PENGEMBANGAN ALAT PERMAINAN EDUKATIF MAZE HURUF BERGAMBAR UNTUK KEMAMPUAN MEMBACA PERMULAAN ANAK USIA DINI

Abstract

Early reading skills are very important for language development in young children, and they need to be encouraged through fun and interesting learning materials that match their age and growth level. This study was designed to create an educational game named "Illustrated Letter Maze" (Maze huruf bergambar) with the goal of improving early reading abilities in children who are 4 to 5 years old. The study used the Research and Development (R&D) approach based on the ADDIE model, which includes the steps of analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation. The study included 12 kids from Group A at TK Pertiwi Geneng Jombang for the small test and 30 kids from Group A at RA Qurrota A’yun Dau for the bigger test. The product was checked by media and teaching experts. The results showed that the media got a validity score of 80.5% from the media expert and 94.4% from the instructional expert; both scores are considered "highly valid." The implementation results showed 87.5% success in the small-scale test and 88.67% in the large-scale test, with teacher feedback reaching 97.5%, which is labeled as "highly practical." Therefore, the "Maze huruf bergambar" educational game is seen as valid, practical, and appropriate to use as an alternative learning tool to help young children aged 4 to 5 develop their early reading skills.