TEACHER STRATEGIES IN STIMULATING EARLY CHILDHOOD LANGUAGE ABILITIES BASED ON LOCAL CULTURE AT PEMBINA STATE KINDERGARTEN IN DENPASAR

Abstract

This study evaluates the effectiveness of stimulating language skills in early childhood through the integration of lokal culture at the Pembina Denpasar Public Kindergarten.  Involving 30 students from Group B, the study utilized Lev Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory as the theoretical framework to analyze teachers’ strategies, the impact of implementation, and the obstacles encountered. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation, then analyzed using data reduction and presentation techniques. The study’s findings indicate that various activities—such as masatua (storytelling) featuring master storyteller Gede Tarmada, singing the Gending Sekar Rare, using the Balinese language every Thursday, and playing traditional games—have proven to have a positive impact. In addition to significantly improving linguistic skills, these activities also fostered enthusiasm and a deep understanding among the children regarding Bali’s cultural heritage. Although there were constraints such as time limitations and less-than-ideal classroom conditions, the teachers proactively addressed them through intensive coordination with the school principal. Overall, this approach rooted in lokal wisdom proved effective as a contextual and educational medium for language stimulation among the children.