ISOTHERAPY METHOD AS A MEANS OF DEVELOPING A CREATIVE IMAGINATION OF YOUNGER SCHOOLCHILDREN WITH MENTAL RETARDATION AT EXTRACURRICULAR CLASSES

Abstract

The article deals with the problem of developing the creative imagination of younger schoolchildren with mental retardation, based on the example of extracurricular classes that make it possible to ensure the development of creative imagination when using the isotherapy method. The need to develop pedagogical tools and methods that ensure the development of schoolchildren’s creative imagination determines the importance and relevance of the article. Isotherapy method is based on the process of drawing, which gives schoolchildren with mental retardation the opportunity not only to develop creative imagination, but also to relieve stress, calm down, feel satisfaction from activities, and allows them to express emotions and feelings in a way that is safe for themselves and others. The objective of the article is to develop and test extracurricular classes based on the use of isotherapy method aimed at developing a creative imagination of younger schoolchildren with mental retardation. The proposed model, aimed at developing creative imagination of 3rd grade schoolchildren, involves the implementation of the following tasks: to reveal the essence of the development of creative imagination in younger schoolchildren with mental retardation; consider methods of organizing isotherapy in extracurricular activities; develop and test extracurricular lessons for the development of the creative imagination of younger schoolchildren with mental retardation, using isotherapy method; to analyze the results of experimental work on the development of creative imagination of children with mental retardation at extracurricular lessons. The scientific novelty of the work lies in the fact that a special technique based on the use of non-traditional drawing techniques has been used at extracurricular lessons, that allows to monitor the dynamics of the level of younger schoolchildren’s creative imagination. Thus, based on a systematic diagnosis of the level of creative imagination in younger schoolchildren with mental retardation and conducting isotherapy classes using non-traditional drawing techniques, the effectiveness of the isotherapy method in the process of extracurricular activities is revealed, which determines the practical significance of the results of the study. The presented material allows us to conclude that the method of isotherapy based on the use of non-traditional drawing techniques allows students with mental retardation to develop creativity, imagination and has a positive effect on the emotional state of younger schoolchildren.