Enhancing Early Childhood Creativity Through the Use of Loose Parts Media

Abstract

Creativity is an important aspect of early childhood development that requires meaningful and exploratory learning experiences. However, evidence on improving creativity through classroom action research in rural early childhood settings remains limited. This study aimed to improve the creativity of 10 children in the Nakula Group at KB Nusa Harapan through loose parts media. The study employed classroom action research based on the Kemmis and McTaggart model, comprising planning, action, observation, and reflection. Data were collected through observations, interviews, and documentation using an observation sheet covering fluency, flexibility, originality, and elaboration. The findings showed progressive improvement in creativity, with children achieving the expected developmental levels increasing from 20% in the pre-cycle to 70% in Cycle I and 90% in Cycle II. The study concludes that iterative loose parts activities supported children's creativity. This approach offers a practical contribution to child-centered, creativity-oriented learning in rural early childhood education.