Putri Vina Vemilia : “Wayang Golek Reog Ponorogo As A Media For The Conservation and Transmission of Local Culture in Early Children”, Muhammadiyah University of Ponorogo. Supervisor I: Dr. Hadi Cahyono, M.Pd, Supervisor II: Muhammad ‘Azam Muttaqin, M.Pd.
Preserving local culture from an early age is crucial amidst the tide of globalization, which has led to a decline in children's interest in local culture. This study aims to analyze the implementation of Wayang Golek Reog Ponorogo performances as a medium for the conservation and transmission of local culture among early childhood children, examine children's responses to the performances, and identify the contributions and limitations of this method in local culture-based learning. The study employed a qualitative ethnographic approach conducted at Dharma Wanita Tempuran Kindergarten; informants included one school principal, two classroom teachers, one puppeteer, and 15 students from "Group B", with data collected through observation, interviews, and documentation. The results indicate that the implementation of Wayang Golek Reog Ponorogo performances followed stages of preparation, core activities, and conclusion, utilizing an experience-based approach. Children's responses were demonstrated through their attentiveness to the performance, ability to mimic character movements, and active engagement in answering questions and manipulating the puppets during the final stage of the lesson. The strengths of the Wayang Golek Reog Ponorogo performance lie in its ability to create engaging lessons that provide concrete and meaningful learning experiences it enhances listening skills, attention, and enthusiasm while fostering cooperation, courage, responsibility, and a love for local culture. However, implementation faced challenges, including some children lacking focus, the relatively long duration of the activity, and uneven active participation due to instruction being dominated by the teacher or puppeteer. Thus, Wayang Golek Reog Ponorogo performances hold potential as a medium for the conservation and transmission of local culture in early childhood education, particularly if supported by teaching strategies that are more participatory and centered on the children's experiences.

Keywords: cultural conservation, cultural transmission, Reog Ponorogo, wayang golek, early childhood education