<![CDATA[ABSTRACT Improving early childhood literacy has become an important focus in learning based on the Merdeka Curriculum, particularly in developing children’s ability to recognize symbols found in their surrounding environment. This study aims to describe teachers’ efforts to enhance children’s literacy in identifying symbols through the implementation of the Make a Match model in early childhood education institutions in Banjarmasin City. The study employed a qualitative approach with a narrative design. The research participant was a teacher at PAUD Islam Baitul Makmur Banjarmasin who had experience implementing the Make a Match model. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation, and were analyzed using the Miles, Huberman, and Saldana model, which includes data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The results indicate that the implementation of the Make a Match model creates an active, enjoyable, and contextual learning environment. Children are able to recognize and understand the meaning of symbols more easily through play-based learning activities. Interview findings show that the teacher plays an active role as a facilitator by guiding children, preparing engaging learning media, and providing initial scaffolding to build children’s symbolic understanding. Challenges such as differences in children’s focus and comprehension can be addressed through individualized assistance and simplified instructions. In conclusion, the Make a Match model is effective in improving children’s symbolic literacy, fostering learning motivation, and enhancing their self-confidence. This model can serve as an innovative strategy to strengthen early literacy in accordance with the principles of the Merdeka Curriculum. ABSTRAK Peningkatan literasi anak usia dini menjadi perhatian penting dalam pembelajaran berbasis Kurikulum Merdeka, khususnya dalam kemampuan mengenali simbol-simbol yang ada di lingkungan sekitar. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan upaya guru dalam meningkatkan literasi anak dalam mengidentifikasi simbol-simbol melalui penerapan model Make a Match pada PAUD di Kota Banjarmasin. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif dengan desain naratif. Partisipan penelitian adalah seorang guru PAUD Islam Baitul Makmur Banjarmasin yang telah berpengalaman menerapkan model Make a Match. Data dikumpulkan melalui observasi, wawancara, dan dokumentasi, kemudian dianalisis menggunakan model Miles, Huberman, dan Saldana yang mencakup reduksi data, penyajian data, serta penarikan kesimpulan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa penerapan model Make a Match mampu menciptakan suasana belajar yang aktif, menyenangkan, dan kontekstual. Anak lebih mudah mengenali dan memahami makna simbol melalui kegiatan bermain sambil belajar. Hasil wawancara menunjukkan bahwa guru berperan sebagai fasilitator yang aktif membimbing anak, mempersiapkan media yang menarik, dan memberikan pijakan awal untuk membangun pemahaman simbolik anak. Kendala berupa perbedaan fokus dan pemahaman anak dapat diatasi dengan pendampingan individual dan penyederhanaan instruksi. Kesimpulannya, model Make a Match efektif dalam meningkatkan literasi simbol anak, menumbuhkan motivasi belajar, serta rasa percaya diri mereka. Model ini dapat menjadi strategi inovatif dalam memperkuat literasi awal sesuai prinsip Kurikulum Merdeka.]]>
