<![CDATA[Early childhood education plays an important role in developing language skills as a foundation for communication in early life. However, the limited use of interesting and culturally relevant learning media can hinder children's participation in language activities. This study aims to examine the application of Kalimantan-themed finger puppets in storytelling and role-playing activities to stimulate expressive language skills in early childhood. A descriptive qualitative design was employed, involving a classroom teacher and 15 children aged 5–6 years at State Kindergarten 9 (TK Negeri 9) in Samarinda, East Kalimantan. Data were collected through classroom observations, semi-structured interviews, and documentation, and analyzed using the interactive model of Miles, Huberman, and Saldaña. The results of the study showed that storytelling and role-playing activities using Kalimantan-themed finger puppets created an interactive and contextual learning environment. Children demonstrated greater confidence in speaking, using new vocabulary related to local animals and cultural elements, expressing ideas and preferences, and interacting verbally with peers and teachers. These activities also provided opportunities for children to interact with local cultural values through meaningful play experiences. These findings indicate that finger puppet media associated with cultural contexts can support expressive language stimulation while introducing]]>
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