Lesson & Activities - Learning About World Down Syndrome Day
✦ This lesson includes these sections:
☞ PART 1 - A Special Global Event
☞ PART 2 - When Is World Down Syndrome Day?
☞ PART 3 - The Origins Of World Down Syndrome Day
☞ PART 4 - The Official Colours Of Awareness
☞ PART 5 - Animals Can Experience Bullying
☞ PART 6 - Showing Support On World Down Syndrome Day
☞ LISTENING - World Down Syndrome Day
☞ VIDEO - What Is Down Syndrome?
☞ PART 7 - Ways To Get Involved
☞ ACTIVITY - Narration Comprehension Activity
☞ POLL - Getting Involved On World Down Syndrome Day
☞ PART 8 - Concluding Thoughts
☞ QUIZ - Test Your Knowledge
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Learning About
World Down Syndrome Day
Speaking Activity
Conversation Questions
Instructions:
Listen to and read the conversation questions.
Practice your speaking by answering each question out loud.
See some possible answers to the conversation questions by clicking the side arrows next to each question.
Conversation Questions
1. What does the word "inclusion" mean to you?
I think it means we invite everyone to play, and nobody is left out.
2. How can we be kind and support all students in our class?
We can be good friends, help them, and include them in our games.
3. What is Down syndrome?
It means a person is born with one extra chromosome.
4. What are the special colours for Down syndrome?
The special colours are blue and yellow.
5. Why do we wear mismatched socks on World Down Syndrome Day?
We wear mismatched socks on World Down Syndrome Day to show that being different is good and fun.
Writing Activity
Pre-Reading Vocabulary
Instructions:
Get a pencil and paper.
Copy the words from below.
Look up the definitions of the words online.
Learn the definitions of each word.
Important Words - Learning About World Down Syndrome Day
Down syndrome
Awareness
Celebrate
Inclusion
Chromosome
Unique
Support
Community
Observe
Origin
Campaign
Mismatched
Learning About World Down Syndrome Day
Instructions:
Read the following text.
Listen to the audio files.
Complete the activities within the lesson.
Note: Reading out loud when learning a new language is important because it helps you practice your pronunciation. When you speak the words, you can hear how they sound, and this will improve your speaking skills.
World Down Syndrome Day
A Special Global Event
World Down Syndrome Day is a global event focused on awareness. It is a special time to celebrate people with Down syndrome and encourage inclusion. People with this condition are born with an extra chromosome. This makes them unique, but they can still do amazing things. The day helps the public learn more about Down syndrome and teaches us how to support individuals in our community.
When Is World Down Syndrome Day?
We observe this special event every year on March 21st. The date is not random; it has a secret meaning. Because March is the third month of the year, the date is written as 3/21. These numbers represent the three copies of the 21st chromosome, which is the biological cause of Down syndrome.
The Origins Of World Down Syndrome Day
The origin of this day goes back to 2006. A group called Down Syndrome International started the event to raise awareness around the world. Over time, the movement grew larger. In December 2011, the United Nations officially recognized March 21st as World Down Syndrome Day. Since 2012, people and organizations everywhere have celebrated it officially.
The Official Colours of Awareness
The official colours for Down syndrome awareness are blue and yellow. These bright colours are symbols of support and inclusion. On World Down Syndrome Day, people proudly wear these colours to celebrate individuals with Down syndrome. You will also see them at events to raise awareness. Together, blue and yellow share a powerful message that encourages our society to be welcoming and kind to everyone.
"Lots of Socks"
The "Lots of Socks" campaign is a fun and popular activity that takes place every year on World Down Syndrome Day. On March 21st, people all over the world choose to wear brightly coloured and mismatched socks to school or work.
But why do we use socks? Inside our cells, our chromosomes actually look a little bit like pairs of socks. Because people with Down syndrome are born with an extra chromosome, wearing unique socks is a great way to represent them.
Showing Support On World Down Syndrome Day
Across Canada, society comes together to show their support. Many people participate in the popular "Lots of Socks" campaign. For this campaign, Canadians wear brightly coloured, mismatched socks to start conversations about diversity. Also, famous Canadian landmarks light up in blue and yellow. These are the official colours of Down syndrome awareness. Groups like the Canadian Down Syndrome Society also organize community events and fundraisers to support families.
Learning About World Down Syndrome Day
Instructions:
Press the play buttons below.
Listen to the audio file.
