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Early English mastery is a long-term educational investment that should be supported by instructional approaches aligned with children’s developmental characteristics. This community service program aimed to systematically implement the *English Through Play* approach, enhance English learning interest, and create positive learning experiences for children aged 4–6 years at Samantha English Course. The program was conducted participatorily through preparation, implementation, and evaluation stages over eight weeks. The *English Through Play* approach was applied through various activities, including action songs, flashcard games, storytelling with gestures, and simple role play. Evaluation was carried out descriptively through observation of participation, verbal responses, children’s expressions, and simple oral tests to measure basic vocabulary mastery. The results showed that more than 80% of the children were actively engaged during the learning sessions. Approximately 70–85% demonstrated increased learning interest, as reflected in their enthusiasm, verbal participation, and positive responses to English instructions. In addition, most children were able to recognize and pronounce 5–10 basic vocabulary items based on the learning themes and perform simple self-introductions. The program also produced a play-based learning guide that can be sustainably implemented by the partner institution. In conclusion, the *English Through Play* approach proved effective in enhancing young learners’ interest and participation in early English learning. This model can serve as a practical and replicable alternative for similar non-formal educational institutions.

This research focused on improving fine motor development in early childhood through creative learning activities that utilize recycled materials, designed and implemented using the ADDIE instructional model. The study involved children from class B2 at TK Prawidya Darma and was conducted systematically through five stages, namely analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation. Throughout the learning process, children were engaged in a variety of hands-on craft activities, including cutting, folding, gluing, and assembling recycled objects, which were intentionally structured to train hand–eye coordination, finger flexibility, and concentration. The results demonstrate that learning activities based on recycled materials offer rich and meaningful experiences for young learners. Children showed noticeable improvements in accuracy, independence, and creative expression while completing tasks. In addition, the use of recycled materials helped cultivate environmental awareness from an early age, as children learned the value of reusing everyday objects. The classroom atmosphere became more interactive and enjoyable, with students actively participating and showing enthusiasm during the activities. Overall, the findings indicate that creative recycling-based activities are effective in supporting fine motor skill development through enjoyable, practical, and environmentally friendly learning experiences. This study concludes that integrating recycled materials into creative activities can be an innovative, sustainable, and pedagogically valuable approach for early childhood education programs.

Abstract. This study originates from the low awareness among early childhood learners regarding the importance of consuming nutritious and minimally processed Real Food. The purpose of this design project is to create an engaging educational medium in the form of a 2D animation titled “Kebun Imajinasi: Teman Realfoodku” to introduce the concept of Real Food to five-year-old children. A mixed-method approach (qualitative and quantitative) was applied through observation, interviews, and questionnaires involving children, parents, and professional animators. The collected data served as the foundation for designing characters, storylines, illustration styles, colors, and audio suitable for young audiences. The results show that 2D animation featuring bright visuals, playful characters, and educational narration effectively increases children’s interest and understanding of healthy food. The implication of this study highlights the potential of animation as an effective visual communication tool to promote nutritional education and healthy lifestyle habits from an early age.

This community service program aims to enhance the smart communication skills of young learners at SD Muhammadiyah 5 and 11 Banjarmasin through structured educational socialization and mentoring activities. The program was initiated in response to the low level of awareness among elementary school students regarding the importance of effective communication in supporting academic development and interpersonal relationships. The implementation consisted of several stages, including interactive socialization sessions, practical communication exercises, group discussions, and ice-breaking activities designed to build confidence and engagement. Evaluation results showed a notable improvement in students’ speaking, listening, and peer interaction abilities. Students demonstrated clearer articulation, better turn-taking in conversations, and increased willingness to participate in class activities. In addition, positive behavioral changes were observed, including improved self-confidence and more respectful communication patterns. These outcomes indicate that the smart communication-based character education approach is effective in strengthening students’ social and emotional development, particularly in early education environments. Overall, this program proves that targeted communication training can play a crucial role in fostering essential life skills among elementary school students.

