The Influence of the Traditional Game Congklak on the Social Character of Early Childhood in the Simalagi Village Area, Huta Bargot District

Abstrak

Early childhood is in a crucial period of social character formation, while the shift in play patterns towards digital games reduces opportunities to learn social values ​​such as cooperation and honesty. This study aims to analyze the influence of playing traditional congklak games on the social character of early childhood children in Simalagi Village, Huta Bargot District. The study used a quantitative approach with a one-group pretest–posttest design on 65 children obtained through unknown population sample calculations, with valid and reliable social character observation instruments (Cronbach's Alpha X = 0.869; Y = 0.837). The results of the linear regression analysis showed the equation Y = 1.324 + 0.774XY = 1.324 + 0.774X and the t-test produced a t-value of 10.179 with p = 0.000 (p < 0.05), which confirmed that congklak playing activities have a positive and significant effect on children's social character. These findings indicate that congklak is an effective local wisdom-based learning medium for fostering cooperation, adherence to rules, honesty, and mutual respect in early childhood. Therefore, it is suitable for integration into early childhood education programs in Simalagi Village and similar contexts.