Integrasi Permainan Tradisional Dalam Pembelajaran Anak Usia Dini Sebagai Upaya Penguatan Karakter

Abstract

This study aims to examine the role of traditional games in early childhood education as an effort to strengthen children's character. The study employed a literature review method by identifying, selecting, reading, and analyzing relevant scientific sources concerning early childhood education, traditional games, play activities, and character education. Data sources were obtained from Google Scholar, Garuda, scientific journals, and relevant books, with priority given to publications from the last five years. The data were analyzed descriptively by identifying types of traditional games, character values, aspects of child development, and their implementation in early childhood learning. The findings indicate that traditional games contribute to the development of cooperation, discipline, responsibility, independence, social awareness, and sportsmanship. Traditional games can also serve as enjoyable learning media because they provide children with opportunities to move, communicate, interact, explore, and learn through direct experiences. Furthermore, traditional games support the integrated development of children's cognitive, language, motor, and social-emotional abilities. The integration of traditional games requires teachers to select and develop activities according to children's characteristics, developmental needs, safety, and learning objectives. Therefore, traditional games can serve as an educational, enjoyable, culturally based learning alternative that supports children's holistic development and character formation from an early age.