"Joy" Craft in Braille... to Teach About Fanny Crosby

Our young people's Sunday School class is studying the Commands of Christ, currently learning "REJOICE... when men shall say all evil against you falsely." The corresponding character trait is JOYFULNESS vs. Self Pity. We decided to delve into the life of the blind hymn-writer, Fanny Crosby, to learn more about JOYFULNESS.

 

Craft showing word, JOY, in Braille, and poem by Fanny Crosby.

To enhance the study, I looked for ideas to write in braille. I came up with this craft, which the kids just loved making. You can use this idea for any teaching where Braille is taught. I chose to use it with Fanny Crosby's poem written when she was 8 years old, allowing the children to create Braille writing for the word  "JOY" which was our teaching focus.

First... gather your supplies:

• black cardstock, cut into half sheets
• beige or tan cardstock, 4 1/2 x 6 1/2 inches
• tiny brads (found in scrapbook aisle of craft stores)
• double stick tape
• copy of Braille Alphabet
• copy of Fanny's poem, printed on gray cardstock

   

  "Oh what a happy soul I am,

  Although I cannot see;

  I am resolved that in this world

  Contented I will be.

  How many blessings I enjoy,

  That other people don't;

  To weep and sigh because I'm blind,

  I cannot, and I won't."

   

  ~Fanny Crosby, age 8 years

In this next photo, Noah and Wesley, after studying the Braille Alphabet, placed pencil dots for the word JOY, starting with the center letter first, to make sure the word was centered. Then they used a small awl to punch the holes. Straight pins could be used as well.

Emily is shown inserting tiny brads into the holes, and bending them back into place. The newly made Braille card, and Fanny's poem were attached with double stick tape onto the black background.

And voila! Grinning, Collin and Colten show off their finished products.

 

A Braille craft, to reinforce a study of the life of Fanny Crosby. A tactile approach to teaching... a good thing, indeed!