The Use of Natural Material Media as a Learning Resource in Early Childhood Education

Abstract

This study addresses the underutilization of abundant coastal natural resources in island-based early childhood education settings. Although prior studies have examined natural materials in early childhood education, specific investigations in remote island contexts remain scarce. This study aims to describe the use of natural material media as learning resources in early childhood education at a Kindergarten in an island area. A qualitative descriptive approach was employed. Research subjects comprised 3 classroom teachers and 20 students, selected through purposive sampling; the school principal served as a supporting informant. Data were collected through participatory observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation, and analyzed using the Miles and Huberman interactive model comprising data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. Results show that teachers utilized natural materials—leaves, stones, sand, twigs, seeds, and shells—as effective and contextual learning resources through three stages: material collection, exploration, and creation. Natural material media increased learning motivation, creativity, and exploration skills; Observations conducted over eight weeks revealed that the majority of children actively engaged in each learning session. This study concludes that coastal island natural materials serve as authentic, multisensory, and culturally meaningful learning resources, and recommends that schools integrate their use in a more structured manner within an early childhood education curriculum grounded in local wisdom.