Etiquette Lessons and Down Syndrome

It's Me - It's Only Down Syndrome male version and female version books 

     10 Tips for Teaching Manners to Down Syndrome Students 

As a mother of a Down Syndrome son, and an etiquette teacher, I have found that one approach does not work for every student. Each student is totally unique from the rest. And one has to be especially flexible to teach a Down Syndrome student what with additional medical and visual limitations.

1. The very first step is to find out how much your child knows or doesn’t know. You can have him or her professionally assessed, or use your notes from IEP meeting, and make your own determination. According to Washington.edu.com, “An ‘Individualized Education Plan’ (or Program) is also known as an IEP. This is a plan or program developed to ensure that a child with an identified disability who is attending an elementary or secondary educational institution receives specialized instruction and related services.” 

2. Speak to your child’s physician, teacher, therapist, optometrist, etc… Their assistance and support is helpful in determining what adjustments are needed to help your Down Syndrome student succeed. For example: Perhaps your Down Syndrome student needs to read at a 45° angle and not with the paper flat on the desk, because the eyes of Down Syndrome students can focus differently.

3. Determine if your child is a visual, auditory, gross motor learner, or a combination learner, etc... This will let you help you decide how to begin your lessons.

4. How does the child take in information? Does he or she repeat the sentence? Does he or she use sign language to process what you’re telling them? Can he or she follow a 1 step or a 2 step command? For example: pick up your toys; put on your shoes. If the Down Syndrome student cannot follow more than 2 steps in a row, then you know you cannot ask any more than a two step command. If it is limited to one step at a time, readjust your expectations but do not give up!

5. Show excitement when teaching a Down Syndrome student. Set them up for success, and tell them how they can benefit by learning a lesson.

6. Use books, photographs, models helps Down Syndrome students to understand the lesson.

7. Have a dedicated time you want to teach them. Down Syndrome students do well with structure.

8. Use a step-by-step approach to learning. Repeat and remind them often.

9. Distractions are a big concern when trying to keep Down Syndrome students on task, so remove any item, situation, noise that would prevent them from learning.

10. Lastly, have fun! Down Syndrome students have a lot of joy, and like to be entertained, so make it fun, they will learn. Try it out. We can always improvise!

Etiquette and Dance Instructor, and founder of the Graceful Manners Academy, Carla M. West, wanted people to know that her son was just like any other kid who loved to laugh, play and explore the world around him. Like any other kid, his feelings could get hurt as well. Brandon and his mom want every kid to know that kids with Down Syndrome are just like you - they just want to be loved! You can check out her book on Amazon here!

 🍽Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J. Graber, is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia