Homemade videos to teach everything

 

I recently completed our 4th homemade video to help teach our 2 1/2 year old daughter who has Down syndrome. This method is effective for so many things, so I thought I would share it. My 2 and 4 year old daughters enjoy watching television, but they are usually only allowed to watch learning type shows or DVD's. I thought I would take this genuine interest and use it to my benefit.

The videos I make are a combination of Your Baby Can Read (which is like Rosetta Stone for kids) and Your Child Can Discover, Brillkids, Brainy Baby videos, Baby Babble  and Watch Me Learn. They include video modeling, which is a visual teaching method that occurs by watching a video of someone modeling a targeted behavior or skill and then imitating the behavior/skill watched. Presley likes to toss things off the table, so I put several "on the table" clips in the video with plenty of praise. I continue to reinforce sight word recognition and explanations by saying flashcards in short bursts and reading books. I do songs and phrases with anticipated words that Presley likes, such as "Twinkle, twinkle little star, how I wonder what you _______" and Presley says "are" and we continue to pull words out of her as we go through the entire song. Also, ready, set, ______ and she makes her sound for "Go" each time. She has participated more actively in the conversations after beginning the videos. I want my daughter to know how to say "I love you" and know that she is very loved, so there are many times it is said and displayed. She leans over to hug and kiss me and say "mmuwah" each time she sees it on the screen.

I originally taught both my girls sight word recognition. After they had a grasp of words have meaning, I added some phonics. Presley is a very physical little girl, she walked and climbed early for DS, so speech was on the back burner for her. She can read over 150 words, knows her colors, shapes, numbers, and the alphabet with letter recognition and sound them out phonetically. However, talking has not flowed as quickly. To encourage talking, I made this video using the CVCS speech words with a close up of my mouth for imitation purposes. Presley is a very visual learner (as most children are with special needs), so saying it to her over and over did nothing. I had my 4 year old do what comes naturally for her, to be silly in front of the camera to explain each word immediately after I said it.

We had fun taking photos to teach emotions and presented it three different ways within this last video. I also had my older daughter show how fun sequencing could be by using the Simply Smarter app (http://nacd.org/family/apps.php) and identifying different body parts. Also, what looks like two little girls just playing, is actually two girls learning and following directions, which will help improve sequencing.

Suggestions you can accomplish:

* teaching the alphabet letters, numbers, colors, shapes
* teaching sight words or phonics
* displaying positive behaviors that you want to promote (exclude the negative ones) and show the praise that follows
* teaching emotions or feelings
* how to react in certain situations and for social interactions
* sequencing and following directions
* enunciation of proper speech sounds or words
* Teach them to properly clean or pick up their room, show them what you mean when you say to clean their room
* Teach sounds of things like birds, trains, cars, airplanes, etc...
* Teach songs and children's games like Ring Around the Rosy, Wheels on the Bus, etc...
* Show family members in loud rooms and how they remain calm and socially interactive or someone getting into an elevator and pushing buttons if your child is bothered by situations like these
* Reading books
* Concepts such as in, out, up, down, on, off, above, below, etc...
* Teach the five senses, days of the week, months of the year, seasons
* Addition/subtraction

We used Windows Live Movie Maker to make these videos. These homemade videos are really a family event as each family member is always in the video. It reinforces positive behaviors that are seen as well as positive feedback that they can see and hear over and over. It shows children it is ok for both children and adults to be silly. They have fun making it, and they LOVE watching themselves be the star of the show later. You will enjoy not having to repeat certain things numerous times, because they will see it on the video. You can slip serious learning in between the fun clips and they keep their eyes on the screen knowing the next clip features them. I hope this inspires you and helps your child accomplish new and great things. Good luck and happy learning! Blessings, Robin

Here is a link to our latest video about emotions, following directions, and speech sounds:

 

Here is a previous video to learn concepts such as in, out, on, off, above and more:

Here we were teaching colors and reading sight words with left over party balloons:

Here is Presley going through a book I made her of words I know she can say:

Here is Payton reading to Presley. Payton made up her own version of "Pete the Cat and his four buttons".

 

 

 

Video for New Parents and Medical Staff

When we were given Emma's diagnosis it was basically said in passing.  It was assumed that I already had a diagnosis.  I will say though that after the initial ripping off of the band aid the medical team was incredible.  They were kind and very positive.  My dear friend Robin was not so fortunate.  The first few weeks are so crucial.  Parents need to understand that Down syndrome is nothing short of GREAT in our world.

