As part of International Children's Day, primary school students with special educational needs from Schools No. 8, 14, and 21 in Kostanay were invited to the Pedagogical Institute together with their parents and teachers.
The event was organized by the Center for Inclusive Education and Psychological Support of Baitursynuly University, the Department of Pedagogy, Psychology and Special Education of the Pedagogical Institute, and the Council of Mothers of the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan of Kostanay Region.
The guests enjoyed a rich and engaging program filled with new experiences, discoveries, and meaningful interactions.
The day began with animal-assisted therapy. The children's favorite participant quickly became a friendly dog named Sofia.
The young guests learned the basics of interacting with animals, and within minutes Sofia had won their hearts, becoming a trusted companion and a source of joy throughout the event.
The program continued with a series of themed activity zones.
At the interactive stations “Magic Sensory World,” “NeuroPark,” and “Smart Play Library,” third- and fourth-year students — Arina Zlodeeva, Elizaveta Faber, Maria Severgina, Nadezhda Polunosik, Polina Kupriyanchik, Eldana Bolatova, Madina Nugmanova, Aiman Amalmbekkyzy, Akerke Orynbek, and Dariga Bekova — conducted developmental games and exercises, creating an atmosphere of warmth, inclusion, and positive engagement.
All activities were carefully adapted to meet the individual needs and abilities of each child.
According to Tatyana Zueva, Head of the Center for Inclusive Education and Psychological Support, the project proved beneficial for both the children and the future specialists.
“Our goal is to support children while giving students an opportunity to gain hands-on experience. Today, they independently organized the activity stations, prepared the program, and volunteered throughout the event. This is an excellent example of how theoretical knowledge is transformed into real professional competencies.
While we also conduct similar activities online, nothing can replace face-to-face interaction,” she noted.
Madina Nugmanova, a fourth-year student in the Special Pedagogy educational program, emphasized that working with children with special educational needs requires not only knowledge but also flexibility.
“It is important for us that every child feels comfortable, confident, and free to express themselves,” she said. “Although we prepared a detailed plan and a variety of activities in advance, every child is unique. It is impossible to follow a rigid script. We must be able to adapt quickly, find an individual approach, and maintain the child’s interest. Practical experience teaches us these skills, and events like this help reinforce everything we have learned during our studies.”
The warm and welcoming atmosphere of the celebration was made possible thanks to Gulzhan Alipbayeva and Madina Kaparova, lecturers of the Department of Pedagogy, Psychology and Special Education, who carefully designed the program and helped make the day truly memorable for the children.
Special thanks were extended to the Council of Mothers of the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan of Kostanay Region and its Chairperson, Akzhan Altybayeva, Senior Lecturer at Baitursynuly University. With their support, the children received thoughtful gifts and enjoyed their favorite summer treat—ice cream. Together with representatives of Qogamdyq Kelisim, they brought even more joy and positive emotions to the young participants.
Inclusion begins with simple human connection, attention, and support. For future teachers, meetings like these become an important step toward a profession where understanding, acceptance, and helping every child realize their potential are at the heart of educational practice.
