Developing mathematical ability by using games in PAUD Nurul Hidayah, Aceh Besar

Abstract

The problem identified atthe Nurul Hidayah PAUD in Aceh Besar was that the learning process to develop mathematical ability was not yet organized through games or play activities. In addition, the introduction of mathematics was done based on figures and numbers. As a result, the student’s didn’t develop other creative abilities such as forming patterns, making comparisons, and estimating. Mathematical ability needs to be developed inearly childhood because it will be the foundation formastery of mathematical concepts at higher levels of educational. The object of mathematics is abstract. In order to develop early childhood student mathematical ability, the applications of methods that arefun and stimulatingare necessary. This can be accomplished by using games. One solution to the problem mentioned above was trialed through classroom action research. The formulated problem was how to develop early childhood student mathematical ability using games at the Nurul Hidayah PAUD in Aceh Besar. The data was collected using classroom observations. Gameswere introduced and played in three cycles consisting of playing patterns, playing classifications, and playing numbers. The data were analyzed descriptively and qualitatively. The results from the study show that games were effective to develop early childhood mathematical ability in students at Nurul Hidayah PAUD in Aceh Besar: Teaching-learning was done using story-telling, task-giving, demonstrations and contests