The Effect of Android-Based Sipak Batu Traditional Game on the Cognitive Ability of Children Aged 5–6 Years in Early Childhood Education

Abstract

Cognitive development is one of the most important aspects of early childhood development. At the age of 5–6 years, children experience rapid development in their thinking abilities; therefore, appropriate stimulation through educational play activities is necessary. Traditional games are one of the play activities that can stimulate children's cognitive abilities because they contain elements of strategy, interaction, and problem solving. In the current digital era, traditional games can be transformed into digital learning media to make them more attractive for children. This study aims to determine the effect of the Android-based Sipak Batu traditional game on the cognitive abilities of children aged 5–6 years in early childhood education. This research used a quantitative approach with a quasi-experimental method and a pretest–posttest control group design. The sample consisted of 30 children divided into experimental and control groups. Data were collected using cognitive development observation sheets and analyzed using statistical t-test analysis. The results showed that the use of the Android-based Sipak Batu traditional game significantly improved children's cognitive abilities. Therefore, integrating traditional games with digital technology can be an effective and innovative learning medium in early childhood education.