<![CDATA[This study aimed to improve children's cognitive abilities in the symbolic thinking aspect through the implementation of the Make A Match learning model using picture cards for Group B children at TK Hubbul Khair Pepanda in the 2025/2026 academic year. The study was motivated by the low level of children's symbolic thinking skills, as indicated by difficulties in recognizing number symbols, matching number symbols with the corresponding number of objects, and classifying pictures based on quantity. These problems were caused by teacher-centered learning and the limited use of engaging learning media. This study employed the Classroom Action Research (CAR) method based on the Kemmis and McTaggart model, consisting of planning, action, observation, and reflection stages. The research was conducted in two cycles involving 11 children in Group B of TK Hubbul Khair Pepanda. Data were collected through observation, documentation, and performance assessment, and analyzed using descriptive quantitative analysis with percentage calculations. The findings revealed that the implementation of the Make A Match learning model using picture cards significantly improved children's symbolic thinking abilities. In the preliminary stage, only 3 children (27.27%) achieved the categories of Developing as Expected (DAE) and Very Well Developed (VWD). After the implementation of Cycle I, the achievement increased to 7 children (63.64%), and further increased to 10 children (90.91%) in Cycle II, exceeding the predetermined success indicator of 80%. It can be concluded that the implementation of the Make A Match learning model using picture cards is effective in improving children's cognitive abilities, particularly symbolic thinking, among Group B children at TK Hubbul Khair Pepanda in the 2025/2026 academic year.]]>
