Peningkatan Keseimbangan dan Keterampilan Motorik Kasar Siswa MI Cokroaminoto melalui Optimalisasi Permainan Tradisional Engklek

Abstract

Gross motor skills and body balance are crucial elements of child development, directly influencing both learning readiness and daily activities. Increasingly sedentary lifestyles and a reliance on technology have contributed to a decline in the physical fitness of primary school children. This community service initiative aimed to improve the body balance and gross motor skills of students at MI Cokroaminoto by utilizing the traditional game of engklek (hopscotch). The program employed a participatory approach involving 46 students and was conducted in stages, comprising classroom education, warm-ups, technique demonstrations, structured gameplay, and evaluation. Assessments were carried out through pre- and post-activity observations, measuring indicators such as body balance, agility, and accuracy in throwing the game marker gaco. Results showed an increase in the average score from 72.78 in the pre-test to 77.53 in the post-test (an increase of 4.75 points or 6.52%), with 29 of the 46 students demonstrating improved physical performance. Overall evaluation revealed that 17 students met the established criteria, while 29 required further guidance as they had not yet reached the required benchmarks. The initiative concludes that the traditional game of engklek is an effective kinesthetic intervention tool for enhancing gross motor coordination, body stability, and self-confidence among primary school students