This study is aimed at investigating the methods used in training adaptive behavior skillsrnto children labeled "moderately mentally retarded" at Sebste Negassi and Belay Zelekernno. 2 primary schools special units.rnThe subjects of this study are thirty one children (17 boys and 14 girls) with moderaternmental retardation and four teachers (two from each unit) who have special educationrntraining to teach children with disabilities (including those with mental retardation).Bothrnwere selected using purposive sampling method. Three data collection instruments werernused -interview, document analysis and observation checklist. In order to analyze therndata both qualitative and quantitative analysis were used.rnThe result showed that teachers at both special units use different methods to train thesernchildren to function independently in attaining the abilities of self-care, communication,rnmotor, personaClsocial andfunctional academics. Examples of the methods used were taskrnanalysis,modelingdemonstration,prompting(verbal and physical)question and answerrnmethod ,providing different examples with in the children's experience,etc.rnThe result also showed that the children's level of functioning after the trallung onrnadaptive behavior skill areas mentioned earlier given has showed a significantrnimprovement. Moreover the result showed that teachers face problems in teaching thesernchildren because of their uncooperativeness, restlessness, absenteeism, lack of teachingrnaids and lack of support from parents in encouraging their children practice the skillsrnthey are trained of at home.rnThis study concluded that the training on adaptive behavior skill areas has made thernchildren jimction independently, and the methods that are used have helped in presentingrnthe lesson in a way the concepts could be grasped by the children.rnAt last this study recommended that support from parents of children with mentalrnretardation is mandatory in the teaching and learning process.