Penerapan Kegiatan Mindful Storytelling Berbasis Nilai-Nilai KarakterIslami untuk Meningkatkan Kemampuan Fokus dan Empati Anak UsiaDini di RA Uswatun Hasanah

Abstract

This classroom action research aims to improve the focus and empathy
skills of early childhood learners through the implementation of mindful
storytelling based on Islamic character values at RA Uswatun Hasanah.
The study was motivated by the observation that many children had
difficulty maintaining attention during activities and showed limited
emotional responsiveness in social interactions. The research was
conducted in two cycles, with each cycle consisting of planning, action,
observation, and reflection stages. Data were collected using observation
sheets, field notes, and documentation of children's responses during and
after storytelling sessions. The results indicated a significant improvement
in both focus and empathy. Children became more attentive during
listening activities and were able to recall key moral messages from the
stories. Furthermore, they began to demonstrate caring behavior, such as
helping friends and showing compassion, which reflected the
internalization of values like patience, honesty, and kindness. The
integration of mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing and
reflective pauses, created a calm atmosphere that enhanced children's
engagement and emotional awareness. This study suggests that mindful
storytelling rooted in Islamic values is an effective approach to support the
holistic development of young children in a meaningful and spiritually
grounded way.