Great video for the medical community and new parents.  I can not wait to see what the next generations achieves.

http://vimeo.com/66687709

Emma's Reading Video

Just to help everyone understand the importance of what we are doing.  Robin and I both work with NACD, Brillkids, flashcards, videos and we read 10-20 books a day to our kids.  Reading is so important  and just like our 3 year olds and my 12 year old we will encourage reading every day.  We started really hitting the flashcards with Emma about 3 months ago and this is where we are.  We do them 3-4 times a day and it takes less than 2 minutes.  I too am so proud and just want parents to understand that you can never start too early. During the video you will see Emma stand up and sit down.  We are working on building her leg muscles in preporation of walking.  The only way I can get Emma to do this exercise is a Veggie Straw. ENJOY!

Presley reading at 19 months old

Here are videos of Presley reading this past weekend.  She is 19 months old.  She recently had her speech evaluation and showed zero deficents in receptive language.  See below to learn what we are doing to help teach her!

 

 

 

 

Via You Tube if you can not click on the above link:

 

 

 

 

 

1.  We use NACD (National Association of Child Development)  http://www.nacd.org/  She began on the program at 6 months old.  We drive to Dallas from Little Rock every 3 months for re-evaluation.  It costs over $900 for the initial evaluation, then approximately $230 per month.  We feel it is worth every penny!  Our program does more in one day than any therapist could accomplish in a week with Presley.  The program details exactly how to do flashcards, videos, and photo cards.  It shows you how to teach your child.  The program does more than teach though, it shows you how to do PT, OT, DT, and ST for your child so you are able to help your child each day.  Go to their website and check out their video.

 

2.  I used the Your Baby Can Read series with my first daughter Payton also.  She is 3 years old now and can read anything you put in front of her.  Initially it is like learning sight words, and the comprehension develops with use and repetition.  If you have ever used the Rosetta Stone for Spanish or another language development, then you will recognize that the method is exactly the same.  Repetition, repetition, repetition!  I use the flashcards that slide out to show the pictures.  Presley was only allowed to watch the YBCR videos when she was younger, and she still loves them.  I also vary up her routine with the lift the flap books, but she likes to hold them and pull on the pages so we only use once or twice a week.  It really is an effective program.

 

3.  Brillkids.  This is a computer program that takes about 5 minutes twice a day.  It shows the word "horse" then shows a picture of the horse and repeats the word, then shows a video of the horse running and repeats the word again.  It gives you an entire year of daily sessions.  You just simply advance each day or repeat the same day if you want to reinforce, but the same words carry over several days.  You can email Brillkids and provide proof of your child's disability and your proof of income and that will give you a code for 50-100% off of one of their products.  We purchased the big package which included the Little Math also.   http://www.brillkids.com/

 

4.  I have many items around my house labeled with large words, such as door, window, TV, books, radio.  I also have "take a bath", "go outside, bye bye" and "go to sleep, night night" in appropriate areas as well.  We help her to take notice of these words daily.  Of course she is at the age she just wants to rip them off, so I recommend lots of tape. 

 

5.  Flashcards.  I purchased flashcards and have made lots of my own.  Some have words on them and some just the picture.  You spend approximately 1-3 seconds on each card then move to the next.  We only spend about 2 minutes a session so we quit before she becomes bored with it.

 

 

6.  Books, books, and more books!  You simply can not read enough to your child.  It opens up a wonderful new world to them.  Whether you just point to the pictures and talk about them or go over simple words, just sitting down with your child and reading will help foster a great love of words and reading.

 



WEBSITES, BLOGS, BOARDS, AND MUST SEE VIDEOS:

                  

Buddy Talk – a private page on Facebook began at the end of 2011 by a local parents around Little Rock, Arkansas who wanted to communicate and connect with other DS parents.  It has continued to grow and extend to other states.  You can “friend” either Robin Lowery Tolliver or Tricia Gault  Ambeau, and we will be happy to add you.  This is a great way to meet families in your area.  There are monthly activities such as picnics, water parks, baseball games, museum trips, zoo trips, and much more.  You may also contact them directly at cent.ark.buddytalk@gmail.com.

http://gotdownsyndrome.blogspot.com/ - A sister writes of her intense research for her younger brother  with DS

http://downsyndromeupupupandaway.blogspot.com/ - A personal favorite with good information.  This was the first positive website we read after our daughters were born. Laura describes a variety of therapies and unique interventions she has done with her 4 year old daughter “K” with DS.  At age 4, her daughter read at a 1^st grade level and does all the activities of a typical child. 

