STIMULATION THROUGH PLAY-BASED ACTIVITIES FOR IMPROVING SOCIOEMOTIONAL AND MORAL DEVELOPMENT OF MIGRANT WORKERS^ EARLY CHILDHOOD
Erhamwilda (a)- Arif Hakim (b)- Nurul Afrianti (b)- Nabilah Nuraini (c)- Aep Saepudin (c)- Sekar Kumala Suci (b)

(a) Study Program Magister of Islamic Education, Faculty of Tarbiyah & Keguruan/Universitas Islam Bandung, Bandung City, West Java, Indonesia.
(b) Study Program of Early Childhood Education, Faculty of Tarbiyah and Keguruan/Universitas Islam Bandung, Bandung City, West Java, Indonesia.
(c) Study Program Degree of Islamic Education, Faculty of Tarbiyah and Keguruan/Universitas Islam Bandung, Bandung City, West Java, Indonesia

Abstract

Children aged 0-8 from Indonesian migrant worker families in Kuala Lumpur face limited access to early childhood education due to their parents^ socioeconomic and legal vulnerabilities. This often results in delayed socioemotional and moral development, manifested in difficulties following rules, frequent tantrums, poor concentration, and conflicts with peers. A Community Service Team from the Early Childhood Education Program at Unisba conducted a play-based stimulation program involving 10 children aged 3.5 to 8 years. The approach combined ^Playing, Storytelling with Children, and Creating Artworks^ to foster holistic development in a joyful and inclusive environment. Activities began with circle time, including introductions, singing, prayer, and storytelling using the fable of the rabbit and the turtle, followed by a discussion on hair hygiene. Core sessions included a shampooing simulation using dolls, counting ^lice^ in doll hair, and drawing on worksheets. Later, children participated in the ^Space Exploration Box^ game, wearing astronaut costumes and props representing celestial bodies-Earth, the moon, and the sun-while learning basic numeracy through play. Meaningful songs and rhythmic clapping were integrated to enhance motor skills and self-regulation. Each child^s progress was documented through developmental portfolios focusing on emotional, social, and moral growth. Findings indicated notable improvements: children showed better emotional control, increased willingness to follow rules, improved peer interactions, and greater ability to sit quietly and concentrate. This initiative demonstrates that structured, play-based activities effectively support the socioemotional and moral development of young children in marginalized communities.

Keywords: early childhood, migrant workers, play-based stimulation, socio-emotional development, community service

Topic: Islamic Education