According to Wikipedia, Elementary School (SD) is the earliest stage of formal education in Indonesia, which is taken for 6 years (grades 1-6) for children aged 6-13 years. As the foundation of education, SD aims to instill basic knowledge, skills (reading, writing, and arithmetic), character, and noble morals. This institution is mandatory before continuing to the secondary level.
However, according to the author, education itself has been taught through the family environment since early childhood (1-5 years). For example, parents teach ethics, friendliness, and politeness at home, as well as basic self-care skills like bathing and dressing independently. Not all children can easily practice what their parents teach
, though, due to various reasons such as growing up without parents.
Kindergarten is different. Elementary school can be a challenge for educators to teach general knowledge, as children under 10 are still in their play-oriented world. Thus, teachers adapt their teaching methods to match the children’s thinking patterns.
The author is not trying to lecture or claim superiority but rather share personal experiences. Many methods and approaches are used by educators, but they must be tailored to the class conditions for effective learning.
Some things to consider before teaching:
- Class condition: Students often neglect cleanliness, so tidying up the class before learning is essential for a healthy and comfortable environment.
- Student neatness: Encouraging neatness promotes discipline and orderliness.
- Class agreement: Establishing rules agreed upon by students helps them learn respect, decision-making, and consequences.
These factors contribute to effective learning. What do you think?
The author is an English language educator in Empat Lawang, South Sumatera