http://dsdaytoday.blogspot.com/ - An overwhelming amount of information in one location.   Andi describes numerous therapies she is using to assist her young son Jett.  Andi includes a lot of alternative therapies, but she also has an enormous amount of research and relevant information for anything conerning Down Syndrome.   A bit intimidating initially, but she will quickly become a favorite "go to" resource.

http://downsyndromenewmama.blogspot.com/

http://www.youtube.com/user/BethanysBiggestFan?feature=watch – This is a must see for all parents and relatives.  It accurately describes what it is like to have a child with Down Syndrome. A wonderful video.

http://www .babycenter.com/ - Highly recommend.  Go to “community” then “groups” then search for “down syndrome” and “unlimited potential” for two community boards of parents that post questions, answers, experiences, and new information daily.  A great resource and place to meet parents just like you.  Sign up and you can receive a daily email of the latest topics. Or click: http://community.babycenter.com/groups/a315/down_syndrome and http://community.babycenter.com/groups/a6729133/unlimited_potential 

http://www.kellehampton.com/ - a wonderful upbeat blog with lots of pictures of her daughter

http://einstein-syndrome.com/einstein-syndrome/ - a unique perspective about being told your child has “Einstein syndrome” and you must show, do, and teach this child everything, lots of input, then reality is that you were told your child has Down’s, you still do the same.  A great resource for research and relevant information

http://yomammamamma.blogspot.com/2009/12/businesses-owned-by-people-with-down.html - a list of businesses that are owned and operated by people with Down Syndrome. 

http://schmlloyd.blogspot.com/2010/02/how-to-build-infant-crawling-track.html - How to build an infant crawling track to encourage your child to crawl and strengthen their muscles.

http://thedownsyndromeactionplan.blogspot.com/ - Mother of a 3 year old boy.  She is an Occupational therapist.

 http://www.rileyswarriors.org/ - a website about a young boy here in Arkansas who suffered a brain injury while only weeks old after a blood vessel burst.  They host many events and have resources listed on their website.  They have “Hope’s Notebook” which many have used to begin organizing medical paperwork, drs appointments, etc…

http://alifeworthliving.us/ - an encouraging website for new parents.  Lots of photos.

http://downsyndromeoptions.org/ - several of the above bloggers put this site together to compile information in one location. Very informative.

Oh how a healthy heart can heal an entire family.

Having a child with Down syndrome can bring many challanges.  The hardest day for me and Chad was October 13, 2011, the day Emmalin had to undergo open heart surgery.  For the last year I have not shared these pictures.  We have kept them very private.  No photo sharing on facebook and only one or two shared via text.  I felt that they were just too hard on the eye.  One year later I feel different. 

I feel that it is important for future parents to see our journey.  To see the incision, the tubes, the monitors, the tape, the IV's and the breathing tube.  Please know that everything your child will endure will make him or her stronger, healthier and happier.  All of those cardiologist appointments that you race to will soon be scheduled farther apart.  Your child that did not have the strength to make it through a feeding without sweating and falling asleep will get stronger.  All of those nights of checking and double checking and triple checking will get better.  The anticipation of what is to come will feel completely different.  There will not be "fear of the future" there will be "hope for the future".  After you see your child and your family conquer this you will realize that God's plan is good, he is in control and everything is going to be okay.  God gave us a child with Down syndrome because he knew our family was strong.  He gave us a heart patient because he knew we needed to be reassured that all will be okay.  Prayer, time, patience, faith and trust have carried us through.

If you are the parent of a child that will undergo surgery please know that this post is meant to start your healing process now.  We started to heal after Emmalin's surgery.  We were entering a world of the unknown.  Prior to Emmalin's surgery I thought I was struggling with her Down syndrome diagnosis.  After her heart repair I quickly realized that it was not the Down syndrome that scared me it was the heart.  The heart I could not fix, the heart could kill her, to be blunt...the heart scared the hell of me and I wanted no part of it.  It was much bigger than me and too big to comprehend.  It was the first thing in my life that I was too scared to hold on too but too scared to let go of and turn over to God.  She is MY child and I wanted her to have a healthy heart.  Chad reminded me to trust God and turn to my faith.  He once again stood strong and lifted me up from my fear of the unknown.

That fall morning in October we were no longer the parents of a child with Down syndrome, we were the parents of a child with complete atrioventricular canal defect or CAVCD for short.  Emmalin had a large whole in the middle of her little heart.  She only had an upper and lower chamber, no left or right.  It would be the job of the Dr. Michiaki Imamura to repair her defect and our job to pray for God to guide his hand.



