Building Independence: Life Skills Classes at Taruwara Primary

On a vibrant Output Day at Taruwara Primary School, the campus was buzzing with excitement as students and parents gathered to celebrate the culmination of weeks of hard work. This special day is an exhibition where our students showcase their projects, reflecting the diverse and immersive learning experiences they’ve engaged in throughout the term. This year, one of the standout groups was the Beautiful Indonesia Group, dedicated to celebrating and sharing the rich heritage of Indonesian traditional games. Under the enthusiastic guidance of Ms. Ima and assisted by Pak Alex, the Beautiful Indonesia Group embarked on a 13-week journey to explore, create, and present three traditional Indonesian games: “kite making”, “bakiak”, and “congklak”. These games were carefully chosen not just for their cultural significance but also for their educational value and the joy they bring to children. The process began with introducing the students to these games and gathering their feedback. This collaborative approach ensured that the students were not only participants but also contributors to the project’s direction. Kite Making Workshop: Engaging Parents and Students Alike One of the highlights of Output Day was the kite-making workshop, which was open to all guests, including parents from Taruwara and Rumah Kecil. Kite making was selected because it is a relatively simple and quick process that the students had mastered over the weeks. The workshop was a hands-on activity where participants could construct their own kites using basic materials such as bamboo sticks, paper, and string. The simplicity of the kite-making process allowed students to confidently lead and instruct, demonstrating their newly acquired skills and knowledge. This activity not only connected the students with a beloved childhood pastime but also provided an opportunity to apply principles from their Math and Social Studies classes, such as geometry in kite design and understanding the cultural significance of kites in Indonesian festivals. Exhibiting Bakiak and Congklak: Showcasing Creativity and Collaboration In addition to the kite-making workshop, the students showcased two other traditional games: bakiak and congklak. The preparation for these games involved a lot of creativity and teamwork. Bakiak, a traditional Indonesian game that involves teams walking in unison on wooden clogs, was enhanced with a suggestion from a student, Adrian, to cover the clogs with fabric for better comfort and visual appeal. This idea not only improved the design but also demonstrated how student input was valued and integrated into the project. For the congklak game, the students crafted boards using sustainable materials, reflecting the school’s commitment to eco-friendly practices. The preparation for this game took place in the weeks leading up to Output Day, allowing ample time for the students to refine their work and ensure that their creations were both functional and aesthetically pleasing. These exhibitions provided a platform for students to share their cultural heritage and the skills they developed, from crafting to strategic thinking involved in playing congklak. Conclusion: A Celebration of Culture and Learning Output Day at Taruwara Primary School was a resounding success, especially for the Beautiful Indonesia Group. Through their dedication to showcasing traditional games, the students not only deepened their understanding of Indonesian culture but also honed essential skills in collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving. The kite-making workshop and the exhibits of bakiak and congklak were more than just displays; they were embodiments of the students’ hard work, passion, and the supportive learning environment at Taruwara. As we reflect on this day, we celebrate the rich tapestry of learning that connects our students to their heritage and to each other. Dante, Martina, and Charlie explained how we can play with the congklak Ms. Ima led the kite making workshop Our guests played congklak for the first time The eager faces in line can't wait to try our handmade bakiak

