Sign expert helps youngsters celebrate
THE youngsters of Rochdale DS All Stars have celebrated World Down’s Syndrome Day in style this weekend with the help of local sign language experts, Eliza Says, who ensured that the children had maximum fun, while also adding some useful new signs to their repertoire.
Claire Minett, chair of Rochdale DS All Stars, a volunteer-run group offering support and friendship to the local Down’s syndrome community, comments: “Our party to mark World Down’s Syndrome Day is always a highlight of our calendar as we get to celebrate both our community and our condition.
“As many of our families use sign language to support their child’s acquisition of language, we thought a fun session from Eliza Says would not only be a real treat for the
little ones but useful for their grown-ups too.
“Judging by the smiling faces at the end of the party, I don’t think we could have chosen a better activity for them.
“We got some great feedback from the parents, who were able to brush up on their signing skills, while our smaller members had a whale of a time.”
During the course of the
party, the children enjoyed a superhero themed session based on cbeebies presenter George Webster’s book about Down’s syndrome, “This is Me”.
As well as singing, signing and a story time linked to the book, Eliza Says guided the children through a messy play session involving superhero dolls and coloured rice.
Lorenza Pye, owner of Eliza Says, comments: “It was an utter pleasure to join the DS All Stars in their celebrations and spend time with a fabulous group of children, who were so interested and engaged with the activities.
“People with Down’s syndrome are often visual learners so sign language can really help support their communication.”