KREASI Tanggamus organised an in-house training on storytelling, read-aloud practice, and the development of Educational Play Materials (Alat Permainan Edukatif/APE) for teachers in Pugung and Bulok sub-districts, Tanggamus District, in the third week of November 2025. This activity was designed to strengthen early literacy skills and support a Joyful Transition from Early Childhood Education (PAUD) to Primary School, by transforming classrooms into warm, dynamic learning spaces that are closely connected to children’s world.
The training was led by literacy master trainer Listian, and attended by teachers from PAUD, TK/RA, and early grade SD/MI in schools supported by the KREASI Program. In a friendly and interactive atmosphere, participants not only received material but also took part directly in various simulations and practices. The main focus was on how teachers can use storytelling and read-aloud sessions as a bridge to foster children’s love of books while developing their language skills, imagination, and self-confidence.
During the storytelling practice session, facilitators guided teachers to train their voice techniques, intonation, facial expressions, and body language so that stories feel alive and are easy for children to follow. Teachers were also invited to learn how to select stories that are relevant to positive values and to the everyday context of their students’ lives. Meanwhile, in the read-aloud session, participants learned how to structure interaction with children—when to pause for questions, when to let children predict what happens next, and how to connect the content of books with their own daily experiences.
Beyond storytelling skills, the training also strengthened teachers’ creativity through the development of APE. Using simple materials easily found in the surrounding environment, teachers practised creating educational play tools that support storytelling and literacy activities, such as word cards, finger puppets, storyboards, and simple visual media. This approach is expected to help teachers deliver active and inclusive learning experiences, even in contexts with limited resources.
Through this series of activities, KREASI Tanggamus reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening teachers’ capacity as the main companions in children’s transition from PAUD to primary school. With teachers who are skilled in storytelling and read-aloud techniques, and creative in developing APE, children are expected to learn joyfully, feel safe, and be better prepared for the next level of education. Because when teachers tell stories wholeheartedly, children do more than just listen—they grow together with the meaning behind those stories.
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The Program of KREASI or Kolaborasi untuk Edukasi Anak Indonesia (Collaboration for the Education of Indonesian Children) is funded by the Global Partnership for Education, developed by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, and the Ministry of Religious Affairs. KREASI in Tanggamus is being implemented by Save the Children and local implementing partner Lembaga Pendidikan Maarif NU, support by the Government of Tanggamus with aims to improve the quality of education in Indonesia by strengthening teaching, learning, and student development.
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This article is adapted from an Instagram post of Lembaga Pendidikan Maarif NU Tanggamus