Strengthening Environmental Care Character in Early Childhood through a Field Experience-Based Little Farmer Program at RA Chairunnisa

Abstract

Environmental care is an essential character trait that should be developed from early childhood through meaningful and authentic learning experiences. However, environmental education in many early childhood education institutions is still dominated by classroom-based instruction, limiting children's opportunities to interact directly with nature. This community service program aimed to strengthen environmental care character through a field experience-based Little Farmer Program at RA Chairunnisa. The program employed a participatory approach using experiential learning involving teachers and children in four sequential activities: 1) introducing the farmer profession and farming equipment, 2) decorating traditional farmer hats (caping), 3) conducting loose parts activities using natural materials to create the word "PETANI" and farmer hat shapes, and 4) practicing rice plant care in the rice field using water-filled sprayer tanks. Program evaluation was conducted through observation, documentation, and teacher reflection. The findings revealed that the Little Farmer Program successfully strengthened children's environmental care character, as reflected in their ability to protect plants, use water wisely, maintain environmental cleanliness, demonstrate responsibility in using learning tools, and appreciate the role of farmers. Furthermore, the program positively contributed to children's cognitive, language, socio-emotional, motor, and creativity development through authentic, contextual, and enjoyable learning experiences. Therefore, the Little Farmer Program can serve as an innovative environment-based learning model for integrating character education and experiential learning in early childhood education.