Enhancing Basic Numeracy Skills in Children Aged 5–6 Years Through PAPINKA: An Interactive Learning Medium

Abstract

This study aimed to enhance the basic numeracy skills of children aged 5–6 years through the implementation of PAPINKA (Papan Pintar Angka), an interactive learning medium designed to support play-based learning. The study was motivated by the low level of children's numeracy achievement during the preliminary observation stage, where only 33% of children reached the categories of Developing as Expected and Very Well Developed. This research employed Classroom Action Research, consisting of two cycles, each involving planning, action, observation, and reflection stages. The participants were 15 children aged 5–6 years, comprising 8 boys and 7 girls enrolled in Group B at UPTD TK Negeri Idhata Peusangan Bireuen. Data were collected using observation sheets to assess children's numeracy development. The findings revealed a substantial improvement in children's numeracy skills, with learning completeness increasing from 33% in the pre-cycle stage to 60% in Cycle I and 87% in Cycle II. The results indicate that PAPINKA effectively supports play-based learning by providing concrete, interactive, and engaging learning experiences that facilitate children's understanding of numerical concepts. The integration of number recognition, counting, quantity comparison, number sequencing, and simple addition activities into a single learning medium increased participation and motivation to learn among children. This study contributes to the development of innovative numeracy instruction in early childhood education by offering a teacher-designed interactive learning medium that promotes meaningful learning experiences and strengthens children's foundational numeracy skills.