The use of music in the education of educable mentally retarded children

• Main Author: Burton, Mary I
• Language: en_US
• Published: Boston University 2018
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/2144/29067

Thesis (M.M.)--Boston University. === Much attention is being directed toward improving the education of the mentally retarded, who comprise three percent of our population. Music is an area which provides enrichment in the educational curriculum for the mentally retarded. The extent of music's potential as an educational medium for these children has not yet been fully explored. It was the purpose of this study (1) to summarize the general characteristics of educable retarded children and give attention to some special needs they have as a result of their limitations; (2) to list the educational aims which have been established for the educable mentally retarded who are attending special classes in the public schools; (3) to show how music can be a valuable means in helping to accomplish these educational goals, and how it can contribute to personality growth and development; (4) to describe specific musical activities appropriate for mentally retarded children, listing suggested songs, recordings, books, and other materials. The research for this study consisted of a review of books, periodicals, and unpublished works dealing with the characteristics and education of mentally retarded children, and those concerned specifically with music for the mentally handicapped. [TRUNCATED]