Analisis Catatan Harian Emosi Bergambar Dalam Regulasi Emosi Anak Usia 5-6 Tahun (Studi Deskriptif: Di Tk Putra 1 Makassar)

Emotion regulation in early childhood develops gradually and depends on media that allow children to recognize and express their feelings. Preliminary observation in class B2 of TK Putra 1 Makassar showed varied emotional responses among children aged 5-6 years, while paper in the classroom was used only for coloring and copying. This study aimed to analyze and describe the emotion regulation of children aged 5-6 years through the Illustrated Emotion Diary. A descriptive qualitative approach was used with four children as subjects across six sessions (30 July-6 August 2026), each consisting of three stages: emotional triggering, free visual expression, and confirmatory storytelling. Data were collected through passive participatory observation, semi-structured interviews with the children, a confirmatory interview with the classroom teacher, and documentation of drawing portfolios, and were analyzed using the interactive model of Miles, Huberman, and Saldaña (1994). Trustworthiness was established through technique triangulation (observation compared with child interviews, supported by documentation), source triangulation (the classroom teacher), replication of findings across the four subjects, and informant feedback. The results showed that emotion regulation of the four subjects developed gradually and in different patterns. A shy child became calmer and able to explain his drawing, while a child showing a tendency toward separation anxiety began to channel emotions through drawing, although this tendency had not fully disappeared. These findings were consistent across observation, child interviews, documentation, and the teacher's confirmation. Drawings and stories gave children space to understand and convey emotional experiences, especially when verbal ability was still limited.