Refers to those whose IQ is below 70-75 and who lack proper adaptive social behavior. Around 3% of the population has some form of mental retardation. As a group, mentally retarded children walk and talk later, are slightly shorter and are usually more susceptible to physical problems and illnesses than other children. They also generally score lower on tests of motor ability and physical fitness, although this is more due to neglect and lack of opportunity to improve than their disability.

Teaching Tips:

• Never underestimate these students' abilities.
  
• Give lots of praise. Let a child repeat a success several times so they can enjoy their sense of accomplishment.
  
• Provide prompt feedback.
  
• Divide tasks into small meaningful steps and present them to the student sequentially.
  
• Put safety first. Remind students of the safety rules and make sure non-disabled students are careful around their disabled peers.
  
• Minimize verbal instruction and emphasize concrete learning experiences. Make any necessary verbal instruction as simple as possible.
  
• Limit distractions as much as possible. Keep the activity area clean and well ordered and store any equipment not currently in use out of sight.
  
• Teach them good health and safety practices such as showering after an activity, keeping gym clothes clean, not throwing a bat, etc.
  
• Be prepared to repeat directions at a later time.