Links & Resources
http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/genetic/down_syndrome.html#
http://www.cdss.ca/images/pdf/parent_information/teaching_students_with_down_syndrome.pdf
http://www.dseinternational.org/en-gb/resources/
http://www.cdss.ca/images/pdf/parent_information/teaching_students_with_down_syndrome.pdf
http://www.dseinternational.org/en-gb/resources/
Books
Definition & AB Education Code"Down syndrome is a chromosomal disorder that causes delays in physical and mental development. Students with Down syndrome have a particular set of facial and other physical characteristics. The student's abilities and the severity of associated medical conditions can vary greatly, from mild to severe. Heart problems, thyroid issues and gastrointestinal (bowel) issues are common with Down syndrome. Other physical issues include hearing and visual impairments, low muscle tone, and instability in the ligaments holding the neck vertebrae together. (Learn Alberta)
Code: Possible codes -Mild Cognitive/ Intellectual Delay: 51 -Moderate Cognitive/ Intellectual Delay: 52 -Hearing Disability: 55 -Visual Disability: 56 -Communication Disability: 57 -Physical or Mental Disability: 58 |
Characteristics & BehavioursPhysical Characteristics
-flat face -shorter neck -slanted eyes -small ears -loose joints/ muscle tone All students with down syndrome have learning delays to some extend. 50-60% of students will also have issues with vision and hearing and about half of all children with down syndrome have heart defects. Behaviours -Running off/ wandering -Stubborn/ Oppositional behaviour -Attention problems -Obsessive/ compulsive behaviours |
StrategiesHand Gym
- Helps the student develop their fine motor movements. Having different fine motor activities that the student will accomplish well having fun can increase the drive to continue with activities that improve their fine motor skills. Writing for the Student
-Have a student write their notes on duplicate paper, and then give one of the sheets to the student that has troubles writing. -Have a sheet of paper printed before class for the student with down syndrome, that way they can focus on listening and not solely on writing. Yoga/ Stretching
-Implementing yoga into the classroom can help increase muscle tone for the students with down syndrome. It can also be a good activity for a brain break for all students in the class. Reading to/for Students
-Teachers can set up a way that the student with down syndrome can listen to a test or instructions. Processing the information may be hard, by listening to the instructions it may enhance their ability. |