PENGEMBANGAN MEDIA APRON HITUNG DALAM PEMBELAJARAN BERGITUNG ANAK USIA 5-6 TAHUN DI RAUDHATUL ATHFAL SHAFA DESA BELIAN KECAMATAN BATAM KOTA KOTA BATAM KEPULAUAN RIAU

Abstract

This research aims to develop an innovative learning medium called Apron Hitung (Counting Apron), specifically designed to enhance early numeracy skills in children aged 5–6 years at Raudhatul Athfal Shafa, Desa Belian, Batam Kota District, Batam City, Riau Islands Province. The Counting Apron is a visual and kinesthetic instructional tool shaped like an apron, featuring attachable and detachable number symbols and math signs. The media was created to address the need for a more concrete, interactive, and enjoyable learning approach, especially in teaching basic arithmetic, which can often be too abstract for young learners. Results from media and content experts validated that the Counting Apron was highly feasible, with average validation scores above 85%. Teachers responded positively to the usability and meaningfulness of the medium in supporting children’s understanding of addition and subtraction concepts. Children demonstrated increased enthusiasm and engagement when using the medium, which was also reflected in their improved post-test scores in basic arithmetic. The conclusion of this study confirms that the Counting Apron is an effective and appropriate tool for numeracy learning among children aged 5–6 years. The study implies the importance of developing instructional media that aligns with the characteristics of early childhood development and encourages teachers to be more creative in designing engaging learning strategies. It is recommended that this medium be further developed and tested in broader early childhood education settings to evaluate its wider applicability.