Development of magic box media in enhancing reading skills: A study on second-grade students at SDN 2 Tilongkabila

Reading proficiency is fundamental to primary education, yet many second-grade students at SDN 2 Tilongkabila face persistent challenges, including decoding syllables and constructing coherent sentences. This study aimed to develop and evaluate the “Magic Box,” an innovative instructional medium designed to enhance reading skills through interactive, tactile, and visually engaging content. Employing the ADDIE model, the research involved stages of analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation to create and refine the media. The study assessed the validity, practicality, and effectiveness of the “Magic Box” through expert validation, small- and large-scale testing, and pre- and post-tests with 22 second-grade students. Results revealed that the media was highly valid (90%-92%), practical (95%-97%), and effective in improving decoding, fluency, and comprehension skills. Students exhibited significant performance gains, while teachers reported enhanced student engagement and motivation during reading activities. The findings demonstrate the potential of the “Magic Box” to transform reading instruction by integrating interactive elements and contextual narratives tailored to young learners. This study contributes to educational innovation by addressing foundational literacy challenges and suggests broader applications of tactile media in primary education. Future research should explore its long-term impact and adaptability across diverse learning contexts.