INTEGRASI PENDEKATAN STEAM BERBASIS PERMAINAN TRADISIONAL DALAM MENGEMBANGKAN KREATIVITAS ANAK USIA 5–6 TAHUN TK DHARMA WANITA MULYOREJO II BUNGA MAYANG LAMPUNG UTARA

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of integrating the STEAM approach with traditional games in developing the creativity of 5–6-year-old children at TK Dharma Wanita Mulyorejo II, Bunga Mayang, North Lampung. The STEAM approach was combined with four traditional games—engklek, congklak, gobak sodor, and ular naga—as learning media aligned with children's natural play experiences. The research employed Classroom Action Research (CAR) conducted in two cycles, each consisting of planning, action implementation, observation, and reflection. Data collection techniques included observation, interviews, documentation, and field notes, while data analysis followed the Miles and Huberman model consisting of data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The results indicate a significant improvement in children’s creativity following the implementation of STEAM-integrated traditional games. Children demonstrated increased ability to generate new ideas, express their thoughts, modify game rules, and solve challenges through active exploration. Furthermore, this model enhanced children's self-confidence, courage to express opinions, and collaborative skills during play activities. Teachers also experienced improvements in their ability to design creative, flexible, and child-centered learning experiences. Overall, the integration of STEAM and traditional games proved to be an effective strategy for improving early childhood creativity and serves as an innovative alternative for learning in early childhood education.