A Reading and Language Intervention for Children with Down Syndrome - Teacher's Handbook

This handbook details a reading and language teaching intervention designed for children with Down syndrome.

The handbook is written by the team who designed and evaluated the intervention in a landmark research study in primary schools in the UK.

The handbook is accompanied by two DVDs illustrating teaching techniques, and a CD containing assessment tools, sample lesson plans and teaching resources.

It is published by Down Syndrome Education International - a recognised leader in research, resources and support for children with Down syndrome.

The intervention teaches language and literacy skills following evidence-based principles adapted to meet the children's specific learning needs.

It is designed for children with Down syndrome aged 5 to 11 years.

The intervention is suitable for beginning readers through to those with reading ages up to 8 years and for students with a wide range of language abilities.

Teaching is adapted to meet individual needs through initial assessments of skills and regular monitoring of progress. The intervention complements regular literacy instruction, providing a clear framework for additional individualised support to meet the particular learning needs of students with Down syndrome.

It is based on interventions that have been shown to be beneficial for other children experiencing language and reading difficulties, and incorporates the principles of best practice for all children as identified by current research and guidelines.

The intervention was evaluated in the first large randomised controlled trial of an educational intervention designed for children with Down syndrome, and one of the largest of any study of children with Down syndrome to date.

The study was funded by the UK Big Lottery Fund and conducted by researchers at Down Syndrome Education International and at The Centre for Reading and Language at the University of York.

Further information about the intervention and the study is available from Down Syndrome Education International (www.dseinterntional.org/rli)