DEVELOPING BILINGUAL SOUTH SULAWESI FOLKLORE FLIPBOOK AS READING STORY BOOK FOR SMPN 1 BUA

This study aimed to develop a Bilingual South Sulawesi Folklore Flipbook as a reading storybook for eighth-grade students of SMPN 1 Bua. The product was created to address students’ low reading interest, limited vocabulary, and lack of familiarity with local folklore. The study employed the 4D model (Define, Design, Develop, and Disseminate) as the Research and Development (R&D) method. In the Define stage, a needs analysis was conducted through questionnaires and teacher interview, shows that students have difficulty
understanding English texts, lack vocabulary, and need reading materials that are interesting and relevant to students’ culture. In the Design stage, the researcher developed an initial draft consisting of selected South Sulawesi folk tales
presented bilingually, supported with illustrations, vocabulary lists, and reading comprehension exercises. The Develop stage involved expert validation by material, cultural, language, and design experts. The results showed “Excellent”
with validation scores (ranging from 88.75% to 95%), indicating that the product was feasible with minor revisions. The Disseminate stage included limited trials with students, who responded positively and showed increased interest and motivation in reading English texts. The study concluded that the Bilingual South Sulawesi Folklore Flipbook is valid, to be used as supplementary reading material. The product not only enhances students’ reading comprehension and vocabulary but also introduces and preserves local cultural heritage through modern digital learning media.

Keywords: South Sulawesi Folklore, Reading Material, Flipbook, Research and Development