I use a variety of learning resources when helping Natty with homework, when we used to hem school and when simply helping her learn about the world around her.
Natty, like many children with Down's syndrome is a visual and a kinesthetic (actions) learner, so colourful and interesting visual resources that capture her interest are key.
One of my favourite sites is Twinkl.
If you are a teacher you will already be using their 93,000 lovely and unique teaching resources' daily, but you might not be familiar with them as a parent.
They provide an mind-bogglingly vast array of visually interesting resources for primary and SEN learners, such as flashcards, worksheets, labels and stories on every topic from minibeasts, to counting, to Bonfire night and Christmas, the Seasons, days of the week and so on.
It's a nice idea to label objects in your child's room, such as wardrobe, door, window. As they see the words every day, they become learnt as if by magic. Children with DS learn to read with a mixture of phonics and whole word recognition so labelling is particularly helpful.
Does you child struggle to stay on track when getting ready in the morning, or remember what comes next during their day. Then make a simple visual timetable using these daily routine pictures.
With Hallowe'en coming up, why not bring some pumpkins and cauldrons to your numeracy work, as you discuss small, smaller, big, bigger for example.
I recently made a selection of giant brightly coloured posters with days of the week on. Each morning we pin the appropriate one to the fridge and read it out over breakfast. Take your pick between frogs and lions, thrones or flags. Very quickly Natty was learning to read the words, based on their shape and the initial letter.
You could try some tracing or handwriting activities too if your child is ready. Even if they scribble over the page they are paying attention to the written shapes on it.
and for more abstract ideas like emotions and moods, try pictures such as this, which you can use in conjunction with Makation.
or back up work on a particular story being covered at school, eg Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roahl Dahl.
So pop over to Twinkl today and sign up. It costs nothing for the standard membership, and you can let your imagination run wild with exciting things to try at home with your child.
There is also a choice of Premium memberships. Gold level costs £2.08 and Platinum level allows you access to more complex material for only £3.33 per month.
Thank you Twinkl for sending me a super duper shiny platinum membership. I'm very excited and off to make some lovey new activities for Natty to try.
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Aw what a lovely review thank you so much! I love the fact that Natty was able to recognise the days of the week using twinkl resources, I feel honoured! Please keep coming back to see us and ask Natty if she would like us to make her something especially for her! A sign for her bedroom for example?
ReplyDeleteHeather@twinkl
You are most welcome Heatehr. I'm sure Natty would love that. I'll put my thinking cap on :)
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