<![CDATA[This study was motivated by the low early reading ability of first-grade elementary school students, as indicated by the large number of students who still experienced difficulties in spelling words and recognizing basic syllables, as well as the limited use of innovative learning media in Indonesian language learning. This study aimed to improve students’ early reading literacy through the implementation of a snakes and ladders learning media integrated with Islamic vocabulary. The research employed Classroom Action Research (CAR) conducted in two cycles, with each cycle consisting of planning, implementation, observation, and reflection stages. The subjects of this study were 25 first-grade elementary school students. Data were collected through early reading tests, student activity observation sheets, and questionnaires on students’ and teachers’ responses. The results showed a gradual improvement in classical learning mastery, from 44% in the pre-cycle to 64% in Cycle I, and further increasing to 88% in Cycle II, exceeding the predetermined success indicator of ≥ 80%. The class average score also improved from 58.4 in the pre-cycle to 79.6 at the end of Cycle II. In addition, students’ responses reached 92% and teachers’ responses reached 96%, both categorized as very good. The study concluded that the implementation of the Islamic vocabulary snakes and ladders media was effective in improving students’ early reading literacy, creating an active and enjoyable learning atmosphere, and strengthening Islamic values in the learning process for first-grade elementary school students.]]>
