Early Literacy Practice in Kindegartens in rural areas, West Sumatra Indonesia Elise Muryanti
Universitas Negeri Padang
Abstract
This study examines the practice of introducing literacy in Kindergarten in rural areas in West Sumatra province, Indonesia. From the literature study, it shows that there is still limited research on literacy development practices in rural areas in West Sumatra. The research question that will be investigated is: ^how do teachers involve and introduce and engage literacy to children^. This study uses a qualitative approach and data collected by observation, document analysis and teacher interviews. The setting of kindergartens were in the small town in South Solok were located in West Sumatra province. Data from the study revealed that in the rural area of South Solok Regency found that teachers developed literacy in Kindergarten with various methods and media. The study shows that literacy activities carried out dominantly through playing and storytelling activities. The media used in literacy development are printed media such as books and pictures. However, using technology in developing literacy is still limited. Teachers prefer to use printed media such as books, picture cards in introducing literacy to children rather than using computer technology. Lack of availability of ICT technology are shown as the obstacle to use ICT for literacy activities in the kindegartens. The Movement of Ministry of Education with literacy program (Gerakan literasi Sekolah) are less supported by computers and ICT facilities lead to limited taught technology literacy in Solok region. Therefore it is recommended that the stake holders prioritize rural areas to be considered in the provision of assistance to support ministry of Education literacy programs since early childhood by providing aid and facilities for ICT technology in rural kindergartens.
Keywords: Literacy, Early literacy program, Kindegartens
