Lancaster mum launches fundraiser to help provide educational videos for children with Down syndrome

A Lancaster mum has recruited a team of mums and children from around the globe to take part in a 21 day Learnathon throughout November to fundraise for the Teach Me Too project.
Debs Thompson with her daughter Poppy.Debs Thompson with her daughter Poppy.
Debs Thompson with her daughter Poppy.

The Teach Me Too project is an online library of educational videos specifically designed to help children with Down syndrome develop skills in speech, language and cognition.

Debs Thompson, who is mum to Poppy aged three with Down syndrome who goes to Bowerham Nursery and Kids Club, said: “Over 21 days the Learnathon team are releasing short videos of their learning at home, using some of the techniques shown in the Teach Me Too online resources, to brighten up lockdown mornings, especially for families who are isolating and to raise money for the project.

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“I came across the Teach Me Too video resources in the summer and couldn’t believe how much my daughter Poppy interacted with them.

“It got me thinking that all her friends would really benefit from them, and the nursery staff also.

“The project is run by a Kent based charity, 21 Together, who share the same vision – to make these freely available for all children with Down Syndrome.

“So we are fundraising to buy the video copyrights and make the videos free to access for all.

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“The idea for the Learnathon came about when the second lockdown was announced.

Poppy Thompson aged three from Lancaster who has Down syndrome has been interacting with the Teach Me Too videos.Poppy Thompson aged three from Lancaster who has Down syndrome has been interacting with the Teach Me Too videos.
Poppy Thompson aged three from Lancaster who has Down syndrome has been interacting with the Teach Me Too videos.

“There are so many parents out there doing a fab job making every day family life about learning and fun.

“I wanted to capture that energy and share it with the world. To show how creative our kids are and how inquisitive they are about the world.”

“Let’s get these videos streaming around the world – if we can reach 1,000 viewers every day who donate £1 then we will reach our goal.”

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Jo Aiyathurai, manager from 21 Together in Kent said: “Teach Me Too is a video library of short videos designed to use the strengths of learning for children with Down syndrome, working through the key skills at each curriculum level.

“We have three-year-olds to 12-year-olds using the programme right now in Kent. For the younger children it is those first steps to learning, and for the more able they consolidate knowledge, build independence and frankly, they just love watching them!

“Each video is supported with additional resources to allow parents, teachers, and therapists to understand the techniques and use them outside of the session.

“For Christmas 2020 we would love to see this fantastic resource launched for all the children with Down syndrome in the UK and beyond to access, free of charge forever. It’s about time 2020 showed some positivity, and together we can make that happen!”

To donate to the fundraising for the learnathon click hereVisit the website at https://21together.org.uk/teach-me-too.

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