My mother and father recently adopted a boy. (he's been in our lives for several years, but perminently was removed from his home 4 years ago. He is 13, and down syndrom. My mother is very un happy with the education he is recieving in public school. The teachers do not communicate with her in reguards to his behavior, days at school, or much of anything, infact, they seem to focus more on the difficulties they are having rather than a solution. She isn't sure weather she can do a "better" job teaching at home, but she feels an atempt could be made. His learning at this point is no more than at first grade level, and his language is very poor. (my 3 year old talks more) is she crazy for wanting to take this homeschooling on, or do you think it would benefit him at all? Are their curriculems out there for him? Any advise would be great!!! Thank you.
I have no experience with teaching a child with down syndrome, but here ae some sites that you might find helpful. http://www.hslda.org/strugglinglearner/ http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=6 www.nathhan.com www.nichcy.org
I think the mere fact that she cares enough to try speaks volumes. Is he currently in a special class in PS or just regular? In my understanding Downs Sydrome halts emotional learning ability at a certain age mentally? Have they determined emotionally where he is at in the regard. That will likely help a lot in teaching him in general.
Thank you Carol fir the links. I've passed them along. Yes, he's currently in Special Ed. Always has been. You are correct, he will always learn at a lower pace, and probebly under the 5th grade (if that) my boys are 18months, and almost 3. I plan on homeschooling them both. We have considered doing it together since he will pretty much be learning at the same level. I'd never heard No one else on this site speak about special Ed HS. but now that I'm thinking more about it, I think it's very possible.
never homeschool a down, but my niece was down and yes they learn differently. I think its a wonderful idea she wants to school him.I don't think she is crazy. She knows him the best. I just hope she has alot of help and support she will need time just to get away. I know that my sister in law the only thing she ever said about it, is she needs a break. I once again think its great. Tell her to come here and ask away.
We have a lovely teenaged girl with Down's in our homeschool group. Her mom has found homeschooling to be a workable situation for her. She actively participates in our 4H group and Spanish club. She does various other field trips and activities that seem a good fit for her. The kids have learned to be accepting and include her. She is, of course, behind kids her age and learns more slowly, has some trouble with waiting to share ideas, etc. But, she does really well. She has learned lots of spanish, reads pretty well, loves books and stories, and gives excellent cooking demonstrations at 4H. She is a very sweet spirit that everyone appreciates. When the spanish club put on a play, she had the largest cheering section in the audience!
I have heard that down's kids can sometimes really surprise you if you work hard with them one on one. There was a story a few years ago, in a magazine that featured a teacher in a high school who just decided to raise the bar with their class. The kids rose to his expectations (within reason), and they saw a huge improvement. Sometime believing in them, and expecting a little more, makes a huge difference. I'm sure that her care for this kid will make a world of difference, even if her techniques are not perfect.
I think it's quite possible that this child will accomplish more academically in the long run, and definitely learn more social/home skills toward more independent living by learning at home, even if his "schooling" at home continues well past the age of 22 which would be the limit for public school. By having his learning tailored specifically to him, and having it reinforced consistently 24/7, instead of in compartmentalized spurts at school, and with meaningful rewards from his family rather than stickers, treats, or whatever at school, he has lots more opportunity to become his own person. He won't have to "transition" from school to community because he will be IN the community environment.
