Design and Models of Natural Materials as Realistic Educational Toys (APE-R) for Early Childhood Education in School environments

Ahmadin; Agus Salam; Tasrif; Umar; Mei  Indra Jayanti

doi:10.61987/jemr.v5i5.2995

Authors

Ahmadin Univesitas Muhammadiyah Bima
Agus Salam Univesitas Muhammadiyah Bima
Tasrif Univesitas Muhammadiyah Bima
Umar Univesitas Muhammadiyah Bima
Mei Indra Jayanti Univesitas Muhammadiyah Bima

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61987/jemr.v5i5.2995

Keywords:

Natural Materials, Educational Play Tools, Early Childhood Education, Play-Based Learning

Abstract

This study aims to examine the design characteristics of Realistic Educational Play Tools (APE-R) based on natural materials and to synthesize their implications for early childhood development. The study focuses on how authentic natural materials can be transformed into meaningful, contextual, and developmentally appropriate play-based learning resources. A Systematic Literature Review (SLR) was conducted by analyzing relevant scientific articles published between 2021 and 2026. Literature was identified through systematic searches of Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar using keywords related to natural materials, educational play tools, play-based learning, nature-based learning, and early childhood education. The selected studies were analyzed through qualitative thematic synthesis involving data condensation, thematic categorization, data display, and verification. The synthesis identifies five core characteristics of APE-R: authenticity, flexibility, multisensory engagement, contextuality, and sustainability. The model supports multiple developmental domains, including cognitive, language, fine- and gross-motor, social-emotional, creative, sensory, early science, early numeracy, ecological awareness, and approaches to learning. The study contributes a conceptual framework positioning APE-R as a holistic pedagogical model that integrates natural materials, open-ended play, contextual learning, teacher facilitation, and developmental objectives. The framework provides a foundation for future empirical validation and practical development of nature-based educational play resources.

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