THE IMPORTANCE OF DEVELOPING MORAL LITERACY IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION: AN INTEGRATIVE APPROACH BETWEEN RELIGIOUS VALUES AND MORALITY: THE IMPORTANCE OF DEVELOPING MORAL LITERACY IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION: AN INTEGRATIVE APPROACH BETWEEN RELIGIOUS VALUES AND MORALITY

This research discusses the importance of moral literacy development in early childhood education with an integrative approach between religious values and morality. Moral literacy at this stage plays a crucial role in shaping the foundation of a child's character and behavior. This scientific study applies a literature review design with a primary focus on the variables of the development of religious and moral values in early childhood. Literature searches were conducted on scholarly journals accessible in PDF format, published from 2013 to 2023, and written in both Indonesian and English. The analysis of the articles reveals that the development of religious and moral values in early childhood reflects the golden phase in the development of a child's character, often likened to an adventure through the wilderness. During this period, educating children requires struggle, patience, and perseverance to build a strong character foundation. The main goal of religious and moral education in preschoolers is to form the basis of faith, introduce worship as an expression of faith, instill behavior based on religious values, and establish a solid moral foundation. This education also aims to help children become individuals who are faithful and pious, capable of living life with correct religious principles. The method of developing religious and moral literacy involves various activities, ranging from storytelling, singing, to outbound, with specific goals such as developing faith, worship habits, and shaping behavior in accordance with religious values. In the context of the moral development of early childhood, the introduction to personal life, appreciation for differences, understanding of gender roles and others, as well as awareness of rights and responsibilities play a crucial role. Early childhood education serves as a crucial foundation for shaping positive behavior and religious moral values in children from an early age, creating a valuable investment for a generation with noble character, faith, and piety