Many children with Down syndrome can learn to read! I look for a few pre-language skills when thinking about introducing books into a child’s routine. Babies who have developed an interest in faces and are beginning to interact socially may enjoy looking at pictures in a photo album or simple patterns in a book (like Sassy’s Look Book). When the baby is older (~9+ months) looking at books with simple photographs with one item per page and a simple font is suggested. I’ve found my local TJMaxx to have a wide variety of these kinds of books, like the Bright Baby books.
Starting to introduce books and print in the first year exposes children to pre-literacy skills such as page turning, holding a book upright, and print awareness. It is also a wonderful time to bond over a well-loved classic that you loved as a child like, Good Night Moon, by Margaret Wise Brown.
Here are some suggestions for reading books to children under two:
- Start with simple photo books with one picture per page
- Encourage a balance of showing (pointing and labeling pictures) and asking the child to show (What’s this?)
- Pick books with repeating lines – Eric Carle books are great at this… “but he was still hungry.”
- Turn the page just a bit and see if your child will help you finish
- Don’t be afraid to adapt the words. If your child is getting antsy, simplify the story or skip a few pages – it’s OK!
The best way to introduce books is by reading together – there will be time for programs and DVDs (I’ll post about this another day). For now, make reading a part of your family routine. If you enjoy it, chances are your child will too!
Reading to your young child with Down syndrome works on the following communication skills:
- Vocabulary enhancement
- Pre-literacy awareness
- Non-verbal expression (by developing a finger-point)
- Recognition of photos and print
Wow – that is a great link! Thank your mom! I’m going to start keeping milk caps!
My mom sent this link to me last night and said, “You will arise and call me blessed when you see this post!” Not to be dramatic or anything, but this is a wonderful post for older children learning to read. Thanks Mom!
http://ponderedinmyheart.typepad.com/pondered_in_my_heart/2010/03/early-reading-strategies-for-little-learners.html