3.21  World Down Syndrome Day

World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) is March 21. This date was chosen because Down syndrome or Trisomy 21 happens when a person is born with a third copy of the 21st chromosome  This day is celebrated across the globe.  We encourage raising awareness about Down syndrome in your school and in the community and we appreciate your support! We want to help you teach and talk about Down syndrome and help people shatter outdated stereotypes.

Down Syndrome Advocates in Action  has developed this digital WDSD Celebration Kit and we have some great tools for your classroom, community or event:

1. PRESENTATION

“Learn About Down Syndrome” in PowerPoint, Google Slides or PDF to share some information about Down syndrome.
Picture

2.  POSTER

 “World Down Syndrome Day Celebrate a Little Extra”

​3. VIDEOS

​ “Just Like You” 
​“My Friend Isabelle”

4. PRINTABLE RESOURCES

5. SCHOOL ACTIVITIES


 Random Acts of Kindness. 
This is one of our most favorite ways to celebrate because it is easy and there are so many ways for student to share random acts of kindness on World Down Syndrome Day.  They can smile at 5 people, hold open a door, take on a chore that was not assigned to them, ask a new friend to play, share encouragement, write a thank you note, let someone go in front of you and so much more. Print the bookmarks above, have your class color them, and pair it with one of the Random Acts of Kindness printable cards to give them to another class  For more ideas and K-8 lesson plans check out https://www.randomactsofkindness.org/for-educators
 
Wear #LotsOfSocks!
Ask your students to wear colorful, fun socks on WDSD, it helps to raise awareness and puts some fun into the celebrations!

Belonging Activity- This is a great activity to use in a classroom to see how much students have in common. Instructions.

Because of Oliver- Researched based evidence shows that individuals with Down syndrome learn best in Inclusive Classroom.  Some times it is hard to think about how someone not on grade level can be included in a general education classroom.  This quick video provides educators a new way to think about designing lesson plans that reach more students.  Because of Oliver video

​Share your celebrations!
Share your group pics with us at @DSAA_NE on Twitter or Instagram and on the Down Syndrome Advocates in Action Facebook page.

6. School Success Stories to Inspire.

Some great things are happening in Nebraska schools.  Parents have shared some of their stories of successful advocating and Inclusion.  Go to the School Success Stories Page

7.  Recommended Books that can be checked out from DSAA Resource Library
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