The Effectiveness of the Utilization of Plastic Waste into Handicrafts as a Learning Media in Improving Fine Motor Skills, Creativity, and Environmental Concern for Early Childhood in Kindergarten Perjuangan

Abstract

The accumulation of plastic waste has become a global environmental issue that requires early intervention through formal education. The community service program, conducted through the Student Community Service Program (KKN) of Group 6 students, aims to test and describe the effectiveness of utilizing plastic waste into handicrafts as a learning medium to improve fine motor skills, creativity, and environmental awareness in early childhood at Perjuangan Kindergarten, Pekan Sabtu Village, Bengkulu. The research method used was descriptive qualitative. Data were collected through participatory observation, in-depth interviews with educators, and documentation of children's work. The program results showed that the activities of cutting, pasting, and assembling plastic waste, accompanied by the Group 6 KKN team, significantly stimulated children's eye-hand coordination (fine motor skills). The process of designing used bottles and straws into plant pots or pencil cases was proven to stimulate imagination and originality of ideas (creativity). In addition, direct involvement in waste processing fosters the habit of caring for the environment from a golden age. Evaluation using the child development impact index showed a program effectiveness rate of 92.5% (very high category). Thus, the use of non-manufactured used materials has great potential to replace conventional learning media and become a pillar of ecological education at the early childhood level.