Children’s education often faces challenges due to rigid teaching methods. Seeing this situation, a teacher in Nias Selatan named Melvin found a simple way to address it. She created a learning tool called “Magic Foam and Sticks” from easily available recycled materials.
Melvin realized that children learn more effectively when they can directly interact with objects. Using pieces of discarded foam and ice cream sticks, she designed a practical tool to teach letter recognition and word formation.
She cut the foam into rectangular shapes, then rolled up one end to form a half cylinder. This rolled part was punctured so that letter sticks could stand upright. On each stick, alphabet letters were attached, which children could arrange to form words.
Meanwhile, the flat side of the foam was covered with clear tape. This allowed teachers or students to write words on it using a marker and erase them easily, so the foam could be reused many times.
The method transformed learning from simply listening into a hands-on activity. Children physically arranged letters and wrote words, which helped them better remember and understand how letters combine to form words. Learning became play, making the process enjoyable.
Melvin’s simple innovation proved effective. Children who once struggled became more enthusiastic. They were no longer afraid of making mistakes, as this approach reduced pressure and turned learning into an enjoyable experience.
Her story shows that with creativity, learning aids don’t have to be expensive or complex. Melvin demonstrated that simple materials around us can be turned into powerful tools to create meaningful impact in education.
Writer: Afnidar Dakhi, Editor: Andika Ramadhan
Photo: Afnidar Dakhi/KREASI/Ikatan Guru Indonesia/Save the Children