STIMULATION OF EARLY CHILDHOOD CREATIVITY THROUGH FUN COOKING PRACTICES AT AMALIYAH KINDERGARTEN, CIPANCUH VILLAGE, HAURGEULIS DISTRICT

Abstract

The problems studied were how to stimulate children's creativity, how fun cooking practices can improve creativity, and what supporting and inhibiting factors in its implementation. The purpose of this study was to determine the forms of stimulation of early childhood creativity, describe the practice of fun cooking as a learning method, and identify factors that support and inhibit these activities. The study used a descriptive qualitative method with children from the Amaliyah Kindergarten group as subjects. Data were obtained through observation, interviews, and documentation, while data validity was guaranteed by triangulation of sources, methods, and researchers. Data analysis was carried out through reduction, presentation, and drawing conclusions.Keywords: Creativity, Early Childhood, Fun Cooking. The results of the study showed that fun cooking can increase children's creativity in four main indicators: imagination, namely children are free to choose the shape and color of food decoration; expressing ideas, children actively provide ideas about ingredients and presentation methods; solving problems, children are able to find alternatives when materials or tools are limited; producing works, children can make simple food products according to their imagination, such as corn, milk, cheese with various toppings. In addition to increasing creativity, this activity also helps develop fine motor coordination and fosters children's self-confidence. Supporting factors include the role of teachers and parents, a pleasant learning atmosphere, and the availability of safe materials and tools. The obstacles are differences in children's abilities, limited time, and a lack of variety of ingredients. Thus, fun cooking can be an effective creative learning alternative in PAUD if designed according to the age and interests of children.