DownSyn Forum

[BagelMom]

Hi,
I'm new to this forum, and I have a son, Jacob, who is 8 1/2 yrs old and has Down syndrome. Our family is Jewish. We are trying to work with our reformed synagogue to educate our son. This year, he is probably going to be entered in a 2nd grade "Family Class" for Sunday School. (He is a 3rd grader in public school in an inclusive setting with assistance.)

I am looking for help in identifying resources for teaching him the Hebrew alphabet (picture clues would be great!). Jacob is a sight word reader and is working towards becoming a phonetic reader. Hebrew is a very logical phonetic language (unlike English with its oodles of exceptions to every rule!). I was hoping some of you have been down the path to Bar/Bat Mitzvah already and could share some ideas on how to get our temple to help out. They do not have a special needs program and we need to work to design one.

Second grade "family class" means my husband or I would attend most of the Sunday school session with our son. (I did this with our daughter, now age 11, with a different teacher.) The teacher is a volunteer and not an educator by trade. He is friendly and willing to work with us, but he's looking to us to be the leaders in telling him what our son needs and what materials should be used/changed.

Any and all ideas welcome! I'd be happy to call you if you have advice to offer! Just write back and let me know!

Thanks so much!

Beth

PS I don't really know what the "Poll option" is as I'm new...can someone briefly explain?

[Reut]

Well, I am a Jewish studies, special ed teacher! I just joined this forum and noticed your post. Is it still relevant? Lots of kids with DS do learn to read Hebrew, but unfortunaely, there isn't much Hebrew reading support out there for special needs kids who don't speak the language. I generally make my own material.
The advantage of Hebrew reading is that it is completely phonetic. How is your son managing English reading? Does he understand basic phonics? If so, I would teach by matching each Hebrew letter to a picture that starts with that sound in English (eg- bet=ball), teach some letters and then add vowels the same way. If he can put together consonants and vowels in English, he should be able to get there in Hebrew too.
If I can help any further, please let me know.
Lots of luck!

[BagelMom]

Hi,
Thanks for your reply. Yes, our post is still relevant! We are thrilled that Jacob has now learned several letters of the Aleph-Bet and a few vowels. Sometimes we use the flash cards to make syllables for him to pronounce. He can do this fairly well.

In English, his phonics skill is limited. He learned to read as a sight word reader. He knows all the single sounds for letters in English. He does not know all of the blends yet. We are working on "word families" for spelling (hen, pen, men, etc) and he is good at short vowel sounds. He has not been formally taught all the long vowel sounds.

We're still looking for ideas on how to promote a positive environment for our son at temple. He will not be able to attend regular Hebrew School on Wed after school. He will be too tired and the methods will not support him so I won't put him in such a class. He will likely need tutoring (1-1 or small group) and new/different methods. We're hoping you can offer some ideas and / or resources on how to get started.

THANKS


PS Jacob loves music! Any ideas of songs to help us?

[BagelMom]

Hi,
Thanks for your reply. Yes, our post is still relevant! We are thrilled that Jacob has now learned several letters of the Aleph-Bet and a few vowels. Sometimes we use the flash cards to make syllables for him to pronounce. He can do this fairly well.

In English, his phonics skill is limited. He learned to read as a sight word reader. He knows all the single sounds for letters in English. He does not know all of the blends yet. We are working on "word families" for spelling (hen, pen, men, etc) and he is good at short vowel sounds. He has not been formally taught all the long vowel sounds.

We're still looking for ideas on how to promote a positive environment for our son at temple. He will not be able to attend regular Hebrew School on Wed after school. He will be too tired and the methods will not support him so I won't put him in such a class. He will likely need tutoring (1-1 or small group) and new/different methods. We're hoping you can offer some ideas and / or resources on how to get started.

THANKS


PS Jacob loves music! Any ideas of songs to help us?

[Reut]

It sounds like your son is doing great. It can take a while - remember, he hasn't had all the exposure to Hebrew as he has had to English, and it has less meaning to him.
Are there words that do have meaning? Shalom? Shabbat? Menorah? His Hebrew name?(I don't know how much religion plays a day-to-day role in your life...) Start with those - and connect them with pictures.
It's also important to figure out what your goal for him from Hebrew school would be.
Where do you live? If you live near a large Jewish community, try finding a Jewish bookstore. Most usually carry an extensive selection of Jewish music tapes, CDs, and videos/ movies for kids and they are a great way to get any kid interested and excited about being Jewish.
Getting a small group together can work well! Does your congregation, or any other nearby, have a special ed teacher among the congregants who would be interesting in teaching a small group? I know of quite a few who have done it, and really loved the challenge and oppotunity to give in this way. It's a great way to make our kids feel special and part of their heritage. Are there other Jewish congregations in your area that can be more helpful?
Lots of luck. Please continue to ask any more questions or ways I can be helpful.

[violettesmom]

http://www.dantrachtman.com/lior/
Have you seen this? This child's mother spoke at the Down syndrome Conference! You might want to click on the contact information on the site and ask them your question...