Ismaniar Ismaniar, Setiyo Utoyo, Nur Hazizah, Sri Murni, Ciptro Handrianto
Attention span is a critical cognitive skill in early childhood that is essential for both academic and socio-emotional development. However, traditional teaching approaches in Indonesia often struggle to meet diverse classroom needs. This study developed and validated the Estafet Bait Lagu model – an interactive, music-based, play-driven intervention aimed at enhancing attention span in young learners. Employing a sequential mixed-methods design, the study involved 447 children aged four to six years and 25 kindergarten teachers selected through purposive sampling from five schools in Bekasi, Indonesia. Quantitative results from pretest-posttest comparisons (analyzed using a repeated measures ANOVA) revealed large effect sizes (*d* = 1.09–1.24) for sustained attention, task persistence, and behavioral control in the intervention group. Qualitative data from teacher interviews and parent focus groups that were analyzed thematically highlighted three key benefits: (1) rhythmic entrainment synchronizing with children’s cognitive rhythms, (2) peer scaffolding, reinforcing Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development, and (3) 92% teacher satisfaction with the model’s cultural adaptability and minimal resource needs. The model rooted in Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory and Piaget’s theory of cognitive development principles – demonstrated scalability in resource-constrained settings, with particularly strong outcomes for low-income learners (22% larger gains than peers). These findings offer a practical, culturally responsive solution to attention challenges in early childhood education while underscoring the potential of music-based play to bridge theory and classroom practice. ©Authors.
Universitas Negeri Padang, Indonesia; STKIP PGRI Bandar Lampung, Indonesia
