TO BE CREATIVE AND EXPRESSIVE USING FABRICS MEDIA FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

Abstract

The discussion of the children with special needs finds that basically every child is wonderful. It means that there are no children who are the same. However, some children seem to have special characteristics who need special attention. They are called as children with special needs. There are several things that must be observed in the development of children with special needs and one of them is the learning process. Holistic learning process can affect attitude, character, and independence of the children with special needs till they grow up. The learning process at school is expected to lessen their weeknesses and it can build them a foundation to be more independent in the society. Related to art and vocational skills, the standard of passing grade competence which is expected to be reached by lenient mentally disabled children is to express themselves through artistic and cultural activities. Those activities are to appreciate works of art and cultures and to earn creative works individually or in a group. To support the success of this competence standard, a school needs creation and innovation in compiling learning tools. The function of learning tools which can develop the learning interest of the children is still limited. Thus, by paying attention to the standard of passing grade competence, researchers create a lesson using fabric cloth (handkerchiefs, bags, and t-shirt) and acrytex paint. Teachers can have an innovation in the lesson of vocational art and culture using fabric cloth and acrytex paint to train the children be more creative and expressive. The result of this lesson, teachers can be more creative in creating learning tools, children can be more excited and interested in learning, and the ability of the children can be upgraded. The raise of the students ability quality which can work independently is 28,3% from three varieties of fabric cloth.