Use the reading from above to follow along with the audio file.
Learning About World Down Syndrome Day
World Down Syndrome Day Explained
Ways To Get Involved On
World Down Syndrome Day
Getting involved in World Down Syndrome Day is easy and fun for everyone. You do not need to do something very big to make a difference. By participating in simple activities, you can help raise awareness and show your support for people with Down syndrome in your community. When we all work together, we create a kinder and more inclusive society where everyone feels welcome and valued.
Get Involved Tip #1
Wear "Lots of Socks"
Put on brightly coloured, mismatched socks on March 21st. When people ask you about your fun socks, you can explain what the day means.
Get Involved Tip #2
Wear the Official Colours
Dress in blue and yellow on World Down Syndrome Day, which are the widely recognised colours for Down syndrome awareness.
Get Involved Tip #3
Join a Local Event
Look for activities in your city or town. Many communities organize charity walks, fun runs, or special fundraisers to support local families and bring people together.
Get Involved Tip #4
Get Crafty for Inclusion
Making art is a fun and creative way to show your support. You can make your own special items, like blue and yellow friendship bracelets, colourful pins, or decorated T-shirts.
Get Involved Tip #5
Learn and Share
Read an article or watch a video about Down syndrome. Then, share what you learned with your family and classmates.
Get Involved Tip #6
Share Awareness on Social Media
Using the internet is a great way to reach many people quickly. You can use your favourite apps, like Facebook or Instagram, to share positive messages about Down syndrome.
Narration Comprehension Activity
Instructions:
Get a pencil and paper.
Make a list from 1 to 6.
Listen to and then read each of the 6 narrations.
Decide how each person got involved on World Down Syndrome Day by figuring out what they did on that day.
Practice your writing by writing the name of how each person got involved on World Down Syndrome Day next to each number on your paper.
Check your answers by clicking on the side arrows next to each narration.
Narration Comprehension Activity
Getting Involved On World Down Syndrome Day
Narration #1
Narration #1 - Liam: "I looked in my closet and found a bright yellow shirt and my favourite blue pants. I wore them to work today to show my support for the community." How did Liam get involved on World Down Syndrome Day?
ANSWER: Wear the Official Colours
Narration #2
Narration #2 - Mateo: "My family and I went to the park downtown. There was a big gathering with a stage, music, and a walk where we celebrated with lots of other people." How did Mateo get involved on World Down Syndrome Day?
ANSWER: Join A Local Event
Narration #3
Narration #3 - Zoey: "I read an interesting article about Trisomy 21 this morning. During lunch, I talked to my coworkers about what I read so they could understand why this day is so important." How did Zoey get involved on World Down Syndrome Day?
ANSWER: Learn and Share
Narration #4
Narration #4 - Sophia: "I posted a nice graphic on my Instagram and Facebook pages with facts about Down syndrome. I used special hashtags so more of my friends could see my message." How did Sophia get involved on World Down Syndrome Day?
ANSWER: Share Awareness on Social Media
Narration #5
Narration #5 - Doreen: "My students and I spent the afternoon making beautiful posters with paint and markers. We hung our colourful art in the school hallway so everyone feels welcome." How did Doreen get involved on World Down Syndrome Day?
ANSWER: Get Crafty for Inclusion
Narration #6
Narration #6 - David: "I put on my most colourful, mismatched socks this morning. One has green polka dots, and the other has red stripes. When people asked me about them, it was a great way to start a conversation!" How did David get involved on World Down Syndrome Day?
ANSWER: Wear "Lots of Socks"
Take Our Poll
Getting Involved On World Down Syndrome Day
Which way to get involved on World Down Syndrome Day would you want to try?
Wear mismatched socks
Wear the official blue and yellow colours
Join a local event in your community
Create a craft which relates to the event
Concluding Thoughts
In conclusion, World Down Syndrome Day is a powerful reminder that everyone belongs. From wearing mismatched, brightly coloured socks to lighting up landmarks in blue and yellow, people across Canada come together to celebrate diversity. Whether at school or in society, learning about Down syndrome helps us build a kinder, more inclusive world where every unique person is supported and celebrated.
Test Your Knowledge By Taking Our Quiz
Instructions:
Read the 10 true and false questions below.
Answer each question.
Click the Submit button when you are done.
Click the View Score button to check your results.
Click below for a reading without the accompanying activities:
Written by: Nicole WT
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