MENINGKATKAN KECERDASAN KINESTETIK ANAK USIA DINI MELALUI PERMAINAN TRADISIONAL DI SAROLANGUN JAMBI

Improving Kinesthetic Intelligence in Early Childhood Through Traditional Games in Sarolangun Jambi 

Abstract

The development of kinesthetic intelligence in early childhood is a crucial aspect in supporting children's physical growth, motor coordination, and learning readiness; however, in practice, it still receives suboptimal stimulation due to the dominance of passive activities in learning. This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of the traditional engklek game in enhancing kinesthetic intelligence in early childhood. The research employs a mixed methods approach with an embedded design, where quantitative data serves as the primary focus, supplemented by qualitative data. The method used is classroom action research conducted over two cycles, encompassing planning, implementation, observation, and reflection stages. The research subjects comprised 21 children from Group B at Melati Putih Kindergarten in Sungai Bemban Village, Sarolangun Regency. Data collection involved structured observations, interviews, and documentation, while data analysis was performed descriptively—both quantitatively and qualitatively—reinforced by nonparametric statistical tests. The results indicate a significant improvement in children's kinesthetic intelligence from the pre-cycle stage to Cycle II, evidenced by increased average scores and the dominance of the "Very Well Developed" category. This study concludes that the traditional engklek game is effective as a physically active, culturally rooted learning strategy for enhancing kinesthetic intelligence in early childhood, while providing practical contributions to developing active and enjoyable learning in early childhood education.