October is Respect Life Month. It is also Down Syndrome Awareness Month—“a month to raise awareness and celebrate the many abilities of our loved ones with Down syndrome.” Respect for life and celebrating the abilities of those with DS go hand in hand.
When parents receive a Down syndrome diagnosis for their preborn baby or for their baby after he is born, they are usually instilled with fear and handed stats for all the things that their child will not be able to do. They are not told of all the wonderful things that child can do or of the love they will feel for him and of the lessons they will learn.
In America, “estimates of abortion of babies diagnosed with Down syndrome range from 60% to 90%. In Iceland, that number is nearly 100%, while in Denmark it’s 98%, and in Australia, it is about 90%.” These are sickening statistics. That’s why Down syndrome advocacy organizations, such as Team Iron Will, work every day to champion the abilities of kids with DS. And if we ever want to change our culture and eliminate the fear that comes with this diagnosis, we must teach the truth.
One of the ways we can teach the truth is to talk to our kids and help them see the beauty of those with Down syndrome. Our lesson booklet for kids in kindergarten through second grade entitled All Shapes and Sizes can help with that.
So here are 7 reasons your kids will love this CLSP lesson.
1. It’s perfect for Down Syndrome Awareness Month and Respect Life Month.
This four-week lesson booklet addresses the following topics: the creation of every person in God’s image and likeness, Down syndrome, autism, and caring for sick and elderly persons. These lessons help children to grow in compassion and love for their fellow human beings.
2. They can read some great children’s books.
This 104-page booklet breaks the topics down into four weeks of study, and each week accompanies the reading of a popular children’s book. As you explore Down syndrome, you will read The Prince Who Was Just Himself by Silke Schnee. It’s a charming story of a prince born with Down syndrome who saves the kingdom.
3. They will see that every person is a blessing.
Kids need concrete illustrations of the fact that all human beings are created in the image of God and that every person has unique gifts and talents. This lesson helps kids discover their own talents and see the beauty in what others can do.
4. They can listen to and respond to thoughtful discussion questions.
Not only do our questions help the child understand the reading, but they help the child think about the value of all people. We even provide suggested answers to help parents know what to say.
5. Kids get to hunt for images of butterflies.
Throughout the book, there are 19 butterflies depicted. Can you find them all? Kids love this hunting expedition!
6. They can watch educational videos.
We provide the links to three short videos that explore the lives of people with Down syndrome and highlight their accomplishments. This helps children see that those with DS are very much like them.
7. They can do fun craft activities.
After each day’s lesson, we encourage you to do the craft activity described. For this book, kids can make a snowflake, which illustrates the fact that we are all unique. They can make a castle or a crown. They can even make a butterfly snack with fruit!
Throughout the month of October, All Shapes and Sizes is on sale for just $9. We encourage you to download it today and begin learning these valuable lessons with your children.