Developing Problem-Solving Skills through Play in Children with Special Needs

Author: Ms. Riya Sarkar & Dr. Silali Banerjee

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.70798/Bijmrd/03060018

Abstract: Play is a natural instinct in children. Play promotes the development of physical, cognitive, and emotional skills and has proven to be an effective medium for learning. It makes learning more meaningful

Mathematics plays a vital role in day to day life. Children with Mild Intellectual Disability (CwMID) often face challenges in problem solving and mathematical concepts. To develop mathematical concept play-based hands-on activities and concrete learning experiences are more effective. It helps to develop analytical thinking.

This study explores the impact of play-based interventions on the development of problem solving as well as basic math skills among children with MID in the West Tripura district. The research followed a Single Group Pre-Test and Post-Test Design, an experimental approach, involving five children aged 7–10 years, selected through purposive sampling. With the assistant of three Indian standardized checklists 13 items were finalized after the validation for the study. A pilot test was conducted with two children, followed by a pre-test with all five participants to assess their initial math skills.

The intervention consisted of three play-based activities: “Magical Stars (Less and More Play)”, “Lets add some fun with game”, and “Counting challenge”. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics

The results indicated a noticeable improvement and it demonstrates that play-based learning positively influences the development in problem solving skills and also mathematical skills among the Children with Mild ID. These findings are supported by existing literature, including the study by Rathnakumar, D. (2020).

Keywords: Learning, Problem Solving Skills, Children, Tripura District, Development.

Page No: 185-190