The Down Syndrome Toolkit features seven empirically supported instructional strategies in various subject areas.
Click or choose from the drop-down list to learn more about each strategy, it's purpose and benefits and how to use it.

Literacy: Match, Select, Name

Match, Select, Name is a sequenced word recognition strategy. This strategy encourages children to practice identifying and reading words, and eventually working towards automaticity in reading text.

Literacy: Latch-On Program

The Latch-On Program helps students develop their reading, writing and speaking skills. Specifically, the program targets reading comprehension, text structures, and enhancing speech stamina.

Mathematics: Numicon System

The Numicon System is a multi-sensory approach to mathematics using structured apparatus designed to give students the understanding of number sense and relationships that are essential for success in math.

Behaviour: Social Stories

Communication: Sign Language

Communication: Functional Training Communication

Sensory: Sensory Box
Social stories use reading and pictures to teach students appropriate behaviour for a variety of social situations.


Students with Down Syndrome often have delayed or impaired speech. Sign language builds receptive language and early communication in a visual way.
Functional Communication Training is a skill-building strategy that enables students to appropriately communicate their desires.
Sensory Boxes are designed to assist children in their sensory development by experiencing a variety of materials they can touch, see, and smell in a controlled environment.