Reply To: Omission represented by a square box
Yes, according to GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS FOR TACTILE GRAPHICS Section 11.2.4 (copied below), a tactile graphic is required when a square box (or other shape) is shown as a sign of omission in an equation in K-3 materials.
Section 11.2.4 states: "For readers in kindergarten through grade 3, do not use the shape indicator (i.e., edc for circle) to represent objects. Shapes should be shown as tactile graphics."
Note: It is not appropriate to replace the shape with the Nemeth general omission symbol. Not only does this practice break Nemeth Rule X, Sec.57, but in K-3 materials print will often show different shapes as hints to the meaning of the omitted item. For example, a square shape may indicate that a numeral is required, a circle shape may represent a missing comparison sign, etc.
You can determine the number of blank lines to allow for the amount of vertical space needed by using an embossed page as a measuring template.
Also note Section 11.2.1: "Graphics for young readers should be produced using uncomplicated area textures and clean strong lines. Solid shapes are more easily recognized than are outline shapes."
And Section 11.2.5 "In materials for readers in grade 4 and above, a tactile graphic is preferred, but braille dot graphics may be used, including ... shape indicators."
Read GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS FOR TACTILE GRAPHICS UNIT 11 "Graphics for Early Grades" for more information.
--Lindy Walton (Committee Member)
edited by Lindy on 10/5/2011