Adaptive Behavior of First Grade Students Enrolled and Not Enrolled in Kindergarten

Abstract

The present study aimed to identify adaptive behavior among children enrolled and not enrolled in kindergarten. The study adopted the descriptive methodology. The research sample consisted of (150) pupils (males and females) from ten public schools in Al-Karkh Second Directorate, selected using a random sampling method. The measurement tools included the preparation of a questionnaire. The researcher relied on the Adaptive Behavior Scale developed by (Gabriel & Abdul Salam, 2023), which was modified to suit the research sample

The results of the current study indicated the existence of statistically significant differences between the mean scores of the sample and the hypothetical mean, with the difference in favor of the sample’s mean scores, indicating that the pupils possess adaptive behavior. Accordingly, the study recommended expanding public kindergarten programs due to their effective and central role in developing adaptive behavior among children, particularly in several domains such as social interaction and independence. The study also recommended that the Ministry of Education integrate training programs directed at kindergarten teachers and caregivers, focusing on developing adaptive skills among kindergarten children according to modern scientific principles.