IMPROVING FINE MOTOR SKILLS IN CHILDREN WITH MENTAL RETARDATION THROUGH LOOSE PART BASED COLLAGE ACTIVITIES

Abstract

This study aims to determine the improvement of fine motor skills of children with intellectual disabilities through loose part-based collage activities. The study used a quantitative method with an experimental design of Single Subject Research (SSR) with an A–B–A pattern on one mentally disabled child in grade I of junior high school at SLB Negeri Sri Mujinab Pekanbaru. Data were collected through observation, assessment rubrics, and documentation, then analyzed visually within and between conditions including directional tendencies, stability, level changes, and percentage overlap (POD). The results showed an increase in fine motor skills from the baseline phase (A₁) by 45%, increasing in the intervention phase (B) to 65%, and maintained in the second baseline phase (A₂) by 55%, although there were still obstacles in left hand strength and coordination when cutting. Thus, loose part-based collage activities are effective as an alternative creative learning strategy to improve fine motor skills of children with intellectual disabilities.