Early Al-Quran Learning Curriculum Innovation: The Effectiveness of Hijaiyah Letter Media in Improving Letter Recognition Skills

Abstract

This study aims to determine the effectiveness of the Hijaiyah letter media in improving the ability to recognize letters in early childhood and describe the implementation of the innovation of the Al-Qur'an learning curriculum at Aisyiyah Kindergarten Aek Kanopan North Labuhanbatu. This study uses a qualitative approach with a descriptive type. The research subjects include the principal, class teachers, and parents of students. Data collection techniques were carried out through interviews, observation, and documentation, while data analysis used an interactive model through the stages of data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. The results of the study indicate that children's initial ability to recognize Hijaiyah letters is still low and tends to be rote. After the implementation of the Hijaiyah letter media based on interesting and interactive games, there was a significant increase in children's ability to recognize, differentiate, and name Hijaiyah letters independently. In addition, the use of this media also increased children's focus, interest, and active participation in learning. The implementation of the innovation curriculum is supported by school policies, teacher training, and continuous periodic evaluation. Thus, the Hijaiyah letter media has proven effective as a learning innovation in improving the ability to recognize letters in early childhood. This research contributes to the development of a creative, interactive Al-Qur'an learning model that is appropriate to the characteristics of early childhood.