Here's a breakdown of how it happened:
The Foundation:
* Finger Spelling: Helen first learned to communicate through finger spelling, a method where each letter is represented by a specific hand position. This formed the base for her understanding of the alphabet and the concept of written language.
* Tactile Alphabet: Anne Sullivan used a raised-letter alphabet (braille) and a special board to teach Helen the letters and their corresponding sounds. She would trace the letters on Helen's hand, helping her associate the shape with the sound.
The Process:
* Word by Word: Helen started by learning individual words, slowly building her vocabulary. Anne would trace words on a board and then have Helen spell them back using finger spelling. This repetition was crucial for Helen's understanding of word formation.
* Sentence Structure: As Helen's vocabulary grew, Anne introduced sentence structure. She would arrange objects to represent a simple sentence, like "doll is on table," and have Helen spell out the sentence using finger spelling. This helped Helen grasp the concept of grammar and sentence construction.
* Writing with a Stylus: Eventually, Helen learned to write using a stylus and a special board. Anne would guide her hand, helping her form the letters. This was a painstaking process, as Helen had to rely solely on touch to understand the shapes and angles of each letter.
The Result:
* Independent Writing: Helen Keller's dedication and Anne Sullivan's unwavering commitment allowed her to become a proficient writer. She went on to write several books, including her autobiography, "The Story of My Life," which became a literary sensation.
Beyond Writing:
It's important to note that Helen Keller's ability to write was a result of her overall intellectual development, fueled by Anne Sullivan's dedicated teaching. This included learning to read, mastering language, and developing her own unique perspective on the world.
Helen Keller's journey is a powerful reminder of the human capacity for learning, even in the face of extreme challenges.