This study aims to examine the contribution of educational psychology in the context of Christian education, particularly for educators, school principals, Christian Religious Education (CRE) teachers, Sunday school teachers, pastors, elders, and church servants. This theoretical study shows that educational psychology helps in understanding the characteristics of learners, optimizing teaching methods, building effective teacher-student relationships, and enhancing motivation and involvement in the learning and preaching process. The research method used is a descriptive qualitative approach, collecting data through a review of books, literature, journals, notes, and relevant reports. Educational psychology plays a significant role for all those involved in Christian education and ministry. CRE teachers and Sunday school teachers have a crucial role in instilling faith values in the younger generation by understanding the learning needs of children according to their cognitive and spiritual development stages. This enables them to deliver God's word in an engaging and meaningful way. Meanwhile, pastors, elders, and church servants require an understanding of educational psychology to carry out more wise pastoral ministry. Psychological understanding helps them provide spiritual guidance, counseling, and support for members who are struggling. Educational psychology also equips church servants to lead with empathy, listen with their hearts, and guide the congregation towards true spiritual restoration. The integration of educational psychology with Christian faith significantly impacts the improvement of learning and church ministry, producing individuals who are intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually balanced.

This community service activity aims to foster children’s independence in worship through mentoring on the practice of ablution (wudhu) and prayer (sholat) at Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Al-Jihad. The activity was motivated by preliminary observations showing that most first and second-grade students already recognized the basic procedures of wudhu and sholat but still needed guidance in mastering the correct order of movements and recitations. Therefore, this mentoring program was carried out as an effort to develop students’ religious character from an early age through direct practice and habituation in the school environment. The implementation method used a participatory and educative approach consisting of several stages, including initial observation, collaborative planning with teachers, mentoring in wudhu and sholat practices, and final evaluation. The activity was carried out collaboratively among students, teachers, and university mentors, creating an active, interactive, and joyful learning atmosphere. The results showed a significant improvement in students’ independence and understanding in performing wudhu and sholat correctly. Students were able to memorize the sequence of wudhu, perform prayer movements more accurately, and worship with greater focus and discipline without constant supervision. Teachers also reported increased student awareness and consistency in performing daily prayers after the mentoring sessions. Overall, this program had a positive impact on fostering the habit of worship in the school environment and demonstrated that hands-on practice combined with exemplary guidance is an effective approach to instill religious values and build independent character in young learners

This study investigates the effect of added sugar on the stability of soap bubbles through a hands-on science activity titled “Magic Bubbles” conducted with third-grade students at SDN 1 Karangrejo. The activity was implemented collaboratively, where students observed, experimented, and drew conclusions together under teacher guidance, without the use of individual worksheets. Using a participatory observation method, the research described students’ engagement, reactions, and learning behavior during the process. Findings revealed that soap bubbles containing added sugar demonstrated greater stability and a longer lifespan compared to those without sugar. Students showed high levels of enthusiasm, curiosity, and active participation throughout the experiment. The activity not only fostered engagement but also enhanced students’ gross motor coordination, observation skills, and early scientific reasoning. Furthermore, it encouraged cooperative learning and communication among peers. The results highlight the effectiveness of simple laboratory-based learning as a medium to introduce scientific inquiry at the elementary level. The “Magic Bubbles” activity aligns with the inquiry-based learning approach in science education, emphasizing direct experience, experimentation, and concept discovery through observation and guided reflection. This study demonstrates that contextual, play-based science activities can meaningfully improve motivation and conceptual understanding among young learners.

Civic Education (PKn) has a strategic role as the main means in internalizing the values of Pancasila to students. Through PKn, the process of forming the character and personality of citizens can be carried out systematically, sustainably, and contextually, based on the values of divinity, humanity, unity, democracy, and justice. The internalization of these values is not only through mastery of concepts, but also through habituation of attitudes and behaviors in daily life. An interactive, reflective, and social project-based approach to learning allows learners to actively develop moral awareness, social responsibility, and a sense of nationalism. PKn functions as a character education instrument that not only forms civic knowledge, but also builds a strong national identity and a tolerant spirit. In the context of globalization and the challenges of the digital era, civil society is an important foundation in equipping the young generation to be able to be critical, adaptive, and still uphold national values. Therefore, PKn is not just a formal subject, but a strategic vehicle in forming a generation with Pancasila character who is ready to contribute positively to the life of society, nation, and state. This research emphasizes the urgency of PKn revitalization as a transformative and contextual value education.

