Tozzles
From Claire Ozel Wiki
Tozzles = Touch Puzzles
Without looking – the sighted are blindfold – can you put the pieces in their places?
Do not race against time , otherwise important details will be missed.
Although finishing a Tozzle is very satisfying, focussing on the process is more important: Can you feel the difference between varnished and unvarnished surfaces? How do you describe a piece? And a hole? What different clues can you use to place a piece? How do you know when it is in the right place?
Start by focussing on small targets: only remove one piece from Tozzle 1, the player can focus on working out how to place this, certain this is the right hole. Once this is grasped all pieces can be removed and scrambled.
Observers must minimise comments: these not only distract but interfere with the intense but unseen thought processes. Teachers and parents must learn to watch in silence, allowing the player to find their own very individual way.
Tozzles focus on geometric perception, which exists to different degrees in people, whether sighted or not. For instance, a person with rich imagination and verbal intelligence may struggle; Tozzles allow them to focus on minute steps which will lead to the development of systematic strategies used in a scientific approach.
Players learn to explore not only the Tozzle in front of them, but also the processes in their mind, learning to notice details rather than the whole, experiencing the fear… and of novel situations and overcoming the waves of …
Observers must learn to watch in silence, as what they see bears little relationship to what the player is seeing in their mind.
Recent neuro-science findings show the importance of stimulation for mental development, which occurs when neural connections are formed between cells. Repeated playing of Tozzles reinforces these neural connections, resulting in learning.
Suitable for all ages with suitable motor coordination; 5 and over.
Tozzles were originally designed for the visually impaired living in a visual world, where the visually impaired are too often marginalized. With Tozzles, looking is forbidden; explore with your finger tips, and learn to see with your mind. Even those born without sight have visual cortex, which they can develop according their individual intelligences ( see Oliver Sacks and Gardener )… The generation of the mental map which is produced with Tozzles is a simplified version of the special awareness needed for independent mobility. Tozzles stimulate the visually impaired and allow them to develop confidence
Multiple impairment : By observing a multiply impaired player, a teacher or guide can identify specific blocks and verbally guide the player towards alternatives. A few well-chosen questions draw the player's attention to the specific stalling point and allow them to find their own answer. Tozzles have been shown to significantly extend concentration span, as each hurdle is brought to a manageable level and success encourages the player to continue.
The sighted experience a new way of seeing,
Develop empathy and understand what CAN be done without sight. Tozzles are suitable for training those working with the visually impaired. Overcome fears of failure or new experiences. Push limits and develop new strategies. Various uses:
Played alone, repeated use reinforces understanding, at the player's own pace Language development, both receptive (listening to a guide's questions and following instructions) and productive (describing the shapes or process) Geometric concepts – length, size, proportion, angle, symmetry… Note: The concept of ‘angle' is particularly difficult without sight Concentration and focus Logical reasoning Strategies and approaches Coping with new situations and overcoming fear Note: with use, the texture difference between the varnished and unvarnished surfaces may disappear. Sand the underside to roughen it.
Have a try! But no peaking…
Turkish Patent Institute number 20044 01498
