The Role of Religious Extracurricular Activities in Strengthening Islamic Character of Early Childhood Learners at TK Dharmawanita Kotanopan

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the role of religious extracurricular activities in strengthening the Islamic character of early childhood learners at TK Dharmawanita Kotanopan. A qualitative descriptive approach was employed to explore how religious extracurricular programs contribute to the development of children’s Islamic character in a natural educational setting. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation, and analyzed using the interactive model of Miles and Huberman, which includes data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The findings reveal that religious extracurricular activities play a significant role in strengthening Islamic character values such as faith, worship practice, moral behavior, discipline, responsibility, and social care. These activities include Qur’an reading practice, daily prayers, Islamic songs, storytelling of prophets, and habituation of Islamic manners. The implementation process is carried out through continuous habituation, teacher role modeling, and structured reinforcement in both curricular and extracurricular contexts.The study also indicates that the effectiveness of religious extracurricular activities is supported by a strong Islamic school culture, teacher consistency, and parental involvement. However, challenges such as differences in children’s developmental readiness, limited learning facilities, and varying family backgrounds may influence the internalization process. In conclusion, religious extracurricular activities serve as an effective and contextual strategy for strengthening Islamic character in early childhood education. This study contributes to the development of Islamic early childhood education by highlighting the importance of structured religious activities in shaping children’s moral and spiritual foundation.