Emotion Recognition Education for Early Childhood: A Community Engagement Programme at Indria Kindergarten, Bantul

Abstract

The Emotion Recognition Education Programme is a community service initiative conducted by students of Mercu Buana University Yogyakarta to introduce three basic emotions—anger, sadness, and happiness—to early childhood. The programme was implemented at Indria Kindergarten, Padukuhan Nglampengan, Dlingo, Bantul, through interactive methods such as songs, storytelling with coloured sticks, and drawing activities. A total of 15 children participated in the programme. The results showed that most children were able to recognise and distinguish emotions accurately, although the level of speed and depth of understanding varied among individuals. The programme also enhanced children’s confidence in expressing emotions and provided creative opportunities for emotional expression through drawing. In addition, teachers observed that the activities could serve as a practical model for strengthening emotional literacy in early childhood education. This community service programme demonstrates that playful and interactive media can be effective tools in fostering emotional awareness among children while also involving teachers and parents in the process.