ABSTRACT

This study investigated the effectiveness of a musical games program based on the Kodály approach in enhancing the musical skills of children with Down syndrome. A single-group pre-test-post-test experimental design was employed to evaluate the program’s impact. The participants were eleven children with Down syndrome residing at the Al-Falak Charitable Foundation in Akwa Al-Hissa, Kafr El-Zayat, Tanta, Gharbia, during the 2022-2023 academic year. They participated in a structured musical program grounded in Kodály’s pedagogy, which emphasizes singing, rhythm, and auditory training through musical games. The program was implemented once a week for 60 minutes over a 20-week period. Data were collected using a musical skills observation checklist designed to assess core musical abilities, supported by a teacher’s guide for the implementation of Kodály-based activities. The findings revealed statistically significant improvements in both overall musical performance and individual sub-skills, with post-test scores significantly higher than pre-test scores. Furthermore, the program demonstrated a high level of effectiveness in enhancing musical skills, underscoring the pedagogical value of the Kodály approach for children with Down syndrome. These results highlight the potential of Kodály-based musical interventions and recommend their broader application, alongside future studies exploring their long-term impact and integration within inclusive educational contexts.

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