General

June 2014 – This month all classes focus on working and short term memory. Studies show that students with Down syndrome have verbal short term memory challenges and relative visual short term memory strengths. Understanding memory and interventions to improve memory can lead to improvements in targeted memory tasks and, hopefully, improved academic achievement  We…

May 2014 – This month Pre-K and Level 1 classes focus on the mechanics of writing.  For a number of reasons, writing is often a particular challenge for students with Down syndrome.  Building hand strength, proper posture, and a good choice of writing implements can help with learning.  Our favorite writing program remains Handwriting Without…

April 2014 – This month Pre-K and Level 1 classes focus on fostering independence at home or in school.  As with all learning, our children will achieve more if tasks are broken into smaller steps and presented with visual support.  Allowing time for practice and providing more structured guidance will help as well.  A key…

March 2014 – This month we are focusing on letters, sounds and phonology.  Combining a sight word approach with effective phonics instruction may result in more effective and independent readers than a sight word approach alone.  In the past, we focused on sight word instruction and left most of the phonics instruction for school (they did that…

February 2014 – This month we are focusing on how to enhance your child’s educational experience by collaborating with school administrators, teachers and support staff.  Prepare for the next IEP by thinking through your child’s strengths and needs in the following areas: campus and classroom, communication, academics, therapies and resource support and social.  You will…