Management Tips for Educators

The classroom teacher may need to know that children with PWS tend to be good at reading and have more problems with math, that they need concrete items to be able to understand concepts, and that they need visual cues in addition to verbal ones.

The art teacher should be advised if the child needs extra assistance in drawing or other art activities. Many children with PWS need projects broken down into simple steps using simple shapes; "they can't just see and do." Ask the art teacher to avoid using food items in art projects. An occupational therapist may need to be involved.

The physical education teacher needs to know that children with PWS tend to be weak in fine and gross motor skills, have poor joint stability (which can put them at risk for injury), and fatigue easily. The P.E. teacher may need to modify activities and to direct the child to stop before reaching his or her endurance limits.