The Magic of Stories: Secondary Students Inspire Young Readers at Surabaya European School

Surabaya, Indonesia – At Surabaya European School, books are more than just a source of knowledge—they are a bridge that connects generations, cultures, and ideas. This spirit came alive during a special event held as part of the school’s World Book Day celebrations: the Secondary Storytelling Session.

In this heartwarming activity, secondary students stepped into the roles of storytellers for younger peers. With books carefully chosen from the library’s extensive collection, the older students read aloud in small groups, engaging their young listeners with expression, enthusiasm, and imagination. The session was not only a celebration of literacy but also a testament to the power of mentorship through storytelling.

The image captures a moment of shared wonder: a group of primary students learning attentively as a secondary student brings to life the pages of Marty’s Scarf. Their eyes are wide with curiosity, their faces lit with excitement. It’s more than just reading, it’s a moment of connection and inspiration.

This initiative highlights the school’s commitment to fostