Classroom resources There are many helpful resources available for teachers of national curriculum subjects to students with sight problems.

This document lists equipment that many teachers recommend for use in the classroom. Most items discussed on these pages are widely available, or can be obtained from RNIB’s online shop and other specialist suppliers.

Find out about the latest subject specific classroom resources:

Science resourcesSRE resourcesEnglish resourcesArt and design resourcesDesign technology resourcesGeography and history resourcesICT resourcesModern foreign language resourcesPE resources

Information on some of the resources available from RNIB is included. Our full range of educational products can be viewed in our Online Shop.

Science resources

Syringes and pipettesMeasuring cylinders, beakers and test tubesTraysLight detectorsTimersCalculatorsThermometersColour detectorsGraph paper and embossing filmBumpons and Wikki StixWhite screen or cardBlue and red food colouring

RNIB – supporting blind and partially sighted peopleRegistered charity number 226227

Braille labeller and Dymo tapeGas or battery powered lightersRulers and tape measuresUsing the braille science codeAccessible image booksSuppliers

Syringes and pipettes Use separate syringes for measurements such as 1ml, 5ml, 10ml or 20ml. Syringes with plungers can have notches marked on them using a sharp Stanley knife or scalpel. You can buy accurately calibrated auto-pipettes that can be set to reliably deliver volumes of liquid accurate to 1 per cent - particularly good for pupils whose manual dexterity is poor. Available from suppliers such as Griffin Education and Philip Harris.

Measuring cylinders, beakers and test tubes Marking up the top of the cylinders with bright yellow tape, Day-Glo orange tape (DL95) or paint makes them much easier to spot and can reduce breakages. Beakers, test tubes and measuring cylinders can be marked up with Tacti-Mark (DL40/40A/40W); a non-toxic liquid that when applied to a surface dries and hardens within hours of application. It can be used mark levels on beakers, define the tops of beakers, etc. Bear in mind that it will melt upon contact with a high heat.

Elastic bands can be useful to show changes of level in a test tube or measuring cylinder.

Test tube racks, tripod legs and retort stand legs can all also be

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painted in bright colours to increase visibility, reduce accidents and stimulate residual vision

Trays One tray (or washing up bowl) containing equipment for each pupil with sight problems, such as scratch-free goggles and much of the adapted equipment mentioned above and below. This can be kept in a safe place by the lab technician ready for the pupil to use.

One empty tray with a lip for pupils to work in a defined area, making equipment easy to locate.

Light detectors Our audible light detector (DH248) emits a high pitch tone when in full light and a deep low pitch when in darkness. Light detectors are useful for detecting colour changes, as in the formation of precipitates or a bulb going on or off. They are invaluable in light and shadow work, for detecting the needle on some measuring instruments and even for reading a cathode ray oscilloscope.

Timers Invaluable for crucial timings in experiments. We have a range of easy-to-see, tactile and electronic timers.

Also, you could consider using the widely available stopwatches that beep at regular intervals (available from shops such as Argos).

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Calculators View our selection of clear print and talking calculators. There are various calculators based on laptops. Allercalc can be downloaded and has the facility to make the font any size and entry can be via the laptop keyboard rather than having to click on keys on the screen.

Thermometers Some pupils find alcohol thermometers easier to read (but it is worth ensuring that the temperature range is suitable for use) - these are available in bright red or blue. Alternatively, some digital thermometers have fairly large displays. Griffin Education produce one that may be suitable.

Colour detectors The Colbolt talking colour detector (DH289) detects 12 basic colours, not including the variations, such as light, very light, dark and very dark or combination of colours. Bear in mind that as it measures pigment, it would be useful for independence in, for example, pH testing experiments, but not in a titration exercise.

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The Colorino talking colour detector (DH288) detects up to 150 colours, including shade variations.

Graph paper and embossing film We have a range of clear print and tactile graph paper and pie charts. Alternatively you can make your own using thermoform, minolta or a computer system and photocopier. There are several websites which offer free graph paper templates. Large squared exercise books are available from Philip and Tacey. Plastic embossing film (LC22/23) (also known as German film) can be used on a Geometry mat (LC177) and drawn on using an embossing tool or 'dead' (inkless) ballpoint pen, to create tactile images.

Bumpons and Wikki Stix Bumpsons are great tactile markers and are also great for indicating levels and measurements. They are available in a range of bright colours and shapes and provide a great contrast.

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Useful for so many things, versatile Wikki Stix (LC49/50/115/116) can bused for plotting graphs, marking the tops of test tubes and even plotting light rays.

White screen or card Placing a piece of white card behind any demonstrations reduces clutter and improves contrast. In addition, the contents of test tubes etc can often be seen more easily this way and is particularly useful when reading the scale on a measuring cylinder.

Blue and red food colouring The addition of bright food colouring to water can make it visible, yet it is unlikely to affect the outcome of many experiments.

Braille labeller and Dymo tape The easy to use, hand-held Braille labeller (DL65) can be used to produce braille labels on Dymo tape (DL31/53/54), without needing a knowledge of braille. At only 9mm or 12mm wide the tape is ideal for marking chemicals in bottles, and the clear tape can be stuck on without obscuring print labels.

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Gas or battery powered lighters These lighters with long handles are much safer that matches and provide some independence for pupils.

Rulers and tape measures We have a range of clear print, tactile and talking tape measures and rulers. NES Arnold do an enlarged print ruler.

Using the braille science code Our Using the braille science code publication covers the code required up to A Level and is laid out in key stages. It has particular emphasis on layout students will encounter during exams. The guide can be purchased in clear print (TC21085P) from our Online Shop or the PDF file can be downloaded free of charge.

Accessible image books Our range of curriculum accessible image books are designed to support pupils studying subjects at Key Stage 4 of the National Curriculum. The images in these books have been designed to

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convey the information as easily as possible, although the subject matter may be complex. Each coloured clear print and tactile black and white image has accompanying supportive descriptions in 24-point print and contracted braille (grade two). These descriptions encourage the user to read the image in a structured and logical way, additional support from a teacher may be required.

There are three biology titles, two chemistry titles and one physics title.

Suppliers RNIB Telephone: 0303 123 9999 Email: helpline@rnib.org.ukWebsite: rnib.org.uk/shop

NES Arnold Telephone: 0845 120 4525 Email: enquiries@nesarnold.co.ukWebsite: nesarnold.co.uk

Griffin Education Telephone: 01509 23 33 44 Email: FSUK.griffineducation@thermofisher.comWebsite: griffin-education.co.uk

Philip and Tacey Telephone: 0845 123 7760 Email: sales@philipandtacey.co.ukWebsite: philipandtacey.co.uk

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Force Ten Telephone: 01372 45 08 87 Email: sales@forcetenco.co.uk Website: forcetenco.co.uk

Philip Harris Education Telephone: 0845 120 4520 Website: philipharris.co.uk

Sciencescope Website: sciencescope.co.ukContact: education@rnib.org.uk

SRE resources

TextbooksLibrary catalogueChildren's librariansReader services

Textbooks Read our guide to finding books for the classroom.

Library catalogue The RNIB Library Catalogue contains all titles available from our National Library Service including Talking Books, braille, giant print and braille music.

The catalogue can also be found on UnityUK, which is used by public libraries across the UK. This means that your local library may have access to UnityUK and can check what's available in accessible formats on their usual computer system.

Children's librarians Our children's librarians are available to assist young people, parents and teachers with enquiries about books and reading. There are over 4000 titles in braille, giant print (24 point) and unabridged audio on CD for children and young people. From contemporary novels to older favourites we have books by authors

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such as Stephenie Meyer, Roald Dahl, Jacqueline Wilson, and Michael Morpurgo to name just a few!

We also stock non-fiction, and although we don't loan text books, many of our titles do indirectly support the Curriculum. Books can be sent to home or school. Contact our children's librarians on 0161 355 2061 or email childrenslibrarian@rnib.org.uk

Reader services Our team of professional librarians can offer access to, and advice and information about, books and other reading matter available in alternative formats such as: braille, DAISY, cassette and large print. We cover a range of subject matter, for both study and leisure reading.

The team is able to help with the majority of book enquiries or, if not, point you to an organisation that can. If appropriate, we may also be able to provide a catalogue of available listings.

Contact our reader services team on 01733 37 53 33 or email LibraryInfo@rnib.org.uk

English resources

Promoting reading as a pleasurable activityIndividual textsUse of alternative mediaAccess to reference booksDictionaries and thesaurusesNon-literary textsPictures and graphicsOxford Reading TreeRecordingReading stands and guidesWriting frames, pens and paper

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Promoting reading as a pleasurable activity It is important to look for ways of promoting reading as a pleasurable and worthwhile activity. Reading materials should be interesting, attractive and clearly laid out.

A pupil should have as much choice as possible over the selection of personal reading. However, the teacher should use knowledge of the pupil's abilities and interests in directing that choice to ensure exposure to a variety of genres and authors.

The Ways of reading leaflet is designed to help you find reading materials in accessible formats for children of all ages. We also have guides to finding books for leisure and books for the classroom.

Individual texts Pupils should not be expected to share texts with sighted classmates. They will need their own, possibly modified, copy of any text being followed.

Use of alternative media Supplementary audio or video-taped material is invaluable to enable pupils to cover the expected breadth of texts in the time available, without compromising curriculum goals of skill acquisition.

Access to reference books Research and project work necessitates the use of reference books and the selection of information from various sources. Pupils with sight loss may need the help of a support assistant to access information which they require. However, the assistant should work under the direction of the pupil who needs to develop the skill of thinking about headings under which information may be found, and understanding different ways of classifying information, such as alphabetically, by subject or by author. The assistant should not take over the research task but merely enable the pupil to access the material. When the pupil has selected the material required, the assistant may give access to the content by reading it, or by transposing it into an appropriate

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medium, in cases where the pupil needs sustained or detailed access.

Dictionaries and thesauruses Oxford large print dictionaries are designed to be clear and easy-to-use, with exceptionally clear print to make reading easier. The main font sizes range from 12 to 14 point. Our Spelling dictionary for beginner writers is designed for new braille writers studying at Key Stage 1 and early Key Stage 2. Each word is shown in 18 point print, uncontracted braille (grade 1) and if applicable, contracted braille (grade 2).

Non-literary texts Non-literary texts must also be included in a pupil's reading. These texts generally need to be studied closely, and the pupil is expected to draw conclusions, compare and contrast, and evaluate how language is used. Access to such printed material may be difficult, but the curriculum expectations may often be met through the use of taped material. An appropriate selection of current newspaper articles, letters, advertisements etc should be made available in large print, braille or on tape. To obtain access to some reference materials, such as library books, pupils are likely to need the support of a support assistant, but technological equipment such as CD-ROM or an optical scanner, or CCTV can be helpful with suitable preparation.

Pictures and graphics If pictures and graphics are to be used as a stimulus for any activity, suitable alternatives may need to be found for a blind or partially sighted pupil.

Our range of accessible image books contain coloured clear print and tactile black and white images, as well as accompanying supportive descriptions in 24-point print and contracted braille (grade two). These descriptions encourage the user to read the image in a structured and logical way and, if required, enable sighted assistants to support them.

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Oxford Reading Tree Stages 1 to 9 (Biff, Chip and Kipper stories) of the Oxford Reading Tree are available in the shared reading format - braille on interleaved clear plastic sheets, so the pictures and print story can be read underneath. The 2007 editions onwards have been produced in both uncontracted braille (grade one) and contracted braille (grade two) and they include the capital letter sign and the 2004 braille code changes.

The older editions of Stages 1 to 9 are available while stocks last and have been reduced in price. These are only available in contracted braille (grade two) and they do not include the capital letter sign or the 2004 braille code changes. Stages 10 and 11 are available in single sided contracted braille (grade 2). Stages 12 to 16 are available in interlined uncontracted braille (grade 1) or contracted braille (grade 2). The books are available on A4 sized paper with non-capitalised braille only. They are not produced as shared reading books like stages 1 to 9. ClearVision Library also has some of the books available for loan. For further information contact ClearVision on 020 8789 9575 or email info@clearvisionproject.org

Recording Drafting Increasingly, all pupils are expected to produce written work such as book reviews on a word-processor, and to draft and re-draft their compositions before completing a final version. Pupils who are blind or partially sighted can work in the same way, using suitable braille or enhanced print technology. Like other pupils, they may produce creative writing of a higher standard if freed from the constraints of handwriting.

A digital voice recorder may be ideal for some learners who wish to record lessons or lectures and make additional notes in an audio format.

Reading stands and guides Reading stands encourage good posture by allowing you to raise the level of a book closer to your eyes. Used in conjunction with good lighting, reading and writing is made easier and the stands

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fold flat when they are not in use.

Reading guides (typoscopes) are designed to reduce glare and provide a small cut-out section making it easier to focus on a single line or small section of text. Writing frames, pens and paper Using fine or bold line handwriting pens with clear lined writing paper can help to make writing easier. A writing frame or guide may help learners who struggle to write in a straight line.

Art and design resources

Resources available from RNIBMore useful resources

If possible, a very wide range of real objects should be provided for pupils with little or no sight to touch, such as natural forms, models, wood carvings, sculptures, scale models and textiles.

Resources available from RNIB We've listed a few of the resources available from RNIB. Our full range of art and craft products can be viewed on our Online Shop.

Identifiy the colour you want to draw with by smelling the fun fruity scents within our pack of twelve watercolour Scented marker pens (GD03), including minty green, cherry red, brown cinnamon and lemon yellow. We also have a range of fine and bold line black pens.

Wikki Stix (LC49, LC50, LC115 and LC116) are endlessly re-usable flexible strips made of wax and yarn. They can be bent, pressed together and placed onto most surfaces to form creative and colourful tactile pictures.

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Our 10 paint stampers (GD07) have large yellow easy-to-grip handles and blue sponge bases. The shapes include: circle, square, flower, triangle, rectangle, oval, pear, parallelogram, shield and pentagon. Drawing with your Perkins brailler (TC21277P/B) contains detailed step-by-step instructions (rather like knitting patterns) for creating 36 different drawings, including simple shapes and pictures such as elephants and trains. Completed pictures can be coloured in, or have collage added.

Children can create their own fun, colourful pictures and patterns or follow one of the 16 pattern cards supplied with the String-along lacing kit (GD04).

More useful resources Art Mache - a type of papier mache made from a powder which

is easier to handle and dries rock hard. Clay - endlelessly useful material which can be purchased in air

dried form.

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Craft scissors - with different blade patterns for adding decorative effects to everyday paper.

Masking tape - useful for drawing activities. Mod Roc - plaster impregnated gauze. Newspaper straws - cheap constructional material that allows

pupils to construct large scale sculptures. Pasta shapes - useful for collage. Vilvelle - suede type material ideal for collage activities.

Design technology resources

Resources available from RNIBMore useful resources

Resources available from RNIB We've listed a few of the resources available from RNIB. Our full range of kitchen products and craft and DIY products can be viewed on our Online Shop.

Kitchen resources Our publication Food technology: the design process (TD32) contains accessible images that have been designed to support pupils learning about the design process as part of Key Stage 4 Food Technology. The six images are: Parts of a wheat grain; Chocolate cake - design proposal; Gannt chart example; Flowchart example; Star chart example; Quality control on the production line. We have a selection of talking kitchen scales, two of which also have clear digital displays and the useful "add and weigh" function for weighing multiple ingredients in the same bowl. A talking measuring jug (DK89) is also available.

Dycem is not sticky, but grips dry slippery surfaces such as worktops, trays, door handles and jar lids. It is ideal to position under items such as mixing bowls, chopping boards, crockery, reading stands, or any item you would benefit from having extra stability. Our range of Dycem non-slip products includes; mats and reels, jar and bottle openers.

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The Good Grips apple corer and slicer (DK68) is a great gadget that easily cuts through fruit, making the perfect slices. The One Touch automatic can opener (DK124) is ideal for people with limited hand mobility as it opens the can independently. Our Multi-grater (DK122) comes with three blades for course and fine for grating, shredding and zesting. The interchangeable blades sit on the supplied plastic box which collects the grated food, which can then be easily transferred to a plate or pan.

Our range of cooking timers includes easy-to-see, tactile and electronic timers.

Craft and DIY resources We have a selection of clear print, tactile and talking tape measures, as well as tactile rulers and protractors. We also have a range of fine and bold line black pens, useful for drawing up design plans.

