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Practical life exercise for preschool-age children with Down syndrome (Montessori Education)
HELLEROVÁ, Petra
The Bachelor's thesis focuses on practical life exercises for preschool children with Down syndrome; that is, Montessori education. It is divided into a theoretical and a practical part. The first chapter of the theoretical part concentrates on alternative education, or more precisely, on alternative schools. The second chapter deals with the life and activities of Maria Montessori, the founder of one of the alternative schools. The third chapter then addresses the Montessori education and Montessori schools. The fourth chapter examines development of a preschool child. The fifth chapter discusses school maturity and school readiness of a child. The sixth chapter then in more detail describes children with Down syndrome. The last chapter of the theoretical part is focused on preschool institutions in the Czech Republic following the principles of the Montessori education. It also mentions the relationship between Montessori education and Montessori therapy. The practical part of the Bachelor's thesis was carried out using qualitative research method. The research survey was conducted in the Children's Centre Pomněnka in České Budějovice from September 2015 to March 2016. The information and data needed for the research were gathered by observations of girls with Down syndrome and also by a semi-structured interview with the centre's pedagogical employees. The data analysis method was used to process the obtained data. The main aim of the thesis was to determine in which way the practical life exercises (according to Maria Montessori's principles) can support the development of children with Down syndrome. Subgoals and research subquestions were specified in order to achieve the set aim. The research showed which activities are the most difficult for the girls with Down syndrome in the Children's Centre Pomněnka. Based on these findings, new and adapted aids were created that are helpful in practical life. The research also proved that these aids are beneficial to the girls with Down syndrome, especially to their autonomy and self care. Mostly, such aids develop motor skills, improve the eye-hand coordination and also influence child's thinking, attention and patience. During research, some factors that have a significant impact on the activities of the girls with Down syndrome were observed, such as tiredness, current mood, motivation and readiness of the surroundings. It is necessary to pay attention to these factors and this way support the performance of such children and their ability to concentrate. The practical use of these newly created aids show that they fulfil their intended purpose and that they are helpful in practical life according to principles and methods of Montessori education. Both adapted aids, which were made based on this Bachelor's thesis, will remain in the Children's Centre Pomněnka in České Budějovice and will be available for the children. The Bachelor's thesis can also provide information to parents, pedagogical workers, educators or students of pedagogy and to educate them in the issue of daily life exercises of the Montessori education.
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