Enhancing Peer Cooperation through Traditional Games among Group B Children: A Systematic Review for TK Pertiwi Koto Tinggi

Abstract

Peer cooperation is a key social achievement for Group B children (aged 5–6), yet evidence on traditional games as a means of developing it remains scattered. This review synthesised that evidence and derived implications for TK Pertiwi Koto Tinggi, Lima Puluh Kota Regency, West Sumatra. A systematic literature review was conducted following PRISMA 2020. Journal articles published in 2021–2026 were searched in OpenAlex and through targeted web searching. From 127 database records and 20 additional reports, 22 studies met the eligibility criteria and were analysed thematically. Most studies used pre-experimental (9), qualitative (5), quasi-experimental (4), classroom action (3), or mixed-methods (1) designs. Bakiak was the most frequently studied game, followed by bentengan, kucing dan tikus, and engklek. All studies reported positive changes in cooperation or related social skills. The synthesis identified five clusters of game mechanisms: synchronised team movement, team strategy, protective roles, turn-taking and rules, and other group games and multi-game programmes. The quality of evidence was limited by small samples and the scarcity of control groups. For TK Pertiwi Koto Tinggi, the review recommends Minangkabau and team games designed around shared goals, role division, teacher scaffolding, and indicator-based assessment.