Using Lego Braille Bricks: An example in an inclusive school in the East of Madagascar
The teaching method employing Lego Braille Bricks sparks greater interest in learning among visually impaired children.
In the East of Madagascar, within an inclusive school in the Atsinanana Region, Paulin Cloris RAZAFINDRAZOTO's class consists of 5 boys and 4 girls. Termed the gateway class, it enables these 9 children to prepare for integration into inclusive classes. Prior to this, the children were introduced to Braille to ensure they can effectively follow courses and have full access to education. Paulin incorporates training on the use of Lego Braille Bricks to enhance the children’s engagement and participation in the taught courses.
This training, facilitated by UNICEF, the Ministry of National Education, and LEGO Foundation in November 2022 in Fianarantsoa, focuses on assimilating the use of LEGO Braille Bricks. This teaching tool, developed by LEGO Foundation, aids blind and visually impaired children in developing manual skills and learning the Braille system through the use of LEGO bricks. While Paulin was already familiar with Braille since his primary school days, the innovation brought by Lego Braille Bricks ensures the deployment of more adapted teaching materials for optimal learning. Notably, mathematics, calculation, and reading are incorporated through games.
"This tool assists teachers in varying activities for students, facilitating their mobilization to participate. It becomes indispensable for them as they learn while playing. Furthermore, the use of LEGO Braille Bricks enhances interaction between visually impaired and sighted students. They play, work, and organize this tool together, fostering communication and mutual assistance. This established climate positively impacts school results," witnesses Paulin.
Today, all teachers in the inclusive school of the Atsinanana Region utilize LEGO Braille Bricks as a teaching tool in their respective classes. In total, 38 teachers from the three specialized centers and two inclusive schools, along with 04 trainers from the Ministry of National Education, underwent training on the use of LEGO Braille Bricks.
