Reinforcing Peaceful Behavior in Early Childhood Through Storytelling and Hands-on Activities: An Action Research in Faith-Based Kindergarten within a Smart Society Framework: A Case Study at Kindergarten ABA Surya Melati, Indonesia
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: This action research investigates the effectiveness of integrating Keluarga Sakinah values through interactive storytelling and hands-on activities to foster peaceful behavior in early childhood within a faith-based kindergarten. Grounded in Social Learning Theory (SLT), the study engaged 37 students (4-6 years old) across three classes at Kindergarten ABA Surya Melati, Brajan, Tamantirto, Kasihan, Bantul, Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Structured observations revealed that while storytelling yielded varying engagement levels based on age and cognitive readiness, hands-on, experiential activities consistently led to high rates of prosocial behaviors such as cooperation, sharing, peaceful conflict resolution, and the consistent use of polite language. This outcome highlights the powerful role of direct experience and behavioral reproduction in internalization. Furthermore, the collaborative model, involving university researchers, school staff, and parent representatives, exemplifies a Smart Society approach to educational development, effectively bridging resource limitations and enhancing pedagogical quality. This study underscores the potential for faith-based early childhood education to systematically cultivate character values for the Golden Indonesia 2045 generation through theoretically informed and collaboratively implemented interventions.
Author: Fauziah, Kholifatul
Institution: Muhammadiyah University of Yogyakarta
Language: English
Subfield: Education
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Quality education
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7220636659