The Influence of The Traditional Game Engklek On Gross Motor Development Of Children Aged 5-6 Years
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.26858/cjpko.v18i1.488Keywords:
Traditional hopscotch game;, gross motor skills;, early childhood;Abstract
Gross motor development is a fundamental aspect of early childhood growth, particularly during the ages of 5–6 years, which represent a critical period for neuromuscular maturation and movement coordination. Appropriate stimulation through physical activity and play is essential to support optimal motor development. This study aimed to examine the influence of the traditional game engklek (hopscotch) on the gross motor development of children aged 5–6 years at PAUD Kemala Bhayangkari 16 Palu. The study employed a quantitative experimental approach using a one-group pretest–posttest design. The research population consisted of 72 children, from which 26 children aged 5–6 years were selected as the research sample. Gross motor development was measured using the Test of Gross Motor Development–Third Edition (TGMD-3), which assesses key motor components including balance, speed, and muscular strength. Data were analyzed using percentage analysis to describe developmental changes and a paired sample t-test to examine the significance of differences between pretest and posttest scores. The results revealed a notable improvement in children’s gross motor skills following the implementation of the traditional engklek game. Statistical analysis demonstrated a significant difference between pretest and posttest results, with a significance value of 0.001 (p < 0.05), indicating that the engklek game had a significant positive effect on gross motor development. These findings provide empirical evidence that traditional movement-based games can serve as effective, culturally relevant learning strategies in early childhood education. In conclusion, the traditional engklek game significantly enhances gross motor development in children aged 5–6 years and can be recommended as an alternative learning approach to support physical development while preserving local cultural values within PAUD settings.
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