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A Foreign Language Learner with Prader-Willi Syndrome

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Introduction
n Terry, a new arrival in your MFL class, has Prader-Willi syndrome. According to Dr Trisha Macnair, 'Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a chromosomal disorder with symptoms that include learning difficulties, obesity and behavioural problems... (It) results from disruption of chromosome 15... Children with PWS suffer constant hunger - no matter how much they eat, or how full their stomachs are... PWS... occurs in one in 15,000 to 20,000 live births.'

Problem
n How can teachers support learners with PWS in MFL lessons?
n The British Medical Journal publishes 'fillers' on topics such as 'A memorable patient, A paper that changed my practice, My most unfortunate mistake, or any other piece conveying instruction, pathos, or humour'. In Bonjour, je m'appelle Oshadi a consultant paediatrician describes what happened when his son, who has PWS, visited Geneva and learned French: how did the boy challenge his father's expectations? Study Barb Dorn's Information for School Staff: Supporting the Student Who Has Prader-Willi Syndrome, on the Prader-Willi Syndrome Association USA website, considering which recommended strategies might transfer easily into MFL classroom practice. For additional information, visit the PWSA (UK) website.

Further reading
n Chandrakantha,. E L (2004) '"Bonjour, je m'appelle Oshadi"', British Medical Journal, 329(7477), p. 1280. Online at http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/329/7477/1280

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© 2009 · David R. Wilson