Adapted Games for the Development of Gross Motor and Manipulative Skills of Primary School Children with Down Syndrome

Abstract

Among the single-subject research models, the single-start, multiple-probe across-behavior model was used. The population of the research consists of children with down syndrome between the ages of six (6) and ten (10) living in Isparta. The sample of the research was created with two (2) children determined by simple random sampling method from among the families that constitute the population and agreed to participate in the research voluntarily. The research lasted seventeen (17) weeks in total. The children participating in the research were able to walk to the determined target in accordance with the tempo, to run to the determined target in accordance with the tempo, to walk between obstacles, to run through obstacles, to walk on a balance board, to jump from the step board to the ground with two feet, to jump from the ground to the step board with two feet, to reach the target with both hands. It is aimed to develop the skills of throwing the ball, throwing the ball to the target with the right hand, and throwing the ball to the target with the left hand. A behavior observation form was used to collect data. The data obtained at the end of the application was analyzed by showing it on a graph. The data obtained in the research were converted into line graphs. It was concluded that children learn simple movements faster than complex movements. It was concluded that the adapted game-based movement training program was effective in the development of psychomotor skills of children with Down syndrome.