PEER INTERACTION DYNAMICS IN SHAPING SOCIAL BEHAVIOR AMONG 3–4 YEAR OLD CHILDREN IN PLAYGROUP SETTINGS

Authors

  • Isna Maulidya UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta
  • Suyadi UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24235/1qtqc969

Abstract

Early childhood social behavior develpment is a fundamental aspect that underlies children's ability to interact and adapt to their social environment. At the age of 3-4 years, children are in the early stage of social learning, characterized by limitied emotional regulation and egocentric tendencies, thus requiring meaningful peer interaction experiences. Studies examining the dynamics of social interaction at this specific age range, particulary within playgroup settings, remain relatively limited. This study aims to analyze the role of peer interaction in shaping the social behavior of children aged 3-4 years at Kelompok Bermain Abdi Desa Kalasan. This research employed a qualitative descriptive approach. The research subjects consisted of children aged 3-4 years as the main participants and educators as supporting informants. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation. Data analysis involved data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing, while data validity was ensured through source and technique triangulation.

The findings indicate that peer interactions emerged in several forms, including parallel, associative, early cooperative, and conflict interactions. These Interaction patterns contributed to the development of children's social behaviors, such as sharing, simple cooperation, early empathy, and rule-following abilities. althaugh children's emotional regulation is still developing, continuous peer interaction supported by educators positively contributes to social behavior development. This study confirms that peer interaction serves as an important medium for social learning in early childhood playgroup settings.

 

keywords: peer ineraction, social behavior, children aged 3-4 years, playgroup

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Published

2026-04-16

Issue

Vol. 12 No. 1 (2026): AWLADY: Jurnal Pendidikan Anak (March)

Section

Articles

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