450 chapter 47
GAME: FEEL A FRIEND
One child is blindfolded. He tries to
recognize his friends by feeling them.
Similar feeling games can be played trying to
identify different things by feeling them.
GAME: WHAT’S THE SMELL?
Blindfold the children and have them identify
things by their smell: things such as orange,
tea leaves, banana, and local herbs.
After the children play these different games, explain to them that because
blind people cannot see, they often develop outstanding ability to identify
things through hearing them, feeling them, and smelling them.
FINDING OUT WHICH CHILDREN HAVE PROBLEMS WITH
HEARING AND SEEING
It is important to find out as early as possible if a child cannot hear or see well.
Older children can do some simple tests with their baby brothers and sisters. A class
or group of children can also test the seeing and hearing of younger children, such as
those in nursery school or the first year of elementary school.
Testing the hearing of babies (4 months old and older)
• Children can notice if their baby sister responds to
different sounds, high and low, loud and soft. The
baby may show surprise, make some movement,
or turn her eyes or head toward the sound. Notice if the
baby responds to her mother’s voice when the baby does
not see her.
• Or make a rattle from seeds or small stones. Creep up and shake it behind the
baby’s head, first on one side and then the other. See if the baby is surprised.
• Then call the baby’s name from different places in the room. See if the
baby responds.
• To test if a baby hears some kinds of sound but not
others, do this. Sit at arm’s length from the baby, and
to one side. When she is not looking, make different
kinds of sounds. Say “Ps” and “Fth” to test for high-
pitched sounds, then “Oooo” for low-pitched sounds.
For other high pitched sounds, crinkle a thin, stiff piece
of paper or rub a spoon inside a cup. For other low
pitched sounds, watch if the child notices the noise of a passing truck, a train
whistle, a cow’s ‘moo’ or low notes on a musical instrument or drum.
Disabled village Children