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Needle threaders are simple devices that enable you to easily thread a needle.

More useful resources Technology Teaching Systems stock a wide variety of useful items for children's work, such as motors, bulbs, wire, wheels, cog wheels, cardboard disks, dowel for axles (drinking straws rotate on them!) and stripwood of various sizes.

Sandvik make an excellent sanding block with a rough surface that lasts a great deal longer than sandpaper. The surface can eventually be replaced as required. They are a great size for blind and partially sighted pupils to use independently. A smooth sanded piece of wood is a very tangible result for a pupil with little or no sight.

Lynx jointers are a type of jig to hold card corner joints together both for assembly and whilst the glue is setting. They can also be used to help position axle supports mentioned earlier. Paper fasteners and paper clips are useful for making electrical switches.

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Geography and history resources

Geography resources from RNIBHistory resources from RNIB

We've listed a few of the resources available from RNIB.

For Geography and History textbooks read our guide to finding books for the classroom.

Geography resources from RNIB View the geography resources in our Online Shop.

Our hand-held talking compass (LC163GER) is ideal for rambling and orienteering exercises. There are seven geography titles in our range of curriculum accessible image books; they cover weather, climate and tectonic activity. These books are designed to support pupils studying subjects at Key Stage 4 of the National Curriculum. The images have been designed to convey the information as easily as possible, although the subject matter may be complex. Each coloured clear print and tactile black and white image has accompanying supportive descriptions in 24-point print and contracted braille (grade two). These descriptions encourage the user to read the image in a structured and logical way, additional support from a teacher may be required.

Dwellings (TD13) from our range of general interest accessible image books may also be useful. We have a range of World and country maps available in both clear print and tactile formats, including:

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tactile Key Stage 2 maps collection (533348) clear print Key Stage 2 maps collection (537185) clear print Key Stage 3 maps collection (537184) tactile Key Stage 3 maps collection (533350) clear print map of the World (21268563) which shows countries

only tactile map of North America and Canada (546826) clear print map of the Arctic (592370) There is also a large selection of town and city, county and transport maps on our Online Shop.

History resources from RNIB You may find some of the titles from our range of general interest accessible image books useful. These books contain coloured clear print and tactile black and white images, as well as accompanying supportive descriptions in 24-point print and contracted braille (grade two). These descriptions encourage the user to read the image in a structured and logical way and, if required, enable sighted assistants to support them. Ships through history (TD11) Egyptian life (TD15) Shakespeare (TD17) Space (TD41)

We have a tactile Map of the Roman Empire (506418) and the Terry Deary book The Rotten Romans is available in braille (564470) and on DAISY audio CD (801427). Take a look at the other titles available in the Horrible Histories series.

ICT resources

Product advice and informationResources available from RNIB

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The learning environment of a school or college presents many and varied challenges to blind and partially sighted learners. Adopting technology solutions enables every student to access the curriculum appropriately, with an inclusive environment, offering them independence and the tools to learn.

Product advice and information For experienced technical product support and advice contact our Technology Team on 0845 900 0015.

Resources available from RNIB We've listed a few of the ICT resources available from RNIB. Our extensive range of assistive technology products can be viewed on our Online Shop.

Our collection of touch-typing tutorials are designed to teach the layout of the keyboard and then improve the learners typing skills, building towards full touch typing. There is no software installation required, simply put the CD into the computer and the typing tutor will start automatically.

Large print keyboards We have a selection of keyboards and keyboard stickers providing large print and clear contrast keyboard solutions. The Pelham large print lower case keyboard (HK41) has standard sized black keys with large print (up tp 32 point) yellow lettering to make each key easier to read. The Apple keyboard (HK45) is the same ultra thin keyboard supplied by Apple but with large print (up to 46 point) on each key. The Apple keyboard is also supplied with a soft, flexible silicone skin which covers the keyboard and inverts the colours to give white text on black keys.

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Microsoft Windows explained Our range of Windows explained guides are designed for blind and partially sighted computer users, as well as IT trainers and support staff. The teach about the MicroSoft system from a non-visual perspective and use clear, friendly explanations to take the reader through the basics of computer terminology and Windows concepts. Large print and tactile images are available to accompany the Windows guides.

