Pengembangan Bahan Ajar Bercerita Berbasis Boneka Mini untuk Stimulasi Bahasa Anak Usia Dini

Preliminary observations at TK Model Negeri Panyabungan showed that some children aged 5–6 years had limited vocabularies, lacked confidence when speaking in front of peers, and had difficulty organizing stories sequentially. This study aimed to map children’s language skills, develop storytelling instructional materials using miniature sock puppets, and describe teachers’ and children’s responses to the product. The study employed a research and development method using the ADDIE model, comprising the analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation stages. The initial trial involved 11 children from Group B, while the large-scale trial reportedly included 53 children. Data were collected through observation, questionnaires, interviews, documentation, and storytelling performances. The developed product comprised eight miniature sock puppets, a user guide, a teaching module, and storytelling scenarios. Validation yielded scores of 85% for the media, 98% for the guidebook, and 98% for language aspects. The mean response score from three teachers reached 90%, classified as very good. Observations showed children’s interest in the media, willingness to answer questions, initial confidence in performing, and ability to recount simple experiences, although guiding questions were still needed on some occasions. These findings provide preliminary support for the suitability and practicality of the instructional materials as a means of language stimulation through storytelling activities. However, no conclusion can yet be drawn regarding the product’s effectiveness in improving language skills. Further testing is needed using measurable indicators of language skills and a wider variety of story themes.