Implementation of Local Culture-Based Learning Using Reog Ponorogo Art to Instill Character in Early Childhood

Abstract

Early childhood is a critical period for character formation, yet local cultural arts are not always integrated systematically into learning activities. This study aims to analyze the planning of learning materials, the implementation of learning activities, and the supporting and inhibiting factors in local culture-based learning using Reog Ponorogo art to instill character in early childhood at TK Islam Arroohman Ponorogo. A descriptive qualitative approach was employed. Data were collected through participatory observation, in-depth interviews with the principal and teachers, and documentation, and were analyzed using the interactive model of Miles, Huberman, and Saldaña, with source and technique triangulation to ensure trustworthiness. The findings show that planning was carried out by developing Teaching Modules and a Project for Strengthening the Pancasila Student Profile (P5) module with a local wisdom approach, supported by child-friendly learning media. The learning activities integrated Reog Ponorogo through dance movements, simple gamelan music, and folktale narratives, which fostered mutual cooperation, courage, discipline, independence, and responsibility in the children. The main supporting factors were child-friendly learning media and strong parental support, whereas the inhibiting factors were teachers’ limited technical art skills and children’s short attention span.