After successfully conducted Theraplay training for primary school teachers last October, the Centre held similar training for Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) tutors. Approximately 128 ECCE tutors from Jakarta, Depok, Bekasi and Tangerang areas gathered at PPPPTK Bahasa on 8-9 November 2016. They spared their time to learn practicing Theraplay and the use of Indonesian language for their teaching/learning process.

For this activity, the Centre invited Ms Mayke Sugianto Tedjasaputra and Dr Bernadette Kushartanti from University of Indonesia; Ms Astrid Wulan Sari Emeline and Ms Rayi Tanjung Sari from Theraplay Indonesia; and Dr Felicia Nuradi Utorodewo from SEAMEO QITEP in Language to be the resource persons.

During the training, the ECCE tutors first learnt the psychology and language development of early childhood. Then, they were introduced to Theraplay method. Theraplay is a therapy for a child and the family to build and enhance their attachment, self-esteem, trust in others, and joyful engagement. Theraplay would create an active, emotional connection between the child and parents/tutor.

The tutors also practiced one of the methods in Theraplay that can be used in the classroom called Sunshine Circle. There are three rules of Sunshine Circle, including (1) No Hurts, (2) Stick Together and (3) Have Fun! Sunshine Circle is very interactive and would create a fun, caring, and encouragement atmosphere in the class.

To practice the Sunshine Circle, the tutors were divided into eleven groups that consist of ten to twelve persons. Each group practiced the full activities of Sunshine Circle in the classroom. The activities include opening, game rules, check-up, play, food sharing and closing.

By the end of the training, the tutors were asked to develop action plan on how to implement Theraplay method and Indonesian language in their classroom. The two-day training has surely brought new insights to the tutors on how to strengthen the relationship with their students.

Picture 1: The resource persons and Board of Director of SEAMEO QITEP in Language take picture in the Opening Ceremony (L-R) Ms E. Nilla Pramowardhanny, Ms Rayi Tanjung Sari, Dr Felicia Nuradi Utorodewo, Ms Astrid WEN, Ms Indrani Dewi Anggraeni

Picture 2: The resource persons demonstrate how to develop engagement with students through interactive games.

Picture 3: Participants simulates to conduct the Sunshine Circle in groups.