THE ROLE OF TRADITIONAL SONGS IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION: FOSTERING VALUES, CULTURAL IDENTITY, AND CREATIVITY: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract

This article investigates the role of traditional songs in early childhood education through a systematic review of the literature, emphasizing their pedagogical, cognitive, and socio-cultural value. Traditional songs function as more than just learning tools; they enhance language acquisition, instill moral values, and strengthen cultural identity while encouraging creativity and active participation in young children. The review addresses the ongoing lack of traditional song integration in early education curricula, despite substantial evidence highlighting their benefits for moral development, cultural connection, and imaginative growth. It also notes a shift toward modern educational resources that often neglect local cultural elements. The study involved a comprehensive review of scholarly articles from well-established databases, including Scopus, Web of Science, and ERIC, focusing on works published between 2021 and 2025. Using the PRISMA framework to guide the selection process, 25 relevant studies were identified and analyzed. The results underscore the significant role traditional songs play in developing children's moral understanding, cultural awareness, creativity, language, and social abilities. Despite these advantages, their presence in contemporary curricula remains limited. The article advocates for renewed attention to the educational value of traditional music and recommends its deliberate inclusion in early learning strategies to support comprehensive and culturally responsive education.