Teaching English to students with Down’s syndrome

According to the Scottish Down’s Syndrome Association, Down’s syndrome is the most common form of learning disability. It is caused by the presence of an extra chromosome.

Children with Down’s syndrome vary as widely in their development and progress as typically developing children. Regarding development, Vygotsky defined human beings as complex and multifaceted. In this context, we should not focus on whether a student has a disability or not.

We all have different timings when it comes to developing. Although it is true that people with Down’s syndrome may take longer to reach a certain stage of development  and stay there for longer, I have experienced the contrary. I once had a student who had better results than the so-called “normal” ones.

However, there are certain factors that are typical of many children with Down’s syndrome, and being aware of which they are is important in order to include these students. Therefore, I have brought some contributions from the Down’s Syndrome Association and the Scottish Down’s Syndrome Association.

FACTORS THAT FACILITATE LEARNING

Strong visual awareness and visual learning skills including:

■ Ability to learn and use sign.

gesture and visual support.

■ Ability to learn and use the written word.

■ Modelling behaviour and attitudes on peers and adults.

■ Learning from practical curriculum material and hands-on activities.

FACTORS THAT INHIBIT LEARNING

■ Delayed motor skills – fine and gross.

■ Auditory and visual impairment.

■ Speech and language impairment.

■ Short-term auditory memory deficit.

■ Shorter concentration span.

■ Difficulties with consolidation and retention.

■ Difficulties with generalisation, thinking and reasoning.

■ Sequencing difficulties.

■ Avoidance strategies.

It is important to highlight, though, that these do not necessarily apply to all people with Down’s syndrome.

Part of the information found here was taken from these websites:

Down’s Syndrome Association www.downs-syndrome.org.uk

Scottish Down’s Syndrome Association www.sdsa.org.uk