Saturday morning was my first day at the Convention. Lori and I got up early and made it to the convention by 8am. (Impressive, huh?) We headed to a class on Behavior. It was really interesting and I learned a lot. Unfortunately it wasn't really what I needed for Mary specifically. It did touch on a few things, like her sleep issues, OCD behavior, and ADHD. It really could have been a whole conference in itself, so I just got little bits of info that only really touched the surface. I did, however, get the name of a med that might be our new best friend when it comes to sleep. Here are a few interesting facts I learned.
- Even though individuals with DS have "extra" chromosomes, they actually have fewer cells in their bodies. Decreased number of cells in the brain decreases the ability for those cells to "hook-up" and make connections.
- When behavior interferes with learning, socialization, and daily function there is a 2nd diagnoses.
- 70 - 80% of individuals with Down Syndrome have no "abnormal" behavior, only 5-10% have ADHD
- Many times, OCD, Sensory, ADHD, etc behaviors will lessen when sleep is improved.
The next class I attended was on Math titled: I can count, now what. Beyond early number concepts. Here are some fun things I learned.
- Individuals with DS learn math concepts in the same stages, just at a slower pace and their curriculum should be individualized in each grade so that they receive a firm foundation and don't get overlooked because teachers think they won't ever get it. They will!
- Use math daily with items and concepts that are part of their daily routine.
- Once Child is reliable at counting and fully understands counting one to one then begin teaching addition and then subtraction.
- If a child doesn't want to write the problems or answers, it is OKAY! It is about math, not about fine motor skills. If handwriting is hard, let them tell you in another way (verbally and you write it or let them chose pre-written number cards, etc.)
- Don't use obscure math vocabulary when defining. Make it simple. ex. Addition: Some + Some = all. Adding groups to make a whole. NOT: Summation, aggregate, etc.
- When beginning subtractions, start with numbers up to 9 until a firm foundation and understanding is achieved then work into double digits.
- when starting to teach counting on use 2 dice, first one with numbers and second one with dots. Also can use a number line.
- some websites with tools: learningpage.com, mathplayground.com, mathusee.com, dsfoc.org.
With Mary starting Kindergarten I really enjoyed the Math workshop. It made me not so fearful of having to teach her math.
After the workshops, Jeremy, Nancy and the girls came to meet us for lunch and to browse the vendors. When hung out for a while and visited with some of our dear friends from online.
We went back to our resort for naps and some swimming. Mary LOVED the pools with the water slides. She went down some bigger slides that scared the crap out of me, but she loved it and did it over and over. She is definitely going to be my thrill seeker!
(Pics coming soon)
Later that night we got cleaned up and went back over to the convention for the Banquet. It was really nice and we met some really wonderful people at our table. We didn't stay long for the Dance afterwards, because the girls were super tired. We did gets some pics of Mary and her friends (some of my friends daughters.)
3 comments:
great tips you posted!! thank you for doing that for those of us that didnt get to go... sniff sniff
aww... Amy, wish you could have been there. I didn't go to as many classes as I would have liked to. Disney kind of outshadowed the conference. I would like to go next year and focus a little more on the conference. Are you going next year?
Man, just reading this I am overwhelmed for you. I think it's hard enough to teach typical kids, and most of my math explanations for Andrew have lasted 30 seconds. Props to you for getting excited and not washed out with all that info. and work!
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