Voice recorders Our range of Olympus digital voice recorders are ideal for educational studies as well as downloading music, podcasts, online lectures and audio books.

Braille displays and notetakers The BrailleSense plus 18 portable notetaker (HT254) is one of the smallest available and has a wide range of applications and features to help you manage day-to-day life at school, home and on the move. Pre-installed software includes a word processor, email, web browser, scheduler, address book and media player.

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Video magnifiers A video magnifier or CCTV is a simple way for learners with some useful vision to enlarge text, images and maps.

Modern foreign language resources

Bilingual dictionariesUsing the braille codeTextbooks

Bilingual dictionaries Our Collins Easy Learning bilingual dictionaries are ideal for anyone of any age who is starting to learn French, German or Spanish. The font size in the large print edition is 18 point and they are also available in contracted braille (grade 2). Available from the languages section of our online shop.

Using the braille code Our Using the braille code publications (French, German, Spanish, Maths, Science) are intended for use by all those who are involved

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with the teaching of primary or secondary school children who use braille as their main medium for communication. Based on the braille code used in the UK for transcribing from print text into braille, it includes advice about transcription issues and covers the code required up to GCSE level.

These publications can be purchased in clear print or the PDF files can be downloaded free of charge from the languages section of our online shop.

Textbooks Load2Learn is a free service providing accessible textbooks and images to support dyslexic, partially sighted or blind learners who have difficulty reading standard print. Allowing them to read the same books, at the same time as their classmates, giving them the same educational opportunities.

Publisher Lookup aims to help educationalists working with disabled learners to get an electronic version of published texts as quickly as possible. It provides key contacts for publishers of academic texts and a guide for obtaining texts in alternative formats. For further information on finding textbooks read our guide, books for the classroom.

PE resources

BallsAccessible image booksTextbooks

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Balls Read a parent's review of the Gym and play ball (GS03), our orange inflatable rubber ball with bells inside that is suitable for indoor and outdoor use and is also great for games in the swimming pool.

Goalball is a sport which was formulated for people with sight problems and is a recognised Paralympic sport, which is also approved by the International Blind Sports Association. The audible goalball (GS08) is made of strong, heavyweight rubber with eight holes and contains three metal bells so it can be located when in play.

The Mitre football (GS05) is an Inflatable white rubber football, fitted with carbon steel balls (ball bearings) which rattle when the football is shaken or moved.

We also have a medium sized sensory ball (GS10), which is ideal for simple games and sensory tactile play.

Maxi Aids and Independent Living Aids in America offer beeping basketballs, footballs and rugby balls.

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Accessible image books Our range of curriculum accessible image books are designed to support pupils studying subjects at Key Stage 4 of the National Curriculum. The images in these books have been designed to convey the information as easily as possible, although the subject matter may be complex. Each coloured clear print and tactile black and white image has accompanying supportive descriptions in 24-point print and contracted braille (grade two). These descriptions encourage the user to read the image in a structured and logical way, additional support from a teacher may be required.

Physical Education: the muscular system (TD36) contains the following images: Front upper body; Back upper body; Front lower body; Back lower body; Muscle and muscle fibre; A myofibril and protein rows.

Physical Education: factors affecting performance (TD37) contains the following images: Extreme endomorph; Extreme mesomorph; Extreme ectomorph; Somatotype triangle; Influence of the menstrual cycle; Carbohydrate loading.

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Biology: bones, joints and muscles (TD20) contains the following images: Structure of a long bone; Cross section of a synovial joint; Cross section of a ball and socket joint; Hinge joint (knee); Arm bends; Arm straightens. Biology: respiratory system (physiology) (TD24) contains the following images: Breathing in; Breathing out; Diagram of the respiration cycle - front view; Diagram of the respiration cycle - side view; Key to cellular diagrams; Gaseous exchange in the alveolus; Oxygen release to body cells; Key to spirometer trace; Spirometer trace.

Biology: respiratory system (structure) (TD23) contains the following images: The respiratory system; The lungs; Cross section of the left lung; Cilia and mucus secreting cells; Fish gill structure.

Textbooks For tips on finding texbooks read our guide, books for the classroom.

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