Peran Permainan Tradisional Sikka dalam Mengembangkan Keterampilan Berhitung Anak Usia Dini

Abstract

Permainan tradisional Sikka merupakan bagian dari warisan budaya yang mengandung nilai edukatif tinggi. Namun keberadaannya saat ini mulai terpinggirkan oleh dominasi permainan modern berbasis teknologi dan APE modern. Penelitian ini dilakukan untuk mengetahui peran permainan tradisional kabupaten Sikka dalam berhitung dan pengenalan angka pada anak usia dini. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif deskriptif dengan subyek penelitian sebanyak 15 anak kelompok B di TK MP, dua guru kelas dan dua tokoh budaya setempat. Teknik pengumpulan data dilakukan melalui observasi partisipatif dan wawancara mendalam. Data dianalisis menggunakan model Miles dan Huberman dengan tahapan reduksi data, penyajian data, serta penarikan kesimpulan, disertai triangulasi sumber dan teknik. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa permainan tradisional Sikka memberikan kontribusi positif dalam pengembangan keterampilan berhitung anak, seperti mengenal angka, menghitung benda, dan memahami urutan. Permainan juga menanamkan nilai-nilai budaya seperti kerja sama dan sportivitas. Penelitian ini menegaskan pentingnya integrasi permainan tradisional dalam pembelajaran PAUD sebagai pendekatan yang kontekstual, menyenangkan, serta mendukung pelestarian budaya lokal.   Traditional Sikka games are part of the cultural heritage that holds high educational value. However, their existence is increasingly marginalized by the dominance of technology-based modern games and modern educational play tools. This study aimed to examine the role of traditional Sikka games in developing numeracy and number recognition in early childhood. A descriptive qualitative approach was employed, involving 15 children in group B at TK MP, two class teachers, and two local cultural figures as research subjects. Data were collected through participatory observation and in-depth interviews. The data were analyzed using the Miles and Huberman model, which includes data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing, supported by source and technique triangulation. The findings indicate that traditional Sikka games make a positive contribution to children’s numeracy development, including number recognition, counting objects, and understanding sequences. Additionally, the games promote cultural values such as cooperation and sportsmanship. This study highlights the importance of integrating traditional games into early childhood education as a contextual and engaging approach that also supports the preservation of local culture.