The Effect of “Jejak Huruf Pintar” Educational Game Tool on Gross and Fine Motor Skills of Children Aged 5–6 Years

Abstract

Motor development in early childhood is a fundamental aspect that supports coordination, physical readiness, and independence in daily activities. However, motor stimulation in early childhood education settings is often delivered through monotonous activities that limit active participation. This study aims to analyze the effect of the Educational Game Tool (APE) “Jejak Huruf Pintar” on gross and fine motor skills of children aged 5–6 years. The novelty of this study lies in the integration of locomotor and fine motor stimulation within a single circuit-based learning media using letter-pattern spatial navigation. This study employed a quantitative approach with a quasi-experimental one-group pretest–posttest design involving 18 children in Group B at Harapan Ceria Kindergarten selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using structured observation based on PAUD motor development indicators and analyzed using paired sample t-test, normality test, and effect size (Cohen’s d). The results showed a significant improvement in motor skills after the intervention (p < 0.001; d = 1.21). The mean score of gross motor skills increased from 58.4 to 82.1, while fine motor skills increased from 55.7 to 79.6. The findings indicate that “Jejak Huruf Pintar” is effective in enhancing integrated motor development through active and meaningful play experiences.