Targeted strategies for teaching pupils with Down syndrome

For pupils with Down syndrome, research shows a distinctive learning profile with strengths to build on and challenges to support. By adapting teaching approaches, resources and environments, we can ensure that every child can thrive in school.  

If you’re just starting out, you may want to start by reading our guide to helping a child with Down syndrome settle into primary and our guide to the learning profile of a child with Down syndrome here.

The learning profile 

Pupils with Down syndrome often present with an uneven learning profile. This means they may demonstrate strong abilities in some areas while experiencing significant difficulties in others. Recognising this variability allows teachers to provide more targeted and effective support. 

Learning from listening 

More than 80% of children with Down syndrome experience hearing difficulties. Verbal short-term memory (remembering what has been said) and 

auditory processing (understanding spoken information) are also specific challenges associated with Down syndrome.  

These challenges can make it harder to follow instructions, learn new vocabulary, and process classroom information. 

Teaching strategies: 

Ensure regular hearing checks and follow audiology recommendations 

Reduce background noise and seat the pupil in an optimal listening position (near the front) 

Support spoken language with visuals and gestures 

Provide extra practice and repetition 

Begin speech and language interventions early and maintain them throughout schooling 

Learning from looking 

Visual short-term memory and visual learning is a strength for many children with Down syndrome. They are often able to retain information they see better than what they hear. However, vision difficulties and visual fatigue are also common. 

Teaching strategies: 

• Make sure recommendations around vision are followed, for example pupil is wearing their glasses and they are clean, font size is appropriate (min 20+), lines are dark, and pens make clear and dark marks 
• Provide clear, bold, uncluttered visual supports (objects, pictures, words, symbols) 
• Model tasks explicitly – “show rather than tell” 
• Incorporate repetition, video recordings, and personal books to support learning 
• Minimise unnecessary visual distractions in the learning environment as much as possible 

Motor skills 

Both fine and gross motor skills can be areas of challenge. Pupils with Down syndrome may move more slowly, with less accuracy, which impacts classroom activities such as handwriting, cutting, or participating in PE. 

Teaching strategies: 

• Be clear on the target  
• Offer plenty of opportunities to practise 
• Make sure the child has the appropriate equipment such as scissors, pens and pencils 

Social skills and behaviour 

Social understanding is typically a relative strength.  This makes peer interaction and inclusion especially powerful for their learning. 

Teaching strategies: 

• Explicitly teach and reinforce independence skills from an early age 
• Set high but realistic expectations for behaviour look at the expectations for the rest of the class (target these skills and actively teach positive behaviours) 
• Foster peer interaction and structured group activities to build confidence and support visual learning 

Speech and language 

Speech and language are particular challenges associated with Down syndrome, but non-verbal communication can be a strength.  

Teaching strategies: 

• Use clear, simple language matched to the pupil’s understanding level 
• Support verbal instructions with gestures, symbols, or written prompts 
• Check for understanding and encourage repetition and rehearsal to support recall as well as supports for memory 
• Prioritise opportunities for communication in everyday classroom interactions 

Key takeaway  

Everyday classroom experiences matter. Embedding strategies into daily routines, not just during targeted interventions, supports generalisation and creates the richest opportunities for pupils with Down syndrome to thrive.  

Need specialised support? 

DSUK’s Primary Education Programme offers expert-led training, information and ongoing support for school staff to successfully support pupils with Down syndrome in primary school.