The other day we successfully completed our first attempt to hold an Output Day. Output Day, as the name suggests, is a day to output what students have been inputting. We have been preparing our presentations and bulletin boards for that day. The primary class students with their teacher prepare 3 booths. They are assigned to each booth with their teacher. There was a booth for science and thematic, English with art, and mathematics. The children in each booth are tasked with presenting their projects and things they have learned so far at Taruwara. The teachers are just as nervous as their students, some of them feeling very tense before the event starts. However, they manage to overcome their tension and nervousness to welcome all the parents and kindergarten children. Some of the students who were not very good at public speaking gained her confidence by seeing her teachers, mothers, and younger students who were trying their best. Her teammates were also motivated by her efforts.  After the three-hour event, the children and teachers were exhausted, but despite the short preparation period and the fact that it was their first experience, they were able to pull it off, which was a very valuable experience for all of us. During the reflection time, we were able to hear comments such as, "We can do this better next time! I want to do something like this!” and other positive things. We wondered if this was also the result of the daily circle time and reflection session. On that day, the kindergarten children also had an opportunity to do activities together with their parents, and everyone seemed very happy to see the children's responses and reactions, which they do not get to see every day. We were also very anxious about the parents' opinions after coming to observe the elementary school presentation, but we were very grateful for their warm and supportive attitude toward the children throughout the event, even if some of them could not speak well. Good job kids!! We are so proud of you all. Documentation: Our math class team ready for presentation about how to build a tent Our science class team ready for the presentation Warmest welcome from primary students to attending parents Primary school children showcase their cooking skills in front of the attending parents. They prepare the same menu, rice balls, just like they did during the previous project camp. During the experiments, the kindergarten children are particularly fascinated and interested in the activity Demonstration on setting up a tent from primary children with parents from kindergarten Parents and their kids Building a tent with math team Showcase their life skill that they got from their previous project Presentation from science team to mix-class parents and children The parents and kindergarten children are getting ready to make lemonade according to the instructions from the English class team. We are extremely grateful that the attending parents are very supportive of our elementary school children.

Every school break at Taruwara is an opportunity for children to learn, play, and grow in ways that go beyond the classroom. Through our Holiday Camp program, we design exciting activities that turn each holiday into a meaningful adventure. Whether it’s a short one-week program or a longer three-week camp during the semester break, children are immersed in engaging experiences that combine fun with valuable learning outcomes. Different Themes, New Adventures Every Break One of the things that makes Taruwara’s Holiday Camp special is that every camp has a different theme. This means children always have something new to look forward to. From creative projects to outdoor explorations, each theme sparks curiosity and imagination. The variety ensures that children not only enjoy themselves but also develop new skills and perspectives every time they join. Engaging Activities for Young Explorers Our camps are carefully designed to balance fun and education. Children get to enjoy: Cooking sessions that build independence and practical life skills. Art and craft projects that nurture creativity and self-expression. Science experiments that spark curiosity and critical thinking. Fun educational games that promote teamwork, problem-solving, and joy in learning, etc. Every activity is hands-on and interactive, ensuring that children stay engaged while discovering their strengths and interests. Taking Holiday Camp to the Next Level with Projects This past semester, we introduced something new: Project Camp. This innovation brought our holiday program to a whole new level. Instead of only doing activities within the school, we extended the learning experience into the wider community and environment. A meaningful beach clean-up activity, where children learned the importance of caring for nature while making a real difference. A memorable campfire at school, where students bonded, shared stories, and created lasting memories. Through these projects, children experienced the joy of learning by doing — gaining not only knowledge but also a sense of responsibility, teamwork, and connection to their surroundings. Why Holiday Camp Matters for Your Child Holiday Camp is more than just a way to fill school breaks — it is an extension of Taruwara’s philosophy of learning through experience. By joining our program, children benefit in many ways: Confidence building: Trying new activities and overcoming small challenges. Social growth: Making new friends, collaborating, and learning to communicate. Creativity and curiosity: Exploring new interests in science, art, and nature. Life skills: Practical lessons such as cooking, teamwork, and environmental care. Looking Ahead: The Next Holiday Camp As the upcoming term break approaches, we are excited to open registration for another round of Taruwara Holiday Camp. Each program is thoughtfully planned to ensure children spend their holidays in the most enriching way possible. Whether your child enjoys hands-on projects, outdoor adventures, or creative expression, there will be something special waiting for them at camp. Join the Adventure! ✨ Ready to make your child’s holiday meaningful and unforgettable? Spaces for Holiday Camp are limited, and spots fill quickly. Don’t miss this opportunity to give your child a holiday filled with fun, learning, and memories that last a lifetime. 👉 Contact us today to learn more and secure your child’s place at Taruwara Holiday Camp.