An article review
Original article written by Sue Buckley and Gillian Bird
The Down Syndrome Educational Trust, Down Syndrome Research
and Practice
and Practice
1993, 1(1) 34-39
As a speech pathologist and a new mother of a beautiful baby girl who has Down syndrome, I am very interested in finding out ways to help children with Down syndrome acquire language milestones faster and more efficiently. This article was shared with me several months ago, and I would like to share the highlights with you.
- Many children with Down syndrome show the ability to learn to read single words at early ages, between 2-4 years old.
- Children in the study showed that they could understand what they were reading.
- Reading enhanced spoken language development and articulation development.
- Every child is different. Some children with Down syndrome may not show interest in reading until they are school aged or later.
- Start by teaching familiar words, such as family names or words the child already comprehends or uses. Match words with pictures of these objects using flashcards. Use ‘errorless learning’ by prompting the child to complete the activity without allowing them to make a mistake. (You may have to guide his hand to the correct flashcard, rather than letting them choose one for himself.) As he becomes more confident and familiar with the activity, slowly offer less and less help until the child can complete the activity correctly on his own.
- As the child learns more and more words, you can begin to combine words to make phrases and sentences. Always make sure the child understands what he is reading.
The article ends with a parent’s personal account of how teaching her daughter to read has improved her speech development, academic achievements, and language use and comprehension.
To my friends in therapy and my little one at home, all I can say is “Get ready for flashcards! Let’s read together!”
