five instructional strategies for children with down syndrome

Children with Down syndrome are capable learners who are excited and eager to learn. They just need to be given the opportunity to excel. They may learn at a slower pace, but are more than capable of learning. They are strong visual learners. This means that they understand what they see better than what they hear.

Children with Down syndrome have specific points associated with their learning development:
1. They are visual learners.
2. They understand a lot more than they can say.
3. They are able to follow classroom rules and routines.
4. They need help to remember instructions – use shorter phrases or visual clues.
5. Teacher’s expectations of behavior, attitude and ability should be high.
6. Children with Down syndrome can learn. However, we need to make compromises so that their educational needs can be met in the classroom. Since they are visual learners, teaching reading to students with Down syndrome should be characterized by a strong emphasis on visual learning. Visual demonstrations, pictures and illustrations can also be successfully used to assist in providing effective instruction in other subject areas of the curriculum. Lessons in phonics should be included in the curriculum for the learner with Down syndrome.

The use of manipulatives can be beneficial in the development of number concepts. The use of physical demonstrations and activities are important when teaching math concepts.

Students with Down syndrome generally demonstrate good social skills, which can be utilized to increase learning and teaching opportunities. When speaking to a student with Down syndrome, it is important to speak directly to them using clear language and short sentences. You should allow adequate time for the child to process what you have said and respond. Positive reinforcements should be used for students with Down syndrome to boost their self-esteem and positive learning experience. This should be done both at home and school.

Recent Posts

Franklin-HS-Swim-and-Dive-Team-2023

The Power of Inclusion: Celebrating Local Individuals with Down Syndrome in Swimming

At first glance, swimming may seem like a simple recreational activity or sport, but for individuals with Down syndrome, there is more to it than...
Roschambo gigis-banner

Partnership: Roschambo Eyewear & GiGi’s Playhouse Milwaukee

Roshambo Eyewear is excited to be a contributing partner of GiGi’s Playhouse nationwide. In its new program, Roshambo will donate 10% of all sales generated by GiGi’s...
rsz_jake-basketball

GiGi’s Goes to Rainbow Day Camp, 2023

The first week of August, 2023 we took 10 participants of GiGi's Playhouse to Rainbow Day Camp as a guest of the Jewish Community Center...

Leave a Comment