The Influence of the Read Aloud Method in Storytelling on the Critical Thinking Ability of Children Aged 5-6 Years

Abstract

Abstract

Critical thinking is the ability to make rational decisions about what should be done or what should be believed. A child is said to have critical thinking skills when the child is able to find possibilities, distinguish facts and opinions, estimate causes and make decisions. Critical thinking skills can be developed through storytelling activities. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the read aloud method in storytelling on the critical thinking skills of children aged 5-6 years. This study uses a type of quantitative approach with a quasi-experimental research method and the design used in this study is a pre-experimental one group pretest-posttest research design. The sample of this study were children aged 5-6 years at Infarul Ghoy II Tritunggal Babat Kindergarten, Lamongan Regency, totaling 16 children. Data were analyzed using SPSS 22 for hypothesis testing. Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that there is an effect of critical thinking in children through storytelling activities using the read aloud method. This is indicated by the Sig. value of the hypothesis results which is 0.000 <0.05. The read aloud method in storytelling provides a more interactive learning experience for children, so that children can more actively understand the story, express opinions, analyze, and provide conclusions.

Keywords : Read Aloud, Storytelling, Critical Thinking, Early Childhood