PENINGKATAN KEMAMPUAN MEMBACA PERMULAAN MELALUI MEDIA KARTU HURUF PADA SISWA KELAS I SDN 2 LABUNGANAK KABUPATEN HULU SUNGAI TENGAH

Abstract

This study aimed to improve the early reading skills of first-grade students through the use of letter card media at SDN 2 Labunganak, Hulu Sungai Tengah Regency. The research was motivated by the low early reading ability of students, as indicated by difficulties in recognizing letters, combining syllables, and reading simple words. This study employed Classroom Action Research (CAR) using the Kemmis and McTaggart model, consisting of two cycles, with each cycle including planning, action, observation, and reflection. The research subjects were 12 first-grade students. Data were collected through observation, reading tests, documentation, and student response questionnaires. The data were analyzed using qualitative and quantitative descriptive techniques. The findings revealed that the implementation of letter card media significantly improved students' early reading skills. The average score increased from 51.25 in the pre-cycle to 70.08 in Cycle I and further improved to 86.50 in Cycle II. Classical learning mastery also increased from 0% in the pre-cycle to 58.33% in Cycle I and reached 91.67% in Cycle II. Teacher activity improved from 60% in Cycle I to 100% in Cycle II, while students showed highly positive responses toward the learning process, with an average response rate of 81.75%. These findings indicate that letter card media effectively enhances early reading skills by creating an engaging, interactive, and meaningful learning environment for first-grade elementary school students.