PENGGUNAAN APE PENGHISAP DEBU UNTUK MENSTIMULASI MOTORIK DAN KESADARAN KEBERSIHAN ANAK USIA DINI DI PAUD WIJAYAKUSUMA

Abstract

This research was motivated by the low awareness of environmental cleanliness and the limited development of motor skills among early childhood students at PAUD Wijayakusuma. Some children had not yet understood the importance of maintaining cleanliness in the play area and were unable to use simple cleaning tools independently. Therefore, anattractive, concrete, and enjoyable learning medium was needed to provide direct learning experiences. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of an educational game tool ( APE) in the form of a mini vacuum cleaner in stimulating motor skills and inproving environmental cleanliness awareness among early childhood children. The research employed a simple experimental method using a pre-test, treatment, and post-test design involving 16 children aged 5-6 years. Data were collected through observation, documentation, and field notes using instruments designed to assess motor development and cleanliness awareness. The treatment was implemented through play-based activities using the mini vacuum cleaner to clean the play area. The results indicated significant improvement after the intervention. In the pre-test stage, only 33% of children demonstrated an understanding of environmental cleanliness and the function of cleaning tools, whereas in the post-test stage the percentage increased to 73%. Children became more active, enthusiastic, and capable of using the mini vacuum cleaner appropriately. Furthermore, hand-eye coordination improved during the activities. These findings suggest that the mini vacuum cleaner educational game tool is effective in stimulating fine motor development while enhancing environmental cleanliness awareness through meaningfull and enjoyable play-based learning experinces