Feb 11 2021 Show
Leslie Duffen, the father of three-year-old Sarah, discovered his daughter could learn to read at three years old. But children learn to read all the time, yes? Not always. Especially not some children born with Down syndrome. Yet at only three, Sarah was beginning to imitate and use single words from flashcards held up by her father. Through this exercise, Leslie confirmed that Sarah mastered written words faster than she did the words spoken to her. Using this language learning hack, Sarah could comfortably attend a local comprehensive school where her language skills placed her ahead of most. In fact, by the time she was 12, she had received all but one year of her education in mainstream schools. This shows you that children with Down syndrome can benefit from a rich learning experience when given the opportunity. This kind of learning accommodation requires a tailored curriculum that factors in children with Down syndrome. And this is where Positive Action’s curriculum comes into play. “I am very grateful for these lessons. They fulfill a need that so many children are lacking in the educational process today.” — Linda Davis, 2nd Grade Teacher, Davis Elementary How Do You Explain Down Syndrome to a Child?To support your child, start by understanding what Down syndrome is for yourself. A child with Down syndrome has an extra chromosome — chromosomes are small “bundles” of genes that determine how a baby’s body forms during pregnancy and how their body functions after birth. Typically, a baby is born with 46 chromosomes, but children with Down syndrome have an extra copy of one of these chromosomes, chromosome 21. The medical term for this phenomenon is ‘trisomy’; thus, Down syndrome is also referred to as trisomy 21. This extra copy affects the baby’s physical and mental development. Although children with Down syndrome might share some similarities in appearance and behavior, each child has different abilities. Some common physical features in individuals with Down syndrome include:
They may also experience challenges with motor skills, speech, and language. How Do You Interact With a Child With Down Syndrome?Overcoming existing negative stereotypes about children with Down syndrome calls for people-first language. Here’s how it works:
We know that adopting these habits takes some adjusting. So here’s a video showing how students with Down syndrome interact with their friends for some inspiration. How Do You Accommodate Students With Down Syndrome?
Teaching students with Down syndrome calls for a lot of self-compassion. Teachers already experience moments of stress, anxiety, and pressure managing students without Down syndrome. So the key here is to pause when you need to and remember that you, too, just like the student with Down syndrome, are giving your best. Rise to the Challenge: Help Children With Down SyndromeAt Positive Action, we recognize each person’s unique value: parent, teacher, and student alike. We help students who receive special education integrate into mainstream classrooms by equipping them with social skills and intrinsic motivation. Additionally, our special education curriculums will provide your school’s leadership with specific tools such as:
“Positive Action is a good curriculum, and we tied it in with our PBIS. It really helped in making this a safe school where academics and behavior work together so that everybody can learn.” — From a Principal in Robeson County, North Carolina Schedule a Webinar Today How do you accommodate students with ADHD in the classroom?Accommodations. Extra time on tests;. Instruction and assignments tailored to the child;. Positive reinforcement and feedback;. Using technology to assist with tasks;. Allowing breaks or time to move around;. Changes to the environment to limit distraction; and.. Extra help with staying organized.. What is a good recommendation for a teacher who is working with a student with ADHD struggling with written expression quizlet?See that the student receives services under Section 504. What is a good recommendation for a teacher who is working with a student with ADHD struggling with written expression? Allow the student to use a word processor, computer, and or other supportive device.
Where should students with ADHD sit in the classroom?Sitting in the front is often recommended for ADHD kids. As a middle school teacher, however, I've found that having kids sit in the back is sometimes better. In the front, ADHD kids tend to be the “star of the show” – acting out to entertain friends or turning around often.
Which type of classroom environment do most students with ADHD respond to the best?Most children with ADHD respond best to a learning environment that is structured and predictable. In that type of environment, classroom rules and expectations are clearly stated and understood.
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