The dance as form off body(oral) language: seeking to build the higher psychological functions memory in Down Syndrome children

• Grant number: 11/00032-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: April 01, 2011
• End date: December 31, 2011
• Field of knowledge: Humanities - Psychology - Human Development Psychology
• Principal Investigator: Irineu Aliprando Viotto Filho
• Grantee: Ariana Aparecida Nascimento dos Santos
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia (FCT). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Presidente Prudente. Presidente Prudente , SP, Brazil

Abstract

This project intends to discuss the development process of psychological function memory in children with Down Syndrome, considering the dance as an important body language and symbolic instrument to build this process. It is understandable that the Down Syndrome makes the children´s life difficult and the psychological difficulties and limitations are related with memory function. The historical-cultural theory contributes to understand the Down Syndrome children as subjects of their lives and in autonomy building process. This research will investigate the role played by dance, understanding it as a symbolic body and oral language in a construction and development of voluntary memory in research subjects. Will be research subjects 5 (five) Down's children, aged between 9 and 12, who attended the Laboratory for Recreational Activities (LAR)-FCT UNESP – Presidente Prudente. Will be held 20 meetings to work with these subjects to identify and analyze, through the subject (children) performance, if there was a change in their actions, behavior and movements throughout the intervention process. It is believed that this project can create conditions to improve the educational special children work and how the dance activity, is an important tools to construct and develop voluntary memory to children with Down syndrome. (AU)