DEVELOPMENT OF ELEMENTARY-SCHOOL CHILDREN’S TOLERANCE TOWARDS PEERS WITH SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS

Abstract

The article is devoted to the current problem of modern psychological and pedagogical science – the development of tolerance in children of primary school age towards peers with special educational needs. A retrospective analysis of society's attitude to people with mental and physical disabilities is presented. The modern interpretation of the phenomenon of "tolerance" is revealed, in particular in the Declaration of Principles of Tolerance of the United Nations. The level of tolerant culture of younger school children in relation to peers with special needs is determined. The main causes of the intolerant attitude of participants of the educational process towards children in this category are clarified. The role of parents and professional competence of a teacher, psychologist in the formation of this quality is described.  The main preconditions for the process of involving persons with disabilities in the general education are analyzed. The role of inclusive education as a significant resource for the socialization of children with special educational needs is justified. Important directions and methods of psychological work which form tolerance in parents and teachers, awareness of individual features of development and educational needs of children, ways of establishment of communicative interaction in collective of peers are developed.