Down's


	MFL & INCLUSION


	DOWN'S SYNDROME & foreign language learning

Learning and teaching


	Now that more pupils with Down's are being educated in mainstream schools, the question of whether a modern foreign language should be part of their curriculum has to be addressed. As always, decisions will be made on a case by case basis. Because the child has Down's does not automatically mean that he or she will not benefit from foreign language study. Having learning difficulties means - literally - that Down's children may experience difficulties in learning, but it does not mean that they cannot learn. Many Down's children in Primary and Secondary schools in UK and abroad are involved in language learning, experiencing success and enjoying the experience.


	CASE STUDY


	This case study is based on a project carried out by a secondary school modern languages teacher as part of the MSc Chartered Teacher Programme in Scotland. The work later formed part of a claim for accreditation of prior learning submitted to the SGTC which resulted in the professional award of Chartered Teacher.

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	LINKS


	Teaching a foreign language to students with Down Syndrome http://www.childrenuk.co.uk/choct2003/choct2003/teaching.htm

Down's Syndrome Scotland produces excellent and very clear information for teachers and learning support assisitants on how to include pupils with Down's Syndrome in primary and secondary schools. The following works cover strengths as well as difficulties and suggest strategies for enabling pupils with Down's Syndrome to access the curriculum and for maximising opportunities for successful learning.

Language Development:
http://www.dsscotland.org.uk/publications/professionals-students/language-development.pdf

Including Pupils with Down's Syndrome: Information for teachers and learning support assistants:
Primary: http://www.downs-syndrome.org.uk/pdfs/DSA%20A4%2012pp%20Primary.pdf
Secondary: http://www.downs-syndrome.org.uk/pdfs/DSA%20A4%2012pp%20Secondary.pdf

Short-term auditory Memory - Information sheet: http://www.downs-syndrome.org.uk/pdfs/DSA%20Info%20Sheet%20-%20Short%20Term%20Auditory%20Memory.pdf

For these and other publications go to: http://www.downs-syndrome.org.uk/DSA_lstLiterature.aspx?cat=Education

Allegro Project (2007) Teaching children with Downs Syndrome
http://allegro.acs.si/case_studies/?id=31

Pinar Sanz, M. J. (2003) ‘Teaching a foreign language to students with Down Syndrome in the context of the Allegro Project’, The Webmag October 2003 Issue, http://www.whbs.co.uk/children/choct2003/choct2003/teaching.htm


	BOOK: Tokuhama-Espinosa, T. (2003) ‘Challenges to normal foreign language learning: dyslexia, Downs syndrome, deafness’, in Tokuhama-Espinosa, T. (ed.) The multilingual mind: questions by, for and about people with many languages, Westport, CT: Praeger Publishers http://www.praeger.com/catalog/G919.aspx


	Makaton multi modal communication programme Anecdotal evidence suggests that students with Down's can be supported in their foreign language learning by the use of the Makaton signing system, where they are already familar with it. For further information about Makaton and the Makaton Vocabulary Development Project: http://www.makaton.org


	30.1.09 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


	19.2.09 A report from the Times Educational Supplement about German provision in a special school for children with severe learning difficulties. http://www.tes.co.uk/article.aspx?storycode=348664


	For further information and links, see: http://www.specialeducationalneeds.com/Case/DS.html


	This work is licenced under a Creative Commons Licence.


	Page last updated: 19.2. 09
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