11 Ways to Celebrate World Down Syndrome Day!!!

Mark your calendars!!! World Down Syndrome Day is coming up on March 21st. WDSD is celebrated on the 21st day of March to honor and share our love for those living with Down syndrome and to create awareness for others. March 21st (3/21) was chosen as the day to signify the uniqueness of the triplication of the 21st chromosome, which is what causes Down syndrome.

Every year on WDSD, we celebrate these awesome individuals in my classroom! I'm here to share some ideas with you to help you celebrate WDSD in your classroom!

1. Participate in the "Lots of Socks" campaign. 

The World Down Syndrome Day Organization is hosting the "Lots of Socks" campaign again this year! Wear lots of socks, colorful socks, crazy socks, or maybe even 3 socks to represent the 3 chromosomes. Stand out so others will ask you about your socks so you can share awareness and get others talking about WDSD! You can learn more about this campaign here and print flyers to spread the word and share with your colleagues here and here. 

My students wearing LOTS of SOCKS!

We even pinned them to our pants and shirts!

 2. Dress in blue and yellow or wear blue and yellow ribbons.

Blue and yellow are the designated colors for WDSD, so we also wear blue and yellow ribbons on our shirts.

3. Rock your designer genes (jeans).

LOL!!! :) One of my students did this last year.....LOVE!!!!!!!!!

4. Bring in blue and yellow cupcakes.

5. Show these videos at your school.

Just Like You, Inc. 



6. Read this book.

You can find it on Amazon here.

7. Share with your class or have them share 21 facts about Down syndrome.

8. Have your students share 21 things they love about their classmate, friend, or family member with Down syndrome.

9. Do something special for the children at your school or in your community with Down syndrome.

10. Host a Disability Awareness Day!

You can read all about the Disability Awareness Day I hosted at my school here, and get most of the materials needed to host your own!

11. Get the word out there!

In addition to celebrating in your classroom or at your school, get the word out there! Share WDSD and the "Lots of Socks" campaign with your family and friends and on your social media sites. Use the hashtag #wdsd16. 

UPDATE (3/13/16): I've created a freebie set you can download that includes a hat template, materials for making your ribbons, gift tags, and 21 facts about kids with DS. You can grab it here for free!!

MARCH 21st

Mark your calendars and spread the love and awareness for these precious individuals! 

I'll be back on the 22nd to share pictures of our 2016 WDSD classroom celebration and hopefully give you the opportunity to link up your own photos! So take lots of photos!!!!! 

Feel free to save and use this image to promote WDSD to your friends, family, parents, and colleagues!!!

Bunches of Love,