Mahfudzot as a Habituation Activity for Instilling Discipline Character in Young Children

Abstract

This study was motivated by the low level of discipline among 5-to-6-year-old children at RA Bani Sulaiman during learning activities. To address this issue, the school implemented a strategy to instil discipline through the practice of mahfudzot (aphorisms/wise sayings), which was expected to guide the children's daily behaviour as they applied the lessons contained in these verses. Consequently, this study aimed to examine the development of discipline in 5- to 6-year-old children through the practice of mahfudzot. A qualitative descriptive method was employed, specifically a field research approach. The research subjects included Group B teachers, the principal of RA Bani Sulaiman, parents, and five children aged 5 to 6. Data collection techniques involved interviews, observation, and document analysis, while data analysis comprised data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The results indicate that the practice of mahfudzot was effective in fostering discipline in the children. They consistently demonstrated disciplined behaviours, such as arriving at school on time, patiently waiting for their turn, eating and drinking with their right hand while seated, disposing of trash in designated bins, and showing sensitivity towards instances of indiscipline. Among the five children studied, four showed excellent development in discipline, while one had not yet demonstrated significant progress. Thus, it can be concluded that the discipline of 5-to-6-year-old children developed remarkably well through the practice of mahfudzot.