Inclusive education lessons for teachers and families.

These resources have been developed to promote a better understanding of diversity and inclusive education and what adjustments can be made at school (and home) to support the participation of all.

The Down Syndrome Australia website has a wealth of resources to support schools and educators. These resources give a voice to those with Down syndrome and allow the community to build more understanding and awareness. The video below is an example of the type of resource you will find here:

What Is Inclusion? (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3VMz06iVzqs)

Check out the Down Syndrome App

Down syndrome Australia have developed the Ask About Down Syndrome App. The app features people with Down syndrome answering questions and sharing stories about what community inclusion is, what barriers they face, and how these issues can be addressed. The app also links to a range of resources that support and promote community inclusion.

To read more and download the app, find out more on DSA’s App page.

Down Syndrome Community Inclusion Toolkits
https://www.downsyndrome.org.au/resources/toolkits/

 

Resources for Teachers and Parents/Carers

Inside And Outside Me – [email protected] – Years 3 & 4

Kids will explore how we are different on the ‘inside’ as well as the ‘outside’. They will then reflect on the importance of everyone being able to self-advocate.
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Overcoming Obstacles To Success – [email protected] – Years 5 & 6

Kids will explore the idea that we all have different strengths and weaknesses. They will do this by participating in a range of challenges (‘obstacle courses’) with their family, based on various disciplines.
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Resources for Teachers and Parents/Carers

I Am Me
– HPE – Years 1 & 2

Students will explore what makes them unique. In a class circle, they will explore differences in appearance, ability, interests, hobbies and possessions, and observe how no two individuals are the same. 
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Fish Up A Tree
– HPE – Years 1 & 2

Students will explore the concept of difference. They will begin by considering an image associated with the familiar phrase “if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.” 
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Obstacles to Success
– HPE – Years 3 & 4

Students will explore the idea that we all have different strengths and weaknesses. They will participate in a range of challenges (‘obstacle courses’) based on different disciplines.
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What Makes Me Me
– HPE – Years 3 & 4

Students begin by watching a video which embraces difference in appearance. They then engage in a range of activities to explore how we are different on the ‘inside’ as well as the ‘outside’.
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The Strength In Me
– HPE – Years 5 & 6

Discuss the importance of expressing our own needs and advocating for ourselves, and explore an example video in which making assumptions about the needs of an individual had a detrimental impact on their learning.
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Show Your Strength
– HPE – Years 5 & 6

Students will explore the text ‘The Girl Who Thought In Pictures‘, considering the challenges and barriers that are presented for some children and adults in our society.
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With Thanks to Our Partner

These lessons were produced in partnership with Down Syndrome Australia. Their purpose is to influence social and policy change, provide a national profile and voice for people living with Down syndrome, and to build resources and the knowledge capacity of the state and territory Down syndrome associations. 


© 2022 Down Syndrome Australia and Cool Australia.