A Proposed Program Based on Knowledge Gardens for Developing Fundamental Motor Skills in Children with Mild Intellectual Disabilities

Abstract

This study aimed to design a motor program based on the "Knowledge Gardens" environment rich in sensory and cognitive stimuli to develop fundamental motor skills (locomotor, object control, and balance) in children with mild intellectual disabilities. The study used the experimental method with a pre-posttest design for two groups (experimental and control). The study sample consisted of (20) children with mild intellectual disabilities (aged 8–10 years) from the Care and Rehabilitation Center in Al-Hilla City, randomly divided into two groups (10 each). The following tools were used: Test of Gross Motor Development-3 (TGMD-3), a behavioral observation card, a checklist for Knowledge Gardens activities, and a teacher questionnaire. The results showed statistically significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) between the pre and posttest means of the experimental group's performance in favor of the posttest in all fundamental motor skills, with large effect sizes according to Cohen's d, where improvement rates reached (+185%) in throwing skills and (+166%) in balance. The results also showed significant improvement in social interaction and active participation. The study concluded that applying the motor program based on the "Knowledge Gardens" environment has a positive and effective impact on developing fundamental motor skills and enhancing positive participation among children with mild intellectual disabilities, confirming the importance of designing rich and stimulating learning environments that meet their special needs.