Homeschooling and Down Syndrome - The Reluctant (???) Learner

Part Two - The Child

In trying to discern what difficulties there might be in the learning environment which might result in reluctance or resistance, I always ask myself or might ask you the following questions:

Health

Are they feeling well? A child who is not feeling well is not receptive to learning. A child who does not get sufficient sleep will not be receptive to learning.

Are their eyes and ears healthy? Vision and hearing problems are common with Down syndrome and a great impediment to learning. Attention to these potential problems is needed with annual (minimum) physical exams.

Motivation

Is motivation a factor? Children with Down syndrome are known to have motivational issues when compared to typically developing children of the same age. From the time that our children with Down syndrome are born, they work hard to learn the skills they need – harder and longer than typically developing children. They are familiar with failure and need to be supported in learning with errorless teaching/learning to feel successful.

Is the child bored? Young learners with Down syndrome thrive on material given at a fast pace in an engaging manner. Keep it FUN!

Is the work provided close to the child’s developmental level? Working closely to his/her developmental level will make her feel successful and involved...and motivate her to come back for more!

Attention

Are attention deficits a contributing factor? Attention deficits are common in young learners with Ds. Incrementally increasing time and attention to task is worth the time and effort inside and outside of formal schooling is well worth the time and effort.

Is it hard for the child to sit still for learning? Alternate seat work with fine and gross motor activities. Keep any seat work meaningful. Lessons should be fairly short and fast paced. Keep the fun factor high!

Combining physical movement with learning can be quite helpful and enjoyable.
A friend of mine did “ball school” when her son with Down syndrome was young. He practiced sight word reading while bouncing a ball. This markedly increased his ability to learn new words.

Learning Profile

Children with Down syndrome have a known profile of strengths and weaknesses to consider in the homeschooling environment.

Am I teaching to my child’s learning strengths? Children with Down syndrome are primarily visual learners. Therefore, material presented should be accompanied by a visual aid.

What about processing deficits? Children with Down syndrome frequently have auditory processing difficulties. This makes learning by listening difficult. Again, visual cues are of the utmost importance.

Am I using language the child understands? As parents, we have a greater understanding of the words our children understand. We know they understand far more than they can express. New vocabulary should be specifically taught and clearly defined.

The Learning Environment

Are their any distractions? Is the house free from noises from the television, radio or adults or other children talking? Children with Down syndrome are easily distracted by noise and even visual stimuli.

The Learning Table

Learning does not necessarily happen at a table. In fact, much does not but I will refer to lesson time as work done at the table.

Is the work meaningful? Am I building on what the child knows – scaffolding new skills on top of what has been consolidated?

Is what they are working on to easy or to hard? Early learners with Down syndrome should be working close to where they are functioning on the developmental scale you are using – again, building on skills they already have.

Am I breaking down the task/concept in to smaller bits so that the child can understand the task/concept? With many concepts/skills, we have had to break them down into smaller steps and spend extra time on them. Breaking down skills/concepts gives meaning to the task as each step is mastered.

Am I providing enough repetition for the mastery of skills and concepts? Frequent input and plenty of review are the keys to consolidation of learning.

Am I giving them enough practice at new skills and concepts? Often a wide variety of materials, rotated throughout the week to reinforce new skills/concepts are necessary to consolidate learning.

Am I taking into consideration the child’s interests? In bringing the child’s interests into the learning environment, the most mundane of tasks takes on interest.
Is the curriculum a good fit? Concept oriented materials with a hands-on, visual approach works best for the early learner with Down syndrome.

Challenging Behaviors

Are behaviors getting in the way of learning? Often times, challenging or inappropriate behaviors are clues that you need to switch gears. Change the subject. Change the venue. Go for a walk but keep the child engaged!

Normal childhood naughtiness or the avoidance behaviors (cute but socially inappropriate behaviors) common to children with Down syndrome can disrupt the learning environment. Think about positive behavioural approaches vs. the more common parenting approaches which include punishments that are ineffective.

Sometimes behavior challenges are of a more serious nature. If so, those behaviors can be the greatest obstacle to learning a child with Down syndrome faces. If necessary, seek professional support.

Previous Learning Experiences

What previous learning experiences has the child had? Has the child been removed from the system recently? Was their previous learning environment traumatic? You wouldn’t believe the stories I’ve heard from families who have removed their child from the public school system.

The general rule of thumb for homeschooling families is that the child will need a month for every year in the system or adjust (some say recover) to homeschooling. I think it is safe to say a child with cognitive impairments will take longer.

In Closing

What seems to be reluctance or resistance on the part of the learner with Down syndrome can be the result of many complex issues – none of which are insurmountable. Persistence on you part will pay huge dividends!

Part One