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Down syndrome and learning
Classroom strategies supporting students' learning and wellbeing across the curriculum.
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Understanding Down syndrome
Key concepts, concerns, and experiences of students with Down syndrome.
Katrina suggests how teachers can support her learning.
Summary of important concepts:
Strategies for action
Four key strategies to support students with Down syndrome
Identify needs and how to provide support
Work closely with the student and their whānau. Take an evidence-based, team approach to supporting learning and wellbeing. Monitor progress closely.
Megan Bongaars, a student with Down syndrome, tells teachers about the high expectations she wants them to have of her.
Closed Captions
Four suggestions for implementing this strategy:
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Ask the student what will help
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Organisations, programmes and resources
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Key areas to support
Communication, literacy and numeracy, thinking, social interaction and positive behaviour are areas students with Down syndrome may need some specific support. Explore recommended approaches.
A student with Down syndrome shows how technology supports his communication and learning.
No captions or transcript
Four suggestions for implementing this strategy:
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Support interaction and positive behaviour
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Helpful classroom strategies years 1-8
Approaches that are useful for students with Down syndrome are often valuable for everyone.
What will support learning? What might be a barrier or a distraction?
Source: Ministry of Education | Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga
Four suggestions for implementing this strategy:
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Present information in different ways
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Support processing and planning
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Provide options to create, learn and share
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Helpful classroom strategies years 9-13
Approaches that are useful for students with Down syndrome are often valuable for everyone.
![5255 [Down-syndrome-still-from-Teaching-approaches-down-syndrome-video.png]](https://inclusive-live-storagestack-assetstorages3bucket-3uty0hejzw6u.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/public/inclusive-education/example-images/Down-syndrome-still-from-Teaching-approaches-down-syndrome-video__ScaleMaxWidthWzU1OF0.png)
Student with Down syndrome rehearsing level 2 drama presentation for peer feedback.
Source: Ministry of Education | Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga
Four suggestions for implementing this strategy:
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Support participation and build confidence
Includes:
- Video
- Resources
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Present information in different ways
Includes:
- Video
- Resources
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Support processing and planning
Includes:
- Video
- Resources
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Provide options to create, learn and share
Includes:
- Resources
Key resources
New Zealand Down Syndrome Association
Information to describe what Down Syndrome is and life with Down Syndrome.
Publisher: New Zealand Down Syndrome Association
Down syndrome: A resource for educators
Read time: 35 min
This booklet examines how Down syndrome can influence learning and provides strategies teachers can use in the classroom.
- Download PDF (2.8 MB)
International Guidelines for the Education of Learners with Down Syndrome
This resource has three sections: Leading, Teaching, and Learning. Each section synthesises findings from research, policy and practice, and distils recommendations.
Publisher: Down Syndrome International
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How to use this site
Guide to Index of the guide: Down syndrome and learning
Understand:
Strategies for action:
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Identify needs and how to provide supportShow suggestions for Identify needs and how to provide support
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Key areas to supportShow suggestions for Key areas to support
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Helpful classroom strategies years 1-8Show suggestions for Helpful classroom strategies years 1-8
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Helpful classroom strategies years 9-13Show suggestions for Helpful classroom strategies years 9-13
