Indonesia
The Festive of GemaFest ’14 at Gemala Ananda Elementary School
GemaFest was an annual event, presented by collaboration of students, teachers and parents of Gemala Ananda Elementary School. This year was the 7th. It was a feast and attractive event from morning to afternoon.
It’s not just an art fair, more to an integrated learning activity of Social disciplines, Language, Music, Dance, Local values and Children Character Development. It’s all according to the concept of Gemala Ananda education concept, active-learning method and brain based principal.
Learning is essentially not limited in the classroom. And the “education space” is not exclusively at school. The most important place for kids to learn happens to be in family and society. During the event, children and parents share the enthusiasm towards the program. In fact some programs were the manifestation of teachers and parents spontaneity. Since the conducting of GemaFeast itself has been a synergy across years among teachers, parents and society in supporting children learning process.
“Playing Through Time”, the climax of the event was combination of drama, dance and musical show. The story went as some children from the future want to find out how children of the previous generation enjoy their time and have fun. Just like the time machine, GemaFeast’14 took back parents back in time to their childhood. It’s clearly shown when the familiar songs were on, some of the audience joined the song and move their body.
Aside of art fair, there were also bazaar and exhibition of students Gemala Ananda works from grade I-IV. From the displayed handwork, it was clear that the children really enjoy the learning method. Their work looked independent and creative.
Gemala Ananda Elementary School has been carrying out the education in thematic and integrated method since its first established in 2007. “Integrated learning process, thematic package and parents’ synergy with school and society. It takes totality and commitment from everyone. Self discovery becomes a crucial point in the process and children road of learning,” as revealed by Jasmin Jasin, the headmaster of Gemala Ananda Elementary School.
According to the headmaster of the school located at Lebak Bulus III, they school applies active learning in classroom. “Actually the method not something out of the blue, it’s been around for some times. Since basically, children’s learning process is not something passive, relying on merely memorizing. It only needs some holistic paradigm shift of all elements in children’s education,” Jasmin added on.
Learning and playing. Two words from opposite sides. Yet through playing, children can express what they feel, their fears and excitement. Playing together also sharpen children ability to communicate, understanding others’ perspective and negotiate. That way, there are so many advantages we can get while playing. So, parents should provide time for children for playing.
NURUL L. IRFAN
PHOTO: NURUL L. IRFAN
