀⠤⠀⠼⠙⠀⠨⠶⠀⠼⠋
    • Explanation: Spaces around the minus sign and the equals sign.

  • Multiplication Sign (x): ⠐⠔ (dots 5, 2-4-6)

    • Example: 7 x 8 = 56 is written as ⠼⠛⠀⠐⠔⠀⠼⠓⠀⠨⠶⠀⠼⠑⠋
    • Explanation: Spaces around the multiplication sign and the equals sign.

  • Division Sign (÷): ⠨⠴ (dots 4-6, 3-5-6)

    • Example: 12 ÷ 3 = 4 is written as ⠼⠁⠃⠀⠨⠴⠀⠼⠉⠀⠨⠶⠀⠼⠙
    • Explanation: Spaces around the division sign and the equals sign.

II. Comparison Signs

(Equals, Less Than, Greater Than)

Rule: A space should generally be left before and after each comparison sign.

  • Equals Sign (=): ⠨⠶ (dots 4-6, 2-3-5-6)

    • Example: 5 = 5 is written as ⠼⠑⠀⠨⠶⠀⠼⠑
    • Explanation: Spaces around the equals sign.

  • Less Than Sign (<): ⠨⠐⠒ (dots 4-6, 5, 2-3-5)

    • Example: 9 < 10 is written as ⠼⠊⠀⠨⠐⠒⠀⠼⠁⠚
    • Explanation: Spaces around the less than sign.

  • Greater Than Sign (>): ⠨⠒⠐ (dots 4-6, 2-3-5, 5)

    • Example: 15 > 7 is written as ⠼⠁⠑⠀⠨⠒⠐⠀⠼⠛
    • Explanation: Spaces around the greater than sign.

Key Takeaway

When writing mathematical expressions in braille using operation or comparison signs, always include a space on both sides of the sign for proper braille grammar and readability. This helps differentiate the signs from other braille contractions or symbols.

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Worksheet

Equation Practice Worksheet

Name: _________________________

Date: _________________________

Objective

Apply your knowledge of UEB mathematical symbols and spacing rules to write the following equations in braille.

Instructions

For each equation below, write the complete expression in Unified English Braille (UEB). Pay close attention to the correct symbols for operations and comparisons, as well as the proper spacing around them.

  1. 2 + 7 = 9












  2. 12 - 5 = 7












  3. 4 x 6 = 24












  4. 18 ÷ 3 = 6












  5. 8 > 3












  6. 15 < 20












  7. 5 + 10 = 15












  8. 25 - 10 < 16












  9. 3 x 9 > 25












  10. 40 ÷ 8 = 5












Challenge Question (Optional)

Write a simple math problem of your own using at least one operation sign and one comparison sign, then write it in braille.












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Braille Math: Symbols & Spacing • Lenny Learning