Role of play in the development of fine motor skills in children with special needs

Abstract

The development of fine motor skills is crucial for children's autonomy, especially for those with special educational needs. This study examines how play can be an effective tool for fostering these skills. A qualitative approach and a descriptive design were used, employing observation methods to analyze five children with special needs aged 4 to 7 years in an inclusive educational setting. Through direct observations over four weeks, significant improvements were recorded in areas such as hand-eye coordination, object manipulation, scissor cutting, and participation in symbolic play, with a noted increase of 30% in each area. Similarly, there was a 30% rise in the children's self-esteem and emotional well-being. These findings indicate that playful activities not only enhance motor skills but also contribute to emotional and social development. The conclusion emphasizes that integrating play into the school curriculum is essential for promoting the holistic development of children with special needs, suggesting that play should be regarded as a vital component of their education and therapy.