The Effectiveness of Educational Play Tools Based on Local Plants (Passion Fruit) in Enhancing Cognitive Abilities in Early Childhood Children at TK Kasih Ibu Talang Babungo

Abstract

Early childhood is a crucial period in individual development, during which appropriate educational stimulation can significantly influence cognitive growth. This study was motivated by the low cognitive abilities observed in children at TK Kasih Ibu Talang Babungo, characterized by limited creativity and passive learning interactions. The purpose of this research was to enhance the cognitive abilities of children aged 5–6 years through the use of Educational Play Tools (APE) based on local passion fruit plants. This study employed a Classroom Action Research (PTK) approach following the Kemmis and McTaggart model, implemented in two cycles. Each cycle included four stages: planning, acting, observing, and reflecting. The research subjects consisted of 13 children, and data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation. The results showed a significant improvement in the children’s cognitive abilities, with classical completeness percentages increasing from 17.95% in the pre-cycle, to 48.72% in cycle I, and reaching 87.18% in cycle II. Thus, the use of APE based on local passion fruit plants proved effective in stimulating children’s thinking skills, shape recognition, and creativity.