SES Blog

Creativity in Every Corner: Colouring Bookmarks & DIY Mini Books at SES

Surabaya, Indonesia – Surabaya European School recently hosted a vibrant and engaging workshop in the school library, where students participated in a hands-on session of colouring bookmarks and creating DIY mini books. This activity aimed to foster creativity, support fine motor skills, and encourage a personal connection to reading.

The library was transformed into a hub of concentration and colour, with students eagerly selecting pencils, markers, and templates to bring their ideas to life. Some focused on intricate bookmark designs, incorporating patterns, characters, and bold colours, while others turned their attention to crafting small, handmade booklets filled with drawings, short stories, and personal reflections.

The activity was designed to inspire students to take ownership of their reading journey. By creating personalised bookmarks and mini books, students not only enhanced their artistic skills but also developed a stronger bond with the reading materials they enjoy daily.

Such sessions are part of Surabaya European School’s broader commitment to nurturing holistic development in students. Through playful, purposeful learning experiences like these, students are encouraged to explore self-expression, develop independence, and grow their love for books and storytelling.

The workshop concluded with students proudly packing their creations — unique, imaginative tools to accompany them in their future reading adventures. At SES, even the smallest activities are meaningful steps in shaping lifelong learners and enthusiastic readers.

World Book Day 2025: A Celebration of Stories, Creativity, and Character at Surabaya European School

Surabaya, Indonesia – Surabaya European School (SES) recently transformed into a world of wizards, adventurers, and classic storybook figures during its much-anticipated Book Character Day. From head-to-toe costumes to excited chatter about favourite stories, the event celebrated more than just dressing up, it brought the magic of books off the page and into the school community.

Bringing Stories to Life

Children and staff arrived in character, proudly holding books that inspired their look. The creativity on display was remarkable: a witch with a broomstick, a detective in a suit, a girl from a folk tale, and many more. Laughter echoed through the gym as students paraded their outfits, posed for photos, and shared what they loved about their chosen stories.

The costumes weren’t just for show, they sparked genuine conversations about books, authors, genres, and values. The result was a vibrant and interactive way to promote a love for reading.

Literacy in Action: Beyond the Classroom Walls

Events like Book Character Day are part of SES’s commitment to active and immersive learning experiences. Rather than limiting literacy to worksheets and silent reading, the school encourages pupils to explore stories in multi-sensory, creative ways.

Learning with Heart and Purpose

Book Character Day reinforced several IPC personal learning goals—such as communication, cooperation, and resilience. Pupils confidently shared their character’s background, listened to peers, and worked together during group activities. The process of planning, rehearsing, and presenting their character also nurtured creativity and independence.

A Window into Other Worlds

One of the day’s most powerful elements was its support for international-mindedness, a cornerstone of the IPC. The range of books students chose, spanning different cultures, languages, and perspectives, highlighted SES’s diverse community and commitment to global awareness. Reading becomes a bridge to understanding others. By stepping into characters from other cultures or times, students develop empathy and curiosity—key traits for 21st-century learners.

More Than Just Costumes: Inspiring Lifelong Readers

Book Character Day did more than entertain, it inspired. It reminded students that reading is not a chore, but a doorway into new worlds. For some, it sparked an interest in a new series. For others, it renewed their love for an old favourite. And for everyone involved, it created joyful memories anchored in literature.

Lanterns of Learning: A Bright Idea from Our IPC Classroom

Surabaya, Indonesia – In this colourful, hands-on session, students crafted their own paper lanterns using sticks, glue, coloured paper, and string. The activity was not just about art—it was a multidisciplinary exploration combining design and technology, history, geography, and international mindedness. Students learned about the significance of lanterns in different cultures, from the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival to the Indian festival of Diwali.

The IPC’s structure encourages children to develop knowledge, skills, and understanding through theme-based units that connect various subject areas. In this case, the lantern project was part of a broader unit on “Light and Sound” or “Celebrations”, enabling pupils to investigate how different communities use light as part of meaningful traditions.

The lantern-making activity was more than a craft session—it was a collaborative learning experience. Children worked in pairs and small groups, discussing their ideas and helping each other with the construction process. This naturally supported the IPC’s Personal Learning Goals, including communication, cooperation, and resilience the activity covered:

  • Knowledge – Students explored the cultural significance of lanterns and learned about materials and structure.
  • Skills – They developed fine motor skills, design thinking, and the ability to follow multi-step instructions.
  • Understanding – Learners reflected on how light is used symbolically across different societies and what it represents.

Teachers guided reflection through discussion and questioning, prompting students to consider why lanterns are meaningful and how they relate to broader human experiences. In doing so, children became curious, respectful, and internationally-minded learners.

This joyful activity captured the essence of IPC: connecting academic learning with real-life contexts in a way that is both engaging and meaningful. As students proudly displayed their glowing paper lanterns, they weren’t just showing off their creativity—they were shining a light on understanding, empathy, and the joy of discovery.