Welcome to your personal contracted braille course! You are about to start a project that will benefit you in many ways. Knowing contracted braille can make it easier for you to read and write inclusively in your academic classes in high school and beyond on your own, which will help you reach your career goal. It can also be useful in your day-to-day life. 

What is contracted braille? It is a contracted system of raised dots derived from braille 1 that you can read with your fingers. Learners need mastery of literal braille 1 to take this class of stenography braille 2. I incorporate elements of literal braille 1 because the basic is essential to move on to the next step. Of course, the first time you feel these contracted raised dots you may find it confusing. But do not worry. You do not need special abilities to learn contracted braille. You only need to master braille 1. The fact that you are reading this, might show that you want to deepen your knowledge of braille. Congratulations! You already know how braille works. Therefore, it will become much easier for you.  

Probably you are wondering, What will be taught? What topics will I cover? Is this class a good fit for me? What are my credentials? How flexible am I? 

Part 1 of 2 hours (All the classes will be held in a weekly basis with a duration of two hours.)
One Braille Symbol That Represent a Word
In contracted braille, single letters of the alphabet or another braille symbol are used to represent whole words. When you read one of these characters standing on its own, it represent a word. The contraction and the word are followed by a sample sentence. Learners will be ask to generate a short sentence of their own for practice in class and as extended practice. 
Example: b (12): but
The learner did good in the dance lesson, but, sadly, was withdrawn from the class.
Note: Once a new contraction has been introduced, it will be used whenever possible in the sample grammatically correct sentences that follow in new lessons. Contracted braille follows faithfully the English grammar rules. 

Part 2
One Braille Symbol That Represent Part of a Word
In this part you will be introduced to a list of symbols that are used to represent part of a word, diagraphs. 
Example: sh (146) 
Sheba was a queen, but her son was not a prince.

Part 3
One Braille Symbol That Represent  a Word or Part of a Word
In this part you will find a list of contractions that can stand alone or can be used as part of a word. 
Example: and (12346)
No one will get sick and die, but she will not see it happen. 

Note: Part 4, 5 and 6 are similar, but they differ in the number of braille symbols or cells used to represent the short-form abbreviation. 

Part 4
Two Braille Symbols or Cells That Represent  a Words or Part of a Word
In this part you will find a list of contractions formed by two braille symbols or cells. A short-form is an abbreviation where the vowels or other parts of the word have been removed to shorten it. 
Example: here (5 125)
Here are two of those statements, but she and her son did not read them. 

Part 5
Three Braille Symbols That Represent  Short-Form Words 
This list of contractions are formed by three braille symbols or cells. A short-form is an abbreviation where the vowels or other parts of the word have been removed to shorten it. 
Example: above (1 12 1236)
The roof above here is red and beige, but over there, she and her son want it green. 

Part 6
Four Braille Symbols That Represent  Short-Form Words 
This list of contractions are formed by four braille symbols or cells. A short-form is an abbreviation where the vowels or other parts of the word have been removed to shorten it. 
Example: conceiving  (25 14 1236 1245)
Her conceiving of her baby in the above room was a miracle and a blessing, but she was exhausted here at home. 

Part 7
Braille Symbols That Represent  an Ending or Suffix
Example: "ound" (46 145)
I love "The Sound of Music" movie, but it is too sad when they walked over the mountains above.  

Part 8
Appendix
Review of contractions in alphabetical order from "about" to the suffix "ity", like identity.

Throughout the course, keep a positive attitude and be patient with yourself. At times, you may feel that you are not making any progress, and there will be days when your fingers are less sensitive. But this is normal, so do not give up! What can you do if your get discouraged? Stop and think of what you have already learned. Also, considering examples of people who have learned contracted braille can motivate and encourage you. 

I enjoy cooking, reading and teaching the Bible, watching real-life movies, exercising, investigating alternative health methods, interacting with multicultural people, traveling, gardening, reading, interpreting, and writing poetry. I love teaching contracted braille to people like you! Life is beautiful! I enjoy life with all its details! 

I look forward to working with your learner.