Evaluation of role and impact of sports and cultural activities in development of children with special needs

Abstract

Extracurricular activities can make a huge difference in a life of children with special needs.. Extracurricular activities can enhance learning, while offering ways for students to express themselves and explore their strengths. Participation in cultural programmes and curricular activities is an outlet for one's emotional expression and social interaction, a source of inspiration and development of self-confidence. Co curricular activities and other recreational programs are also necessary for the growth of a healthy mind and body for children with special needs. Participation in games and sports is widely recognized as a critical component of health and development for disabled and non-disabled children. One of the objectives of this study was i) to study the role and impact of participation in extracurricular activities, sports activities, and cultural programmes on development of children with special needs (CWSN) in resource rooms in the state of Punjab. ii) To study the attitude of peers in acceptance of CWSN in regular classroom. The evaluation of inclusive education was done in 66 primary schools. The major findings of the study indicate the great desire of children with special needs to participate in sports and cultural activities voluntarily. About 90% of teachers affirmed that the CWSN are capable of performing at par with regular students in sports and recreational activities. Moreover, 39.7% of the teachers also mentioned that the CWSN are capable of performing better than their counterparts in regular education students in such areas as Drawing, Music, Dance and Sports, in preparation of illustrative aids as well. As far as acceptance of CWSN by peers is concerned more them 90% reflect positive attitude towards special need children.