This study aims to explore the impact of the Jumat Bersih (Clean Friday) activity on enhancing the interpersonal intelligence of early childhood learners, as well as the challenges encountered during its implementation. This research employed a qualitative descriptive approach, with data collected through observation, interviews, and documentation. Observations were conducted directly and recorded on observation sheets, interviews were carried out using pre-prepared question guides, and documentation was obtained directly from the school. Data analysis utilized thematic analysis with a triangulation method. The results of the study indicate that the Jumat Bersih activity plays a significant role in facilitating the social learning process among young children. The activity supports the development of cooperation, effective communication, empathy, and conflict resolution skills. The positive impacts observed during the activity were also reflected in the children’s daily behaviors, both at school and at home. Therefore, such activities can serve as an effective learning model for strengthening interpersonal intelligence. The main challenges in implementing Jumat Bersih include differences in children’s social abilities, difficulties in guiding balanced interactions, and the need for consistent strategies from schools and teachers. However, these challenges can be addressed through appropriate approaches, active guidance, and collaboration between schools and parents

English literacy at early childhood is a crucial foundation for language development, cognitive growth, and academic readiness. TK Desa Bagi 01, despite its high academic achievements, faces several challenges in teaching English, including a busy daily schedule, limited learning time, and restricted access to interactive learning media. This community service program was designed to address these challenges by introducing English literacy to young learners in a creative and engaging manner while simultaneously enhancing teachers’ skills in employing interactive and contextually relevant teaching media. The program employed several methods: observation of current teaching practices, planning and development of creative learning media such as flashcards, posters, storybooks, and puppets, implementation of learning activities through play-based approaches, and evaluation of student and teacher outcomes. The results indicate a significant increase in student enthusiasm, active participation, and comprehension of basic English vocabulary. Teachers also demonstrated improved creativity and confidence in using various teaching media to support literacy learning. This program shows that English literacy can be effectively fostered in early childhood using simple, locally relevant, and sustainable media. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of teacher development in enhancing the quality of English learning in rural school contexts. Overall, the initiative provides a practical model for integrating interactive English literacy education in early childhood settings with long-term potential for rural education improvement.

The initiative "FUN ENGLISH LISTENING FOR KIDS" at SD IT Nurul Fikri aims to enhance the English language proficiency of young learners through innovative methods. This project utilizes stereophonic styrofoam to introduce and reinforce English vocabulary among elementary school students. Under the guidance of fifth-semester students from the English Language Teaching Program at IAIN Palangka Raya, the project involves stages of introducing vocabulary, using styrofoam to associate sounds with vocabulary, and interactive sessions. This engaging learning method has successfully improved the English skills of elementary students at SD IT Nurul Fikri, demonstrating the potential of creative methods in language education.

In the digital era, the erosion of moral values among young people has become a pressing challenge for Islamic Religious Education (PAI). Folktales, as part of Indonesia’s cultural heritage, offer universal moral lessons that resonate with Islamic principles. This study investigates the potential of folktales as instructional media for instilling Islamic values while addressing the demands of digital-based learning. A qualitative descriptive method was applied, involving textual analysis of folktales, classroom observations, and interviews with teachers and students. The selected stories Malin Kundang, Bawang Merah Bawang Putih, Timun Mas, and Lake Toba were examined to identify moral values consistent with Qur’anic and prophetic teachings. Data were analyzed using reduction, presentation, and conclusion drawing, supported by triangulation to enhance validity. The results reveal that folktales embody key Islamic values such as filial piety, honesty, patience, courage, and loyalty to promises. Their integration into PAI classes not only increased student attention and emotional engagement but also encouraged deeper moral reflection. Moreover, digital adaptations through animations, videos, and digital storytelling expanded their relevance to contemporary learners, although challenges remain in teachers’ digital literacy and the need for contextual reinterpretation. This study concludes that folktales are more than cultural narratives; they are strategic tools for moral education. By leveraging digital innovation, folktales can reinforce character formation, sustain the relevance of PAI, and prepare Muslim students to be adaptive and value-driven in navigating modern society.

This community service research aimed to empower elementary school children’s creativity through fun, educational, and environmentally friendly activities. Conducted at Bimbel Arsal in Tolokan Village, the project focused on ecoprinting training on tote bags using local natural resources. The activity followed a three-stage implementation process: preparation, execution, and reflection. The preparation stage included coordination with tutoring teachers and the gathering of tools and materials. During the execution stage, children were introduced to ecoprinting and practiced the pounding technique with guidance from the KKN team. The reflection stage involved discussions, a question-and-answer session, and product evaluation. The results showed that the children successfully learned ecoprinting techniques, understood the environmental benefits, and expressed their creativity through unique and beautiful ecoprint designs on tote bags. Although challenges arose—such as difficulties selecting natural materials with strong color yields and technical issues during the beating process—the activity proceeded smoothly, thanks to the children’s enthusiasm, support from the tutoring center, and careful planning. Ultimately, the project proved effective in enhancing the children’s creativity, self-confidence, and environmental awareness. This activity not only empowered children but also contributed to promoting sustainable practices and fostering environmental consciousness among young learners. The success of the program highlights the importance of creative, hands-on learning activities in promoting both personal development and environmental responsibility.

