LANGUAGES WITHOUT LIMITS

ADDITIONAL NEEDS

TEACHING LEARNERS WITH
DOWN'S SYNDROME

With more children with Down's Syndrome being educated in mainstream schools, the question of whether a foreign language should be included in their curriculum arises with increasing frequency. As always, decisions will bre made on a case by case basis. Because a child has Down's does not automatically mean that he or she will not benefit from foreign language study. Having learning difficulties means just that –difficulties with learning – and no more; it does not mean that a child cannot learn at all, or even that a child cannot learn a foreign language. Many Down's children in Primary and Secondary schools in UK and elsewhere are involved in language learning, experiencing success and enjoying the experience.

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Case study
This case study is based on a research project carried out by a secondary school modern language teacher as part of the Chartered Teacher Professional Development Programme in Scotland. The work later formed part of her claim for accreditation of prior learning. She is now a Chartered Teacher.
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WEBLINKS

[Links last checked 23.5.11 unless otherwise indicated]

Allegro project
Teaching children with Downs Syndrome
http://allegro.acs.si/case_studies/?id=31

Makaton multi modal communication programme
Anecdotal evidence suggests that where students with Down's Syndrome are already familiar with the Makaton signing syste, it's use can also support their foreign language learning. For further information about makaton and the Makaton Vocabulary Development Project:
http://www.makaton.org

Times Educational Supplement
An article about Edinburgh City Council's efforts to improve provision in mainstream primary schools for children with Down's Syndrome: http://www.tes.co.uk/article.aspx?storycode=6008004
A report about German provision in a special schools for children with severe learning difficulties:
http://www.tes.co.uk/article.aspx?storycode=348664

Making it work: Supporting Inclusion in Secondary Schools
Downloadable from Down's Syndrome Scotland website.
http://www.dsscotland.org.uk/resources/Education

Down syndrome Online
Offers a range of information, resources and services for families, practitioners and researchers caring for, supporting and investigating Down syndrome. See, in particular:
Can children with Down syndrome learn more than one language?
http://www.down-syndrome.org/practice/180/
Bilingualism in Children with Down syndrome in Germany
www.down-syndrome.org/practice/197/practice-197.pdf

Bilingual children with Down syndrome
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art51927.asp

Bilingual children with Down Syndrome
Various abstracts and articles: http://www.riverbendds.org/index.htm?page=bilingualab.html

Making inclusion work for children with Down syndrome
General advice for mainstream and support teachers.
http://www.down-syndrome.org/practice/149/

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