Improving Fine Motor Development Through Picture-Pattern Filling Activities Using Seeds Among Children Aged 4–5 Years at Kasih Ibu Early Childhood Education Center, Seluma Regency

Abstract

This study aimed to improve the fine motor development of children aged 4–5 years through pattern-filling activities using seeds at PAUD Kasih Ibu, Seluma Regency. The study was motivated by the low level of children's fine motor development, particularly in coordinating eye and hand movements, expressing themselves through artistic activities using various media, controlling hand movements, and pasting materials accurately. This study employed a Classroom Action Research (CAR) method using the John Elliot model, which was conducted in two cycles consisting of planning, action, observation, and reflection. The research subjects consisted of 15 children. Data were collected through observation, documentation, and field notes, and were analyzed using descriptive quantitative and descriptive qualitative techniques. The results showed that pattern-filling activities using seeds effectively improved the fine motor development of children aged 4–5 years. The Expected Percentage Score (NP) reached 70% in Cycle I, categorized as Developing as Expected, and increased to 95% in Cycle II, categorized as Developing Very Well. These findings indicate that pattern-filling activities using seeds effectively enhanced children's ability to coordinate eye and hand movements, express themselves through artistic activities, control hand movements, and paste materials accurately. Therefore, pattern-filling activities using seeds can serve as an innovative, creative, and enjoyable learning alternative for promoting fine motor development in early childhood.