Efforts to Improve Children’s Naturalist Intelligence Through Planting Activities Using Hydroponic Growing Media at TKIT As-Sunnah Napabalano Enhancing Children’s Naturalist Intelligence Through Hydroponic Planting Activities
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Abstract
Naturalist intelligence refers to children’s ability to recognize, understand, and demonstrate concern for the natural environment around them. Initial observations at Integrated Islamic Kindergarten (TKIT) As-Sunnah Napabalano revealed that the naturalist intelligence of Group B children had not yet developed optimally. The children still experienced difficulties in recognizing plants, understanding plant growth processes, and showing concern for the environment. This study aimed to improve children’s naturalist intelligence through planting activities using hydroponic growing media at Integrated Islamic Kindergarten (TKIT) As-Sunnah Napabalano. This study employed a Classroom Action Research (CAR) approach conducted in two cycles. Each cycle consisted of planning, action implementation, observation, and reflection stages. The research subjects were 11 Group B children, consisting of 5 boys and 6 girls. Data were collected through observation and documentation techniques. The data were analyzed using descriptive qualitative analysis based on early childhood development categories. The findings indicated that planting activities using hydroponic growing media were effective in improving children’s naturalist intelligence. Teacher teaching activities increased from 73.33% in Cycle I to 93.33% in Cycle II. Children’s learning activities also improved from 71.42% to 92.86%. In addition, the results of children’s naturalist intelligence development increased from 72.73% in Cycle I to 90.91% in Cycle II. The children became more capable of recognizing plants, understanding plant growth processes, and demonstrating environmental awareness through direct plant-care activities. Therefore, planting activities using hydroponic growing media can be considered an effective learning strategy for improving early childhood naturalist intelligence.
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