From the trenches, teaching my kids with Down syndrome to read

I have been in the trenches a long time as far as parenting goes, excuse me while I reprimand Sam because he said a curse word while playing Game Boy, and just recently I had a light bulb moment I would like to share with you.  Most parents that have a child with DS wonder if they will learn to read to which I answer:

Yep, I am talking about sight words.  At the end of this post I am going to reveal the 4 most important sight words you should teach your child but first a story to explain why I came to this conclusion.  At the end of the day when my 25-year-old daughter, 20-year-old son, 16-year-old son and something year old husband are all busy doing their thing I retire to the bedroom closing the door behind me.  At last a little R&R time where I can kick back, read, check Facebook or just watch TV.  During that time the door flies open 5 or 10 times and I am greeted with things like this:Jake was compelled to show me all his ‘stuff’ from his graduation last year and sing me a song that his senior class sang.  Minutes later the door opened again and Sam asked if he could have a snack.  April wasn’t far behind with a request and then several more request from Sam.  It’s not only when I am in my room for some private time but also when I am out of the house and the Hunk is in charge.  Jake called me 3 times during my son-in-laws graduation ceremony.  Of course I had the phone on vibrate and remember that their father was at home with him.  That’s when I realized the first 4 sight words you should teach your younger children.  Put each word on a 3×5 card and go over them daily until they are fully locked in their brain.  And the four words are:

OFF        DUTY      ASK     DAD

I am making a sign for my door and these 4 little words will be my go to text when they call me if they are home with dad.  Or maybe I will just teach them ODAD and yes in CAPS because I really mean it.

More reading insight to come later.  Remember this is the core of any good reading program.