MULTICULTURALISM IN CHILDREN'S LITERATURE: A STUDY OF POETRIES BY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

Abstract

Purpose of the Study: This study aims to explain the collection of children's poetry by elementary school students in a book entitled "Keragaman Budaya Indonesia" and "Sehimpun Puisi. Resep Membuat Jagat Raya" in the multiculturalism perspective.
 Methodology: This study used the qualitative study paradigm rules with the content analysis method. The data in this study were the multiculturalism values in children's poetry. The data were sourced from a poetries book by elementary school students. They were then analyzed using interactive analysis techniques (data reduction, data presentation, and verification).
 Main Findings: The findings showed that there are fourteen indicators of multiculturalism, among others, respect for cultural equality, social class, ethnicity, gender, language, religion, race, skin color, and pluralism, equality of rights, customs, behavior patterns, education equality and tolerance in the poetries book.
 Applications of this study: The results of this study can be useful for teachers and elementary school students in Indonesia in teaching poetry writing and inculcating the values of multiculturalism. Also, it can be beneficial for the lecturers and the university students of Elementary School Teacher Education in Indonesia in teaching children's literature with multiculturalism.
 Novelty/Originality: The novelty of this research/study is to explore a collection of children's poetry books written by elementary school students from the perspective of multiculturalism. The importance of early recognition of the value of multiculturalism in children is used to teach children to respect each other and live in harmony and free from the prejudices of religious discrimination, gender, race, culture, skin color, social class, educational equality, and student diversity.