World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) is celebrated annually on 21 March. This date was specifically chosen as it represents the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome, which causes Down syndrome. Since its official recognition by the United Nations in 2012, WDSD has grown into a global movement aimed at raising awareness, promoting inclusivity, and celebrating individuals with Down syndrome.
Each year, the day serves as a reminder that people with Down syndrome have unique abilities and deserve equal opportunities to thrive. From encouraging inclusive education to supporting families, WDSD aims to foster greater understanding and acceptance. The theme for WDSD varies each year, but the core message remains the same: everyone deserves the chance to participate fully in society.
At Edx Education, we believe that play is a powerful tool for inclusion, learning, and development. Through play-based learning, children of all abilities can develop essential skills, build confidence, and express themselves. In this blog, we explore how caregivers and educators can engage children with Down syndrome through play and highlight Edx Education toys that support their unique learning needs.
Engaging Children with Down Syndrome Through Play
Play is vital for all children, and for those with Down syndrome, it offers opportunities to develop cognitive, social, emotional, and motor skills. Children with Down syndrome may experience delayed development in certain areas, but play can provide a fun and interactive way to support their growth. Here are a few ways to engage children with Down syndrome through play:
1. Sensory Play for Exploration and Learning
Children with Down syndrome often benefit from sensory play, which helps them process the world around them. Sensory activities encourage touch, sound, and movement to enhance learning experiences.
-
Edx Education's Sand and Water Play Table allows children to explore different textures and practice fine motor skills while scooping, pouring, and splashing.
-
Rainbow Pebbles provide a hands-on way to develop fine motor control and hand-eye coordination as children stack, sort, and create patterns.
2. Building Fine and Gross Motor Skills
Developing fine and gross motor skills is crucial for children with Down syndrome, and play-based activities can provide valuable practice.
-
Linking Cubes help strengthen finger muscles as children connect and disconnect pieces, improving their dexterity.
-
Joey Jump is a fun gross motor game where children jump on one side of the board to launch a beanbag into the air, enhancing coordination and balance.
3. Encouraging Communication and Social Skills
Many children with Down syndrome benefit from structured opportunities to develop communication and social skills.
-
Role-play toys, such as pretend food sets or dollhouses, encourage children to express themselves and practice conversations in a relaxed environment.
-
Edx Education’s Sorting and Counting Bears help teach colours, numbers, and sequencing while also encouraging turn-taking and cooperative play with peers or family members.
4. Supporting Cognitive Development and Problem-Solving
Engaging in problem-solving activities through play helps children with Down syndrome develop logical thinking and cognitive flexibility.
-
MyGears® construction sets allow children to experiment with how gears work together, building spatial awareness and problem-solving skills.
-
Pentominoes and Pattern Blocks provide opportunities for children to explore patterns, shapes, and symmetry while improving their ability to recognise relationships between different objects.
#WorldDownSyndromeDay – Promoting Inclusion Through Play
World Down Syndrome Day is about fostering inclusion and celebrating the achievements of individuals with Down syndrome. As caregivers and educators, we can support children with Down syndrome by providing them with enriching play opportunities that cater to their needs.
Play-based learning helps all children build confidence, develop skills, and create joyful learning experiences. At Edx Education, our mission is to ensure that every child has access to quality educational toys that make learning fun and engaging. By choosing toys that promote exploration, problem-solving, and interaction, we can help create a more inclusive world where every child has the opportunity to thrive.
On 21 March, join us in celebrating #WorldDownSyndromeDay by encouraging play, embracing diversity, and supporting inclusive learning environments. Let’s continue to create a world where every child, regardless of ability, is valued, supported, and given the chance to play, learn, and create.
By Heather Welch, Author of Happy Children Play and General Manager, Edx Education UK