The Utilization of Edu-Game Media to Improve Reading and Vocabulary Skills of Grade 2 Elementary School Students with Speech Delay

Abstract

This study aims to improve the reading ability and vocabulary mastery of students experiencing speech delay through the use of digital edu-game media. The main problem addressed is students’ low interest in reading and limited vocabulary, which negatively affect their learning achievement in the Indonesian language subject. The research method employed was Classroom Action Research (CAR), conducted in two cycles. Each cycle consisted of planning, action implementation, observation, and reflection stages. The research subjects were students diagnosed with speech delay in a public elementary school located in Bengalon District. The research instruments included planning procedures, observation sheets, social interaction records, field notes, and reflective documentation. The results of the study indicate that the gradual implementation of digital-based edu games was able to improve students’ phonetic abilities, letter recognition, vocabulary acquisition, and responsiveness to assigned tasks among students with speech delay. This improvement was evident from the observation scores of vocabulary mastery, which showed a significant increase in each cycle.In conclusion, the use of digital-based edu games has proven to be an effective and innovative strategy for enhancing the phonetic and language abilities of children with speech delay within an inclusive learning context. These findings are expected to serve as a reference for teachers, parents, and related stakeholders in developing adaptive and child-friendly learning media for students with special needs.