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Welcome to the Phonics For Folks with Down Syndrome Facebook Group
Our goal is to provide a supportive space for parents, teachers, and others interested in promoting literacy for individuals with Down syndrome. Here, we offer daily insights, teaching tips, and a place to ask questions, share videos, and learn together. Grounded in the principles of the Science of Reading, we focus on the effectiveness of phonics instruction for individuals with Down syndrome, helping members find guidance and reassurance as they work towards fostering independent reading skills. As the creators of the Raising Robust Readers program and co-authors of Phonics the R-ight-t Way for Children and Adults with Down Syndrome, we are dedicated to educating and supporting our community in this journey
The Science of Reading
Below you will find information on the Science of Reading and phonograms if you are unfamiliar with these terms. Scroll to be bottom for access to sample FUN cards and teaching resources specially designed for learners with Down syndrome.
The Science of Reading refers to decades of multi-disciplinary research that identifies the most effective ways to teach reading. It is not a specific program or approach, but rather a body of evidence-based practices that include phonics, language development, and comprehension strategies.
These five pillars of effective reading instruction will help guide our learners towards independent reading.
In addition to the 26 letters of the alphabet, the English reading code includes some 42 more basic, multi-letter combinations. These phonograms, which consist of two to four letters, represent a single sound in words. Learning these combinations forms a strong and essential foundation for reading success."
What is a Phonogram
The Success is in The Sequence of Instruction
- Begin with single-sound consonant instruction.
- Introduce multi-letter phonograms (Vowel Buddies) to help students understand that combinations of letters can represent one sound.
- Moving beyond the typical one letter/one sound approach (if phonics has been previously introduced at all)
- Start blending and reading with two-sound words, then progress to three-sound words rather than beginning with consonant-short vowel-consonant patterns traditionally taught.
Following this sequence creates confidence not confusion in reading.
The Science of Special Education Podcast
On this episode, 'Teaching Students with Cognitive Challenges to Read.' Brett Stephens interviews Judy co-developer of Raising Robust Readers. Together, their stories and insights offer an illuminating perspective on how the potential of individuals with cognitive challenges to, in fact, succeed in reading phonetically and thus achieve independent literacy."
The LowDOWN: A Down Syndrome Podcast brings a professional perspective on issues facing individuals with Down syndrome and their loved ones. On this episode of The LowDOWN, with hosts Marla Folden and Hina Mahmood of the Down Syndrome Resource Foundation, Judy O'Halloran gives us the lowdown on teaching Phonics the Right Way to learners with Down syndrome.
Phonics The R-igh-t Way for Children and Adults with Down Syndrome, available on Amazon, is a simplified, SparkNotes-style version of the Raising Robust Readers™ program, giving you a clear and accessible overview. While it is perfect for those just beginning their exploration of phonics for individuals with Down syndrome, it also serves as an invaluable companion for those already using the RRR program.
Ready to take a fun phonics test drive? Sign up today to receive your step-by-step guideline on How to Teach a Phonogram Starring AY . Included in this 6 Steps to Success resource is our AY FUN-O-Guide, sample Fun Cards, and fun activities that are specially designed to help learners with Down syndrome build their phonogram and phonemic awareness skills —one exciting step at a time!
