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DIDACTIC GAMES TO DEVELOP MATHEMATICAL CONCEPTS FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS IN KINDERGARTEN
83-93Views:315Children with developmental disorders do not acquire the same way as do children with an age-appropriate intellectual level, so it needs to be carefully chosen what kind of methods to use and in what way to teach the children. For preschool children, the most efficient and simplest method of teaching mathematics is a playful approach to learning activities. The purpose of this work was to create a set of materials to support the teaching and learning of mathematical concepts for preschool-age children with special needs. There were created learning materials such as Train, Shelves, Long and short, Butterflies and cars, Wide and narrow road, and board game Owls. All the learning materials, including a board game, are laminated and most of them are provided with velcro strips to stick different parts. All the learning materials are tested on preschool-age children and asked specialists and teachers, who work with children with special needs, to give their expert evaluation. Learning materials support teaching mathematical concepts for preschool-age children with special needs.
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THE REGGIO EMILIA APPROACH TO SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN
149-168Views:309The purpose of this paper is to discover the way Reggio Emilia addresses special needs children. This research will discuss several theories from educational psychologists such as Vygotsky, Gardner, Piaget, Bronfenbrenner, Bruner, and Dewey that are used in the Reggio Emilia approach. The Reggio Emilia approach can help special needs children optimize their learning ability, facilitate learning through experience, and give them the opportunity and courage to try something new. Thus, the purpose of this article is to investigate the extent to which the Reggio Emilia approach can aid in the development of special needs children's creativity, as well as to inform the community about the form of early Reggio Emilia education for special needs children.
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Preschool teachers’ attitudes and preparation in the implementation of inclusive education
45-62Views:76The implementation of inclusive education depends on teachers’ attitudes towards children with special needs. In 2022, a kindergarten survey was carried out, which included the topic of inclusive education. A total of 918 teachers across Estonia participated in the survey. The study aimed to map preschool teachers’ attitudes towards children with special needs and inclusive education and determine how teachers evaluate their knowledge of implementing inclusive education. Kindergarten teachers tended to favour inclusion: they agreed they could include children with special needs in leisure and learning activities. However, they found difficulties mainly with children with behavioural problems and identified other difficult situations that arise with children with special needs in the mainstream group. Most teachers with a professional education said they had the knowledge and skills to deal with children with special needs. However, teachers without a professional education could not say the same.
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Improving the Movement of SEN Children with the Help of a Therapy Dog
47-54Views:113The therapeutic relationship with animals is crucial for psychological, somatic and social health, as it enriches the well-being of the functional whole (Bánszky et al., 2012). Regular contact with animals strengthens people's experience of responsibility, attachment, unconditional acceptance and love, and also creates a sense of security, as the very existence of an animal reduces anxiety symptoms, loneliness and social isolation. In addition spending time with animals helps to optimise different movements. This paper presents of an ongoing research project. The main aim of our research is to highlight the importance of canine-assisted therapy in refining the movement of children with special educational needs by having them participate in canine-assisted therapy sessions on a weekly basis, during which, in addition to anamnesis and observations, we measure the children's development using a scale (Portage scale) that is accepted in special education. It is hypothesised that the animal-assisted therapy will have a significant positive impact on the large and fine motor skills of children with special educational needs. Our chosen research methods are case study and observation. Data processing requires both qualitative and quantitative analysis.
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EXPERIENCES AND SUPPORT NEEDS OF CHILDREN WITH BROTHER OR SISTER WITH DISABILITY
69-81Views:446There are many children with special needs whose siblings play an important role in their lives for a longer time than other family members. Longer life expectancy and the deepening of disabilities bring along a higher need of being taken care of. When the parents grow older it is often the siblings who become the caretakers. Meyer & Vadasy (2007) found that if siblings of children with SEN get proper support and information while growing up, the well-being of siblings with special needs also increases. Relationship with a sibling with special needs influences development of adaptability and self-esteem, this influence can be positive or negative (Burke, 2008). The parents of the children with SEN have many ways to receive information or help from the family – doctors, therapists, consultants, teachers, books, etc. The siblings in their turn usually get their information from the parents. (Conway & Meyer, 2008) Family members of different ages need different information. Therefore, there should be research on what kind of experiences do the siblings of the disabled child need, how their needs and well-being are guaranteed, and what kind of support they need. The aim of this study is to describe the experiences of brothers and sisters with siblings with special needs, try to understand their need for support, and find out the need for support groups and camps.
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THE ROLE AND METHODOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF MOVEMENT DEVELOPMENT IN THE SPECIAL EDUCATION
101-112Views:2327The essence of man is movement. It is true that the need for exercise varies at different age stages, but movement and its developmental role and positive impact accompany us throughout our lives. Movement development determines the development of the abilities of healthy and disabled children, which is manifested in the improvement of not only motor but also cognitive abilities. In our article, we present the theoretical foundations of movement development and development by analyzing secondary literature. We highlight and present the methodological features related to movement development that can be used in the field of special education, which can help children with special needs or disabilities to overcome their ability disadvantages.