ART THERAPY AS A TOOL FOR CORRECTIVE WORK WITH CHILDREN WITH MENTAL DEVELOPMENT DELAYS

Abstract

Introduction. Every child deserves the opportunity for full development, education, and socialization, regardless of their health and developmental characteristics. Children with special educational needs often face barriers that hinder their integration into society. Therefore, creating special conditions for their adaptation and social rehabilitation is not only a pedagogical challenge but also an important social necessity. The use of creativity in the educational process with children with special educational needs is a powerful pedagogical tool. Contemporary pedagogical research has determined that in the art therapy process, a correctional teacher can promote positive changes in psychosocial difficulties in two areas of interaction: through interaction between the teacher and the child with mental development delays, and through artistic materials in a playful and inclusive educational environment. Purpose. Justify the theoretical and methodological foundations for the use of art therapy technologies in corrective work with children with mental development delays. Methods. To achieve this purpose, a set of methods was used: the analysis of scientific literature, synthesis, systematization, comparison, generalization of theoretical material. Results. It has been determined that corrective and developmental classes using elements of art therapy have a number of features in terms of their purpose, structure, methods, and organization. The psychological characteristics of children with mental development delays have been analyzed they often have low self-esteem, unstable attention, and need constant emotional reinforcement. It has been found that, in general, the corrective process using art therapy technologies depends on a number of factors, therefore, the choice of methods should correspond to the individual and age characteristics and needs of the child in order to ensure comfortable and safe interaction. A model of the impact of art therapy techniques on children with mental development delays in the correction process is also presented. The following methods and exercises considered, which are appropriate for use in corrective work with children with mental development delays, and important points are emphasized: simple sensorimotor exercises and techniques are introduced at the initial stages, and only in the process of prolonged interaction does the transition to plot and symbolic techniques take place. Originality. The peculiarities of applying art therapy technologies in corrective work with children with mental development delays have been identified. Conclusion. Research results show that corrective classes with children with mental development delays in inclusive classrooms are a necessary condition for their full development and learning. All experiences during art therapy are conveyed through creative products, which in turn not only helps to compensate for cognitive and emotional difficulties, but also contributes to the child’s better adaptation to the group, builds self-confidence, and fosters positive motivation to learn.