Penggunaan Media Boneka Tangan dalam Metode Bercerita untuk Mengembangkan Kemampuan Bahasa Ekspresif Anak Usia Dini

Abstract

The use of engaging and interactive media in storytelling activities is one way to stimulate expressive language skills in young children. This study aimed to describe the use of hand puppets in the storytelling method and the forms of children’s verbal engagement in the development of expressive language skills. The study employed a descriptive qualitative approach at KB Tunas Jaya 1, Pakis Baru, Nawangan Subdistrict. The participants comprised 10 children aged 4–5 years, with the classroom teacher serving as the primary informant and the school principal as a supporting informant. Data were collected through participant and structured observations, semi-structured interviews, and documentation, then analyzed using Miles and Huberman’s model through data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The findings showed that children’s verbal engagement during storytelling activities using hand puppets was evident in answering questions, expressing ideas and feelings, using vocabulary, constructing simple sentences, asking questions, and retelling the content of stories. These findings broaden the understanding of the use of hand puppets as interactive media to stimulate expressive language in young children and underscore the importance of teacher interaction and guidance during storytelling activities. The practical implication of this study is the use of hand puppets as an alternative instructional medium for early childhood education teachers, with opportunities for further research involving a more diverse range of participants and observation periods.