Utilization of Natural Materials to Increase Calculation Ability of 4-5 Year-old Children

摘要

The purpose of this study is to know the increase in counting ability through the use of nature material of grade A Kindergarten students. The population in this study consisted of 15 students of grade A at kartika Wirabuana 51 Kindergarten, Baubau. This study used Action Classroom Research method according to Kemmis and Mc. Taggart consisting of four steps: 1. planning, 2. action, 3. observation, and 4. reflection. The data was collected by field notes, documentation, and observation. The data were analyzed by a descriptive qualitative and quantitative method. The result of this study shows that counting by using the natural material could increase the counting ability of grade A Kindergarten students. The results of this study also show that based on the percentage of students capability before the intervention until the end of the intervention. The preliminary data on students' numeracy skills showed around 45,83%, and after using natural materials in learning, students' numeracy skills increased in each cycle (in the first cycle was 76.33% and in the second cycle 90.83%). The increase of students counting ability at grade A Kindergarten students by using natural material consists of arranging the number, counting of things, more and less concept, number concept and additional concept.