Remember my post on the groove? A groove is simply defined as a set pattern or routine in one’s actions or thoughts. Routine and structure are important to young learners with Down syndrome. The groove allows them greater freedom and independence within the known routines.
Individuals with Down syndrome thrive with a set routine.
Routine and structure are also important to the homeschooling household. Without a routine in our home, little would get done.
Routines are important to typically developing children too!
Routines are important for all of us!
A few suggestions for families homeschooling a child with Down syndrome regarding routines and motivating the child to work within the routine:
Develop a routine and stick to it.
It is important that your child knows what to expect every day. Soon you’ll find that your child will remind you what is left to be done.
Devote yourself to the routine.
Most of the distractions to our day came from the telephone. Train yourself to avoid those distractions until what you need to accomplish as far as school is complete.
Make a visual for the child to refer to as the day progresses.
Initially, I would just use a daily schedule. As the child understand the rhythm of the day, move on to weekly and monthly schedules.
Prepare the child well ahead of time of any changes.
Again, the groove. Changes in routine may cause anxiety in the child with Down syndrome. There will much less anxiety if any changes in the daily routine are talked about and placed in the weekly schedule.
School is not a choice.
Reagan has never known that she has a choice as far as doing her school work. It is something that happens every day. She does have choices about the less important things in her life but reading, writing and arithmetic are to be done daily.
Plan ahead.
Every Sunday I take the time to plan out our week. I plan and I gather materials so that when it comes time to start our day, I’m not running all over trying to find things while my child loses interest.
Speaking of planning
Plan all those necessary errands and physical/dental/therapy appointments after school hours.
Make fun a priority
The daily routine should consist of things the child enjoys inside the work day. Choose the right high interest materials to make learning fun.
Learning should be meaningful.
To keep the child engaged, learning should target the child's interests and build on what they know. New skills and concepts should be broken down into smaller steps to build on. As the skills/concepts are practiced and consolidated, add another step.
Consider rewards
I know you’re thinking food but I am not! Sincere, appropriate praise will be genuinely appreciated and will go far in keeping with the flow of the day and the child's willingness to participate.
Use that wonderful parent – child relationship as a reward for you both. How about a little cuddle time on the couch with mom and a good book? Our visual learners all love a little computer time or a DVD for a good school day and a job well done.
Speaking of rewards.
Sprinkle rewards throughout the day as necessary. More frequent rewards may increase motivation to stay with the scheduled day.
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