Teaching kids with Down syndrome how to read may not use the traditional phonics methods used widely by traditional schools. Instead, a fast flash method of going through flashcards of words and pictures at a quick speed helps kids with Down syndrome how to read.
On Down Syndrome: Up Up Up and Away, a blog with resources and tips for parents raising chidren with Down syndrome, the author, a mom of a child with Down syndrome, details the importance of the Fast Flash method in teaching children with Down syndrome to read.
She shows her then 2-year-old daugther going through and reading 12 flashcards, which took 24 seconds to show both the words and pictures. A few of the reasons for going so fast include:
1. Kids learn incredibly fast and by going too slowly, they may get bored and lose interest. Try going much faster or use a small number of cards and do them in very short sessions.
2. Showing words and images quickly helps with instant recall.
Click below to see a typical flashcard session with one mom and her young child with Down syndrome who is learning how to read.
