Stimulating Early Childhood Gross Motor Skills through Gobak Sodor at TK Dharma Wanita 2 Temon

Subekhi Hamzah Sari Nur Rohim, Ardhana Januar Mahardhani, Hadi Cahyono

Abstract


Young children need plenty of chances to run, dodge, and balance, yet many kindergartens offer only a narrow range of physical activities, and traditional games are used less and less. This study examined how the traditional game Gobak Sodor was planned and carried out at TK Dharma Wanita 2 Temon, Ponorogo, how it stimulated children’s gross motor skills (agility, balance, and coordination), and what helped or hindered it. A qualitative case study was used. Data came from participant observation, interviews with the classroom teacher and the principal, and documentation, and were analysed with the interactive model of Miles and Huberman. Credibility was strengthened through triangulation and persistent observation. The teacher prepared the equipment and the court beforehand, and the children waited in an orderly way while the teacher divided them into balanced groups. During play the children showed agility by feinting and dodging to reach the finish without being tagged. The game asked them to match what they thought with what they did, and it required close coordination with teammates. Cheering from classmates who were not playing and small snack rewards from the teacher supported the activity. Miscommunication and poorly matched teams were the main obstacles, and the teacher dealt with them by reminding the children that everyone is equal and has strengths and weaknesses. Read through ideas about stimulation, motor development, and social-constructivist learning, the findings show that Gobak Sodor can build gross motor skills and cooperation at low cost while keeping a local tradition alive.


Keywords


Stimulation, Gross Motor Skills, Traditional Games, Gobak Sodor, Early Childhood

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References


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DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.24131835

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