The Role Of The Habit Of Reading Books At Home On The Cognitive Development Of Elementary School Students

Abstract

Reading books plays a very important role in the cognitive development of elementary school students. Reading activities are not only about getting information, but can also stimulate critical thinking skills, improve vocabulary, and strengthen memory and understanding. This study aims to determine the role of reading habits at home on the cognitive development of elementary school students. The method used in this study is descriptive qualitative research using a phenomenological approach. The determination of the subjects in this study was carried out using a nonprobability sampling technique in the form of purposive sampling so that a sample of 10 students was obtained. The results of the analysis showed that 2 students often read books at home and 5 students very rarely, even 3 of them never read books at home. Students who have a habit of reading regularly at home showed higher scores on cognitive tests compared to students who rarely read. In addition, the type of book read also has an effect, where books with educational themes and high-quality fiction have a greater positive impact. This study concludes that improving cognitive abilities through appropriate learning methods can contribute to the development of good reading habits among elementary school students. Recommendations for parents and educators include creating an environment that supports reading interests and providing easy access to a variety of reading materials.