POJOK BACA SEBAGAI MEDIA PEMBENTUKAN KARAKTER GEMAR MEMBACA PADA SISWA SEKOLAH DASAR

Abstract

The character of reading enthusiasm is one of the fundamental aspects that needs to be developed from the elementary school level as a foundation for lifelong learning. However, the low reading interest of elementary school students remains a problem faced by the education sector in Indonesia. This condition has an impact on students’ low literacy skills, particularly in understanding texts, processing information, and developing critical thinking abilities. The lack of reading habits from an early age also causes students to be passive in the learning process and experience difficulties in understanding various subjects. In addition, the limited availability of literacy-supporting facilities in schools, such as the lack of interesting reading materials and less literate learning environments, further exacerbates students’ low reading interest. Therefore, strategic and sustainable efforts from schools are needed to foster a reading culture as an integral part of the educational process in elementary schools. This study aims to describe the role of reading corners as a medium for shaping the character of reading enthusiasm among elementary school students. This research employed a descriptive qualitative approach involving teachers and elementary school students as research subjects. Data were collected through observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation. Data analysis techniques included data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The results indicate that the presence of well-managed reading corners, equipped with a variety of reading materials and supported by the active role of teachers, can increase students’ reading frequency and interest. Furthermore, reading corners contribute to the development of independent reading habits and the internalization of character values such as discipline, responsibility, and curiosity. Therefore, reading corners can be considered an effective literacy medium in supporting the formation of reading enthusiasm character among elementary school students.