Exploring The Impact of Religious Song Singing on the Development of Children’s Art Skills in Indonesia

This study explores the implementation of religious songs as a medium for stimulating musical and character development in early childhood education. Conducted at a Kindergarten in Indonesia, the research examines how songs such as “Alamate Anak Sholeh” and “Walisongo” are integrated into weekly learning activities through structured pedagogical methods including demonstration, repetition, multimedia engagement, and reflective discussion. Using a qualitative approach supported by observations, interviews, and documentation, the study analyzes teaching practices and the effectiveness of checklist-based assessments aligned with the school syllabus. Results show that religious songs serve not only as a tool for developing musical expression—such as pitch, rhythm, and vocal strength—but also enhance children's confidence and understanding of moral values. From a group of 21 students, a majority were assessed as either “Developing as Expected” or “Developing Very Well,” indicating measurable progress in musical and behavioral competencies. The findings highlight the potential of culturally relevant song-based learning in fostering holistic child development. The study recommends continued integration of local religious content into early childhood pedagogy, supported by formative assessment to track and tailor learning outcomes.