Primary school teachers play an important role in developing a child’s intellect and study habits, since primary school is the first compulsory level where most children get their educational experiment. In other words, primary school teachers are always needed to establish a solid foundation of learning for children. Therefore, the main priority for primary school teachers is to ensure an optimal development of children socially and academically.

For that reason, SEAMEO QITEP In Language (SEAQIL) conducted a Workshop on Development of Primary School Teachers’ Competence on 24-25 October 2016, at H.B. Jassin Building, PPPPTK Bahasa, Jakarta. Resource persons of the workshop were: Dr. Felicia N. Utorodewo (SEAMEO QITEP in Language), Dra. Mayke SugiantoTedjasaputra, M.Si., Psikolog. (University of Indonesia), Dr. Bernadette Kushartanti (University of Indonesia), Ms Astrid Wulan Sari Emeline, M.Psi., Psikolog. (Theraplay Indonesia), and Ms Rayi Tanjung Sari, M.Psi., Psikolog. (Theraplay Indonesia). The workshop was attended by 115 primary school teachers from Jakarta and its surroundings.

The workshop covered an introduction to Theraplay method and its benefit while also identifying psychological development and language development of school-aged children. Participants were introduced to the use of Theraplay combined with appropriate use of Indonesian language as a language of instruction. During the workshop, they had also the opportunity to practice and do the simulation on Theraplay and Indonesia language.

At the end of the workshop, participants expressed their satisfaction in joining the event and their wish to apply Theraplay in their classrooms for strengthening the relationship between the teacher and student to support the process of teaching and learning.

Resource persons of the Workshop on The Development of Primary School Teacher’s Competence

Enthusiasm of Participants in Preparing the Simulation of Theraplay

Participants practiced Theraplay during the workshop