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In the era of information and globalization, critical thinking skills have become an essential competence for children, including students in Islamic boarding schools. These skills include the ability to ask questions, seek and evaluate evidence, compare alternatives, and solve problems logically. Islamic boarding schools inherently provide a disciplined environment grounded in religious values that supports the development of critical thinking. However, observations at Raudlatul Hanan Islamic Boarding School reveal several challenges, such as low social sensitivity, limited constructive conflict resolution, and the absence of consistent critical thinking habits. These conditions have the potential to hinder students’ adaptability and problem-solving abilities in the future. To address these issues, a program entitled “Optimizing Children’s Critical Thinking Character through the Internalization of Socio-Environmental Sensitivity Values” was implemented using a Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach. This approach actively involved students, ustadz/ustadzah, and Islamic boarding school administrators from problem identification through planning, implementation, and reflection. The activities included character education seminars, critical discussions, group competitions, and interviews aimed at fostering social sensitivity, reducing exclusive attitudes, and strengthening critical thinking skills from an early age. The results indicate high and enthusiastic student participation throughout all activities, leading both students and administrators to hope that the program will be implemented sustainably on an annual basis.

The rapid development of digital technology highlights the importance of introducing computational thinking skills from an early age, including at the elementary school level. One effective approach to introducing basic programming concepts is through block-based coding learning media that are visual, interactive, and engaging. This community service activity aimed to improve elementary school students’ understanding and interest in basic coding through hands-on training using block-based coding media. The program was implemented with sixth-grade students at Yayasan Kemala Bhayangkari 1 Medan. The activity employed a hands-on training approach consisting of several stages, including an introduction to basic coding concepts, familiarization with the Blockly Games interface, and practical exercises involving puzzle and maze challenges designed to develop logical thinking, sequencing, and problem-solving skills. The evaluation was conducted through direct observation of student participation and assessment of students’ ability to complete the given challenges. The results demonstrated that the use of Blockly Games effectively increased students’ enthusiasm, active engagement, and understanding of basic programming logic. Students who initially perceived programming as difficult showed greater interest and confidence due to the colorful, visual block-based instructions that were easy to understand and enjoyable. This community service activity is expected to serve as an effective introductory model for coding education and to support the development of digital literacy among elementary school students.