Activity 2

Who – This resource is for the family of a kindergartener who has Down syndrome. 

Need – The parent shared that her child struggles with expressive communication, but that she loves to sing. This resource encourages singing which helps with language development and communication skills (Yokoyama, 2021). This resource also includes some signed English, which will also assist in communication and motor skills.

What – During the interview, the parent shared with me a handful of her child’s favorite books, and that they read together every night. For this resource, I created a melody for My Friends by Taro Gomi. I created an unlisted YouTube video of me singing the book and utilizing signed English.

UDL and SEL – UDL Principle -> Multiple means of action and expression: Child can sing or sign along with MTI or both. SEL Competency -> Self-Awareness: Both child and family experience self-efficacy and sense of accomplishment by learning words in a new language. Book also assists with identifying personal assets (support system)

How:

1. Pull up YouTube video on a device with internet 

2. If possible, have hard copy of the book to follow along with 

3. Hit play 

4. Listen to MTI reading/singing the book 

5. Sing and sign along with MTI and encourage child to sing and sign along, pausing video when necessary

6. Repeat as necessary

Materials:

• Device with internet and access to YouTube 

• Unlisted YouTube video of MTI singing the book 

• Hard copy of My Friends (optional)