FEATURES OF ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION IN THE FORMATION OF THE PERSONALITY OF PRESCHOOL AND YOUNGER SCHOOL AGE CHILDREN WITH INTELLECTUAL DEVELOPMENT DISORDERS

Abstract

This article reveals the content and essence of theoretical and practical areas of environmental education and upbringing of children of preschool and primary school age with intellectual disabilities. It is determined that the purpose of environmental education is to arm children with knowledge about the key importance of the natural environment for human life and the relationship between ecology and society. It is argued that nature is the basis of human existence, and man is a small part of it. The educational aspect of environmental education consists in the formation of a conscious, careful attitude to native nature, the perception of the natural environment as a global universal value that must be preserved, protected and multiplied. A comparative analysis of the volume, pace and level of knowledge acquisition on environmental topics by preschool and primary school students with typical and impaired intellectual development was conducted. The psychological prerequisites that contribute to the readiness of preschool and primary school children with intellectual disabilities to learn about the environment are described and practical recommendations are given for organizing research and environmental work. The need for a balanced use of visual, verbal and practical methods for the formation of environmental awareness and environmental culture of students of this category is indicated. It is proven that an increase in the number of practical classes contributes to increasing the activity and independence of children with intellectual disabilities, fostering a positive and humane attitude towards nature through interaction with plants and animals, and helps them to consolidate the acquired environmental knowledge and ideas in practice. Introducing children to the natural environment, their native nature, environmental education and upbringing are designed to form a stable active environmental protection position in children.