PEMANFAATAN BAHAN ALAM LOKAL SEBAGAI MEDIA PEMBELAJARAN PRAKARYA DI MADRASAH IBTIDAIYAH

Abstrak

Craft education in Madrasah Ibtidaiyah (Islamic elementary schools) plays an important role in developing students' creativity, skills, and character. One alternative learning medium that can be utilized is local natural materials available in the surrounding environment, such as leaves, twigs, bamboo, banana leaf stalks, seeds, and coconut shells. This article aims to examine the concept of utilizing local natural materials as learning media for craft education, the importance of their implementation in the learning process, various forms of their utilization, the benefits for students, as well as the challenges and possible solutions to their implementation in Madrasah Ibtidaiyah. This study employed a qualitative approach using the library research method. The data were collected from relevant books, journal articles, conference proceedings, and other scholarly documents, and were analyzed using content analysis techniques. The findings indicate that the utilization of local natural materials creates contextual, creative, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly learning experiences. Furthermore, the use of local natural materials enhances students' creativity, fine motor skills, critical thinking abilities, environmental awareness, and appreciation of local resources and cultural wisdom. However, its implementation still faces several challenges, including teachers' limited creativity, variations in the availability of natural resources across different regions, and inadequate supporting facilities. Therefore, collaboration among schools, teachers, communities, and the government is essential to optimize the utilization of local natural materials in craft learning at Madrasah Ibtidaiyah.