A study of motivational strategies in arts activities for preschool children in special education units

Among preschool children with special educational needs, art can open additional pathways to expression, safe exploration and experimentation, and it can foster motivation for creation. The purpose of the study was to determine which strategies educators in developmental departments use to encourage the active participation of preschool children in artistic activities (RQ1), and how motivation is expressed among these children during artistic creation (RQ2). A qualitative methodology was employed, using semi-structured interviews and observations of preschool children during interdisciplinary artistic activities. The results showed that educators use diverse and tailored strategies, such as linking art with play, taking children’s interests into account, and creating a supportive and safe environment. Musical activities proved particularly effective, as they stimulated intrinsic motivation and acted as a bridge to visual/artistic expression. Children’s motivation manifested itself in active engagement, curiosity and persistence, especially in activities that allowed for choice and sensory-adapted approaches. The findings emphasise the importance of individualisation, a process-oriented approach and interdisciplinarity for fostering intrinsic motivation in children with special needs.The study originally examines the integration of musical and visual activities as a strategy for promoting the motivation of preschool children with special needs in developmental departments. In doing so, it opens up a new research and pedagogical area and offers practical guidelines for encouraging motivation through the effective incorporation of interdisciplinary approaches into special-educational practice.