The Use of Origami Paper to Improve Children's Fine Motor Skills through Folding and Pasting at TK Pertiwi Kemurang Kulon

Abstract

This study aims to describe the use of origami paper media in improving early childhood fine motor skills through folding and pasting activities at TK Pertiwi Kemurang Kulon. A descriptive qualitative approach was applied as an alternative to Classroom Action Research (CAR) to provide a naturalistic and holistic overview of children's developmental processes without rigid intervention cycles. The subjects were 75 children (36 boys and 39 girls). Data were collected through participatory observation, in-depth interviews with classroom teachers, and documentation of children's artwork, and were analysed using an interactive model of data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The results showed that folding and pasting origami paper stimulated hand muscle strength, eye-hand coordination, and finger flexibility. Initially most children required intensive guidance, but gradually demonstrated better independence and visual-spatial precision. This approach also revealed individual variations in the natural rhythm of children's fine motor development.