Values in Childrens’ Play in North Sumatera

Abstract

Children's games are a cultural heritage of an ethnic society that needs to be studied in order to understand the values and meanings a culture, thus a cultural perspective to understand each other's cultures ethically. Games are often used by children as a form of cooperation that can strengthen brotherhood and strong ethnic community ties. One effort that can be done is to analyze local wisdom as a characteristic obtained through children's games. This research was conducted because of the need to investigate the character of children through children's games. Data on children's games were taken from 10 districts/cities which analyzed 32 types of children's games that are still played, although some games are rarely played by children in some areas. Children's games have different game names between the South Tapanuli and North Tapanuli areas because they use the regional language. Results from these children's games, some games are categorized in the form of groups while those that are carried out alone or individually in the form of dexterity and skills are tested for speed and dexterity in the game. This game is played by children using all the tools to socialize with each other as well as containing values to be able to compete, work together, and be disciplined, friendly and national. Based on the analysis of game data and measuring instruments found values such as the value of cooperation, the value of togetherness, solidarity values, leadership values, tolerance values, cooperation values, educational values, sportsmanship, cohesiveness, honesty, kinship, affection values, and competitive values.