The background of this research highlights the crucial role of vocabulary mastery in children’s language development, which significantly impacts their social interactions and learning processes. This study focuses on developing the Magic Star Box as a learning medium aimed at enhancing the gross motor skills of children aged 4–5 years. The Magic Star Box is an adaptation of stop-motion media, designed to create an engaging and enjoyable learning atmosphere by integrating words and images. The research applies a Research and Development (R&D) method, simplified into four stages: identifying potentials and problems, collecting data, designing the product, and validating the design. Validation from subject matter experts and game design experts indicated that the Magic Star Box is feasible for improving children’s vocabulary. This medium is expected to provide an innovative, engaging, and effective learning solution for young learners

The rapid development of technology has made it increasingly important for the younger generation to acquire digital literacy skills at an early age. As technology becomes an integral part of daily life, it is essential to introduce fundamental programming concepts to students to prepare them for the future. This community service program aims to introduce 5th-grade students at Elementary School Emmaus Kediri to basic programming concepts using the Scratch platform. The program adopted the Project-Based Learning (PjBL) method, which emphasizes interactive learning through hands-on activities. The one-day session involved 17 students, who underwent a structured process consisting of a pre-test, material delivery, hands-on practice of creating simple animations, and a post-test. The learning materials included an introduction to the Scratch interface, how to use sprites, and basic coding blocks to develop simple animation projects. The evaluation results indicated a significant increase in students' understanding of basic programming concepts. The majority of participants successfully created simple animation projects using coding blocks and sprites, demonstrating their ability to apply the learned concepts. The students showed high enthusiasm throughout the learning process, indicating a strong interest in digital learning and coding. The high level of engagement further supports the potential for expanding similar programs in the future. This community service activity proved effective in introducing computational thinking and fostering creativity among elementary school students. It also demonstrated the effectiveness of interactive and hands-on learning approaches in enhancing students' digital literacy. As a result, this program has the potential to be implemented in other schools to promote early exposure to programming and support the development of digital skills among young learners

The rapid development of technology has made it increasingly important for the younger generation to acquire digital literacy skills at an early age. As technology becomes an integral part of daily life, it is essential to introduce fundamental programming concepts to students to prepare them for the future. This community service program aims to introduce 5th-grade students at Elementary School Emmaus Kediri to basic programming concepts using the Scratch platform. The program adopted the Project-Based Learning (PjBL) method, which emphasizes interactive learning through hands-on activities. The one-day session involved 17 students, who underwent a structured process consisting of a pre-test, material delivery, hands-on practice of creating simple animations, and a post-test. The learning materials included an introduction to the Scratch interface, how to use sprites, and basic coding blocks to develop simple animation projects. The evaluation results indicated a significant increase in students' understanding of basic programming concepts. The majority of participants successfully created simple animation projects using coding blocks and sprites, demonstrating their ability to apply the learned concepts. The students showed high enthusiasm throughout the learning process, indicating a strong interest in digital learning and coding. The high level of engagement further supports the potential for expanding similar programs in the future. This community service activity proved effective in introducing computational thinking and fostering creativity among elementary school students. It also demonstrated the effectiveness of interactive and hands-on learning approaches in enhancing students' digital literacy. As a result, this program has the potential to be implemented in other schools to promote early exposure to programming and support the development of digital skills among young learners

Number recognition is a critical skill in early education, laying the foundation for digital literacy and mathematical understanding. However, traditional methods of teaching number recognition often lack the interactivity and engagement necessary for effective learning, particularly for young learners. This study proposes the development of a deep learning-based Android application aimed at enhancing the number recognition process by providing an interactive and visual learning experience. The application utilizes a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), a type of deep learning model, to recognize handwritten numbers, offering users an innovative and engaging way to learn and practice number recognition.In the proposed application, users can draw numbers on their devices, and the system will immediately provide feedback regarding the accuracy of the drawn numbers. The CNN model will be trained on a comprehensive dataset of handwritten digits to ensure high accuracy in recognition. This real-time feedback loop is designed to help users learn the correct form of numbers while also introducing the foundational concepts of deep learning. The main objective of this application is to provide an accessible, interactive platform for learning number recognition, especially for novice learners who may be unfamiliar with basic concepts in machine learning and digital literacy. By integrating deep learning technology, the application not only supports the learning of number recognition but also serves as an introduction to artificial intelligence (AI) concepts in a practical, easy-to-understand format. Furthermore, the application is designed to be user-friendly, ensuring that it is suitable for a wide range of learners, including children and beginners. The application aims to combine the fundamental principles of deep learning with a practical, hands-on learning experience, fostering a deeper understanding of both number concepts and the potential of AI in everyday life.