Emma the day before here surgery getting her final EKG all 13 electrodes.

The morning of-walking into Arkansas Children's Hospital.

Waiting for the doctors to come and get Emmalin.  We had great support from That Church who came to pray with us and the doctors prior to surgery.  Thank you to Scott Harness and an amazing staff.

I thought I was prepared, I thought I was in a good place, I thought I was at peace...until I had to hand her over.  Then I realized that I wanted to run.  Run with Emma as far away as fast as I could.  Then I started to cry, then I started to shake and Lord did I shake.

Then I prayed, and prayed and prayed.

Loving Father, I entrust my child to your care this day; guide with wisdom and skill the minds and hands of the medical people who minister in your Name, and grant that every cause of illness be removed, may my child be restored to soundness of health and learn to live in more perfect harmony with you and with those around her. Through Jesus Christ. Amen.

Hours later, it was time to see her.

So overwhelming.

Emma enjoyed her music every night.  She had everything from The Beach Boys to Dolly Parton to Loretta Lynn to nursery rhymes and Mozart.

Dad looked good the entire time at the hospital.

Good night kisses.

Amazing staff made it a little easier to get some rest.

Collapsed lung a few days after surgery.  We did not expect that, but she recovered fast.

Finally after hours and hours and hours....it was time to hold her.

Time to feel her new heart against mine and watch her breath on her own.

Getting stronger and stronger.  Eyes open and feet kicking.

Night time story.

Dad and mom starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Surrounded by so much love and compassion.

Finally eating on her own.

In stepdown at CVICU and Emmalin resting comfortably.

Chad trying to lighten the mood a little..always room for dessert.

Aunt Tracy came to sit and play with her niece Emma while dad and mom  had date night at the hospital.  She brought steak and goodies compliments of Uncle Chris.  Oh family and friends support was unbelievable.  We are truly blessed.

Emmalin's last nurse in step down.  She also has a child with Down syndrome and was a true angel.

Going home.

Home and resting on mommy.

That was then and This is now.

Emma 6 months later with her cardiologist Dr. Sachdeva.

So so so strong and happy.

Hammock therapy.

 

Finger painting with sister.

Playing with brother.

Mom brings the crawling track out after chest has fully recovered.  Emma protests by flipping over.

What am I suppose to do with this again?

Could not do this before my surgery.

Hehehehe...pretty lady.

First official World Down syndrome day in the Ambeau house.

Strong enough to plank.

First weekend at the lake.  Look at Emma feeding herself like a big girl and sitting up.

Nana and Papa's house and cowboy hats.

First time to taste ice cream does call for party hats.

So strong.

Eating and eating and eating.  Getting so much bigger and stronger.

Uh oh...don't let PT see this please.

Almost there.

Banging things together and getting into things.  Love It.

Getting tubes...will be hearing everything 100% of the time soon.

And she stands up!

And sneaks up and looks up.

Mom insisting on a correct crawl.

Straw drinking with honey bear.  Oh a proud day.

Immitating daddy.

Oral motor therapy.  Over with in no time and on to some grub.

Putting objects in all alone.

Playing ball with Heather.

Climbing to see Emma's beautiful face.

Working on rings...so proud.

Peek-A-Boo.

4 point crawl-check....NEXT.

Pointing, turning pages....NEXT.

Saying apple with Alice...NEXT.

Saying NaNa and Bye Bye.

Colors...YEP got it.

And her voice!

As I said earlier, we were the parents of a child with complete atrioventricular canal defect or CAVCD for short but we are now the parents of a child with CAVCDR or complete atrioventricular canal defect REPAIR.  Oh how far our family has come in 1 year.  Thank you God once again for Emmalin, Down syndrome and a healthy heart.

Give yourself fully to the adventure of today.  Walk boldly along the path of Life, relying on your ever-present Companion.  You have every reason to be confident, because My Presence accompanies you all the day of your life-and onward into eternity.  Do not give in to fear or worry, those robbers of abundant living.  Trust Me enough to face problems as they come, rather than trying to anticipate them.  Fix your eyes on Me, the Author and Perfecter of your faith, and many difficulties on the road ahead will vanish before you reach them.  Whenever you start to feel afraid, remember that I am holding you by your right hand.  Nothing can separate you from My Presence!

Hebrews 12:2; Isaiah 41:

An amazing support group that continues to grow is so important.  Thank God we have one.


For more stories regarding OHS please visit the following blog for a collection of stories:

http://ourcorabean.blogspot.com/p/preparing-for-your-babys-open-heart.html?m=1