spk2wrt2mail.edc.org@phoenix.edc.org wrote:
>
> In the three counties that we provide service to, SpeechViewer has been
> used
> creatively and successfully by a variety of kids with special needs. I
> think using it for "singing lessons" is a wonderful idea! Go Mom!
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: spk2wrt@phoenix.edc.org [mailto:spk2wrt@phoenix.edc.org]
> Sent: Sunday, February 20, 2000 11:41 AM
> Subject: Re: New member
>
> In a message dated 2/18/00 9:35:57 AM Pacific Standard Time,
> spk2wrt@phoenix.edc.org writes:
>
> << Joan.Breslin-Larson@state.mn.us <Joan.Breslin-Larson@state.mn.us>
> >>
> Joan, very interested in IBM's Speech viewer. Have you used it?
> Issue: My 20 son (w/down syndrom) wants to sing (wants to sing a whole
> bunch!!!) but, he does not understand and sings everythin in one tone. I
> have tried to explain/demonstrate to him, but to not avail. I am
wondering
>
> if he could actually see how his voice "looks" with varying tones, would
he
>
> then be able to adjust his own tones to sound more pleasant.
> At present I just explain that like mom, we sing because it makes us feel
> good. :)) But, he wants to sing and have it sound good. I might add
> that
> in the past 10 years, this and be able to read have been his main request
> of
> life. So, how is a mother not to try???
>
> Thanks and sorry for the rambling, Nettie with the Mom hat on this AM.
This addressed to Nettie with a 20 year old son with DS. I have a
daughter Sarah aged 32, also with DS. About a year ago Sarah started
singing lessons with a very good teacher. Before that she was unkindly
called, by someone who should have known better,"One note Sarah". Now
she can sing in tune to her own playing on the key board. This is one
area where the computer cannot yet replace a good human teacher.
I am sorry that your son cannot now read but it is certainly not too
late. There is ample evidence that most children with DS can learn to
read at an early age with consequent advantages in language development,
including speech. Please look at:
http://www.downsnet.org
where there is a mass of material on reading and language development in
children with DS.
If the teachers where your son went to school did not teach him to read
I suggest that they look at this site as well.
God luck and best wishes from Leslie Duffen
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