In addition to the positive findings regarding the effectiveness of instructional videos in enhancing reading skills, this study also highlights the importance of integrating technology into early childhood education. The use of instructional videos provides an engaging and interactive learning experience for children, making the learning process more enjoyable and effective. Children at TK Irama Jaya were able to visualize and connect sounds with letters and words, which is a crucial aspect of developing reading skills at an early age. Furthermore, the study reveals that instructional videos cater to different learning styles, allowing children to absorb information through auditory and visual channels. This multisensory approach enhances retention and understanding, especially for young learners who are just beginning to master reading. The videos also offer repetition and consistency, allowing children to revisit lessons at their own pace, thus reinforcing their learning process. The improvement observed in the post-test scores suggests that instructional videos can serve as a valuable tool in early childhood education, complementing traditional teaching methods. However, the study also indicates that while instructional videos are beneficial, they should be used in conjunction with other pedagogical techniques, such as interactive reading activities and teacher-guided lessons, to maximize learning outcomes. It is recommended that other schools, particularly those in remote or underserved areas, consider incorporating instructional videos into their teaching practices. The accessibility and cost-effectiveness of these videos make them an ideal resource for improving the quality of education in early childhood settings. Further research could explore the long-term effects of instructional videos on reading fluency and other areas of early literacy development.

Generation Alpha is growing up in an era dominated by rapid technological advancement and digital interaction, which necessitates the development of innovative, engaging, and interactive learning strategies. This need extends to Christian Religious Education (CRE), where traditional methods may no longer fully capture the attention or meet the learning styles of today's children. One promising approach is the adaptation of Labubu dolls as a learning medium within the CRE curriculum. With their distinctive, expressive features, Labubu dolls can serve as an effective pedagogical tool to convey Christian values in a manner that is both relatable and captivating for young learners. This article explores the integration of Labubu dolls into Christian Religious Education as a medium to enhance student engagement, comprehension, and internalization of core religious values. Using a qualitative research design with a constructivist approach, the study investigates how puppetry, particularly through Labubu dolls, can transform abstract theological ideas into concrete, child-friendly learning experiences. Data was collected through observation, interviews, and reflective practices involving teachers and students in early education settings. Findings indicate that the incorporation of storytelling, character interaction, and reflective dialogue facilitated by Labubu dolls significantly improves children's understanding of Christian principles. The dolls create a dynamic learning environment that encourages emotional connection, moral reasoning, and active participation. Furthermore, the playful yet structured nature of puppet-based instruction aligns well with the cognitive and emotional development of Generation Alpha, making it a highly relevant educational innovation. In conclusion, the use of Labubu dolls within the Christian Religious Education curriculum represents a strategic response to contemporary educational challenges. It not only enhances pedagogical effectiveness but also supports the formation of Christian character and faith from an early age, positioning Labubu dolls as a transformative medium for religious instruction in the digital age.

Education is a conscious and structured effort aimed at creating an environment and process that actively facilitates learners in developing their full potential. This includes nurturing their spiritual and moral values, self-control, intelligence, strong character, and essential life skills required for personal development and meaningful contributions to society, the nation, and the global community. At its core, education serves to empower students to realize and utilize their capabilities for future life challenges. It acts as a foundational medium through which younger generations acquire essential life skills, enabling them to integrate effectively into society. Moreover, education plays a pivotal role not only in the personal growth of individuals but also in the advancement of a nation. High-quality education is defined by its capacity to equip students with the competence to confront and resolve real-world problems. This notion becomes increasingly critical as learners transition from academic settings to the workforce and community life, where they are expected to apply their knowledge and skills practically. However, the success or failure of educational outcomes is largely determined by the curriculum. A well-designed curriculum should cultivate critical awareness and empower students to navigate complex social and professional environments. It should also promote creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration, which are essential skills in today’s rapidly changing world. Furthermore, education should not be viewed merely as a means to acquire knowledge but as a holistic process that fosters emotional intelligence and social responsibility. By integrating various disciplines and encouraging interdisciplinary learning, education can help students develop a broader perspective on global issues, such as climate change, social justice, and economic inequality. In addition, the role of educators is crucial in this process.