Features of the dialogic speech development of senior preschoolers with mental retardation

The analysis of contemporary pedagogical studies, the practice of special pedagogy and psychology shows that the dialogic speech development of preschoolers with mental retardation continues to be an urgent problem in the field of education and upbringing of children with disabilities. We analyze the views of various researchers on the significance of the dialogic speech development of preschoolers. It is noted that despite the apparent simplicity of the dialogue, greater independence from language norms, participation in effective communication presents significant difficulties for children of this category. We also present an analysis of the results of our own diagnostic examination of dialogic speech of senior preschoolers with mental retardation. We reveal the features of performing three tasks by children of senior preschool age in the general education group and a group of children with mental retardation. Tasks revealed the ability of children to answer questions of different types, implement the plot using the characters’ dialogue, and request information. It turned out that children with mental retardation are characterized by a long “inclusion” in the task, poor vocabulary, use of simple phrases, and inability to update their speech and thought capabilities. At the same time, the obtained data allow us to outline a perspective in the development of dialogue of children.