ANALISIS KEMAMPUAN LITERASI AWAL ANAK USIA DINI MELALUI PERMAINAN SENSORI BERBASIS HURUF DAN KATA PADA ANAK USIA 5-6 TAHUN DI TK ISLAM RUHAMA

Abstract

Early childhood literacy skills are an important foundation that supports children's readiness to enter the next level of education. However, some children aged 5–6 years still experience difficulties in recognizing letter symbols, connecting letters with sounds, and developing interest in literacy activities due to learning approaches that are less appropriate with children's characteristics. This study aims to analyze the early literacy skills of children through sensory play activities based on letters and words at TK Islam Ruhama. This research used a qualitative descriptive method. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation of learning activities involving children aged 5–6 years. The data were analyzed through data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The results showed that sensory play based on letters and words provided meaningful learning experiences for children in recognizing letter shapes, arranging letters into words, improving fine motor skills, and increasing children's participation and interest in literacy activities. The sensory approach involving visual, tactile, and kinesthetic experiences helped children understand literacy concepts more easily through enjoyable play activities. Therefore, sensory play based on letters and words can be an alternative learning strategy to stimulate early literacy development in early childhood education.