Introducing Traditional Games as a Learning Medium for Children

Amid the rise of digitalization, traditional games are being reintroduced as effective learning tools for young children. Teachers and Early Childhood Education students collaborate to incorporate games like congklak, hopscotch, and gobak sodor to enhance children’s motor, cognitive, and social skills. These games are not just entertainment—they are rich learning experiences rooted in culture and cooperation.

Children learn to follow rules, take turns, and respect others while playing. Through such simple activities, values like honesty, fairness, and responsibility naturally emerge. Students also design structured play activities to maintain educational goals without losing the element of fun.

Educators note that traditional games offer greater benefits than digital ones, especially in fostering direct social interaction. Children learn empathy, emotional expression, and teamwork through face-to-face play.

Additionally, this initiative helps preserve local cultural heritage. Each traditional game carries lessons about cooperation, patience, and national identity. PGPAUD students are encouraged to integrate traditional games into modern early childhood curricula.

This movement proves that education is not only about academics but also about cultural enrichment and character building. Traditional games show that meaningful learning can be both joyful and deeply rooted in heritage.