Abstract:

The article is devoted to substantiating the relevance of the problem of using art therapy in the educational process of primary school. The purpose of the article is to reveal the psychological and pedagogical potential of art therapy in working with younger schoolchildren. In particular, the essence of the concept of «art therapy» is clarified. The advantages of using art therapy in the educational process of the first stage of school are outlined. The purpose of art therapy is clarified. The most common techniques of art therapy work with younger schoolchildren are determined, which contribute to their comprehensive and harmonious development: music therapy, fairy tale therapy, sand therapy, isotherapy, theater therapy. The positive impact of the fairy tale therapy method on primary school students is revealed. Attention is focused on the special value of sand therapy in working with younger schoolchildren with increased anxiety, shyness, low self-esteem. The importance of the «sandplay» method is emphasized, thanks to which younger schoolchildren have the opportunity to create their own unique world in miniature. The need to use sand therapy in speech therapy work is emphasized to develop fine motor skills of hands, tactilekinetic sensitivity, and speech. Attention is drawn to integrated theater, which best helps younger schoolchildren overcome problems with diction, promotes the development of motor abilities, and enriches vocabulary. The possibilities of isotherapy for overcoming deep conflicts and negative emotions are considered. Two main forms of using art therapy are identified – individual and group. The effectiveness of group forms of art therapy is noted. The goals that are achieved through the use of art therapy are outlined: confirmation of individuality; expression of feelings; increasing flexibility and adaptability to changes taking place in the world. The results of the study indicate that art therapy is perhaps one of the most effective methods in working with younger schoolchildren, which uses the significant potential of various types of art to achieve positive changes in both the personal and intellectual, emotional, and social development of the child. 

Keywords: art therapy, younger schoolchildren, elementary school, music therapy, isotherapy, sand therapy, fairy tale therapy.  

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