CLAY EXPLORATION: A MEDIA FOR CHARACTER EDUCATION, CREATIVITY, AND HINDU’S LIFE VALUES

Abstract

This research explores the role of clay as an effective media in the character building, creativity development, and the teaching of life values in children. In a context of Membumi Project, the activities of playing with clay are the means to stimulate visual creativity and to teach patience, hard work, perseverance, and cooperation. In addition, there are also local wisdom values ​​of Hinduism in Bali, namely Tri Guna and Tri Hita Karana in developing students' character. This qualitative study observed and analyzed the behavior of 15 children aged 5–6 years at a kindergarten in Denpasar, Bali, to explore the impact of clay-based play on character development. Data were collected over four weeks through participatory observation, supported by field notes and teacher interviews. The finding showed that the clay exploration can help children in emotional management, creative thinking, cooperation in group, and development of a sense of responsibility and empathy. Through a real process in making shapes from clay, children learned the importance of patience and perseverance in achieving their purposes, which indirectly improved moral and social values relevant to their future.