The effectiveness of a storytelling-based program on the development of the skills of children with mental disorder yet capable of learning

Abstract:


The present study aims to identify the effectiveness of a storytelling-based program on the development of the skills of children with mental disorder and who are able to learn. The program has been applied on a sample of children with mental disorder and who are able to learn aged between 10:12 years old which is equivalent to a mental age of 5: 6 years old; this depended on Intelligence tests and the equivalent age of the Psychological Association for Special Needs in Itay El-Baroud, Beheira Governorate. The researcher adopts a semi-experimental two-group approach: the first group, the experimental, consists of 8 children while the second, the control group, consists of other 8 children with mental disorders yet are able to learn. The research tools are a picture scale of the learning dimensions and note cards of children with mental disorders yet are able to learn as well as a storytelling-based program (made by the researcher). The program is based on the narration of eight children stories including elements of suspense and excitement as well as everyday situations that helps developing various skills, such as problem solving techniques, communication, cooperation and empathy. The program was applied from 12/12/2020 until 10/2/2021, and the following statistical methods were adapted: Arithmetic mean, standard deviation, the median, skew coefficient, correlation coefficient, the z value test and Eta square. The research proved the effectiveness of the storytelling-based program on the development of the skills of children with mental disorder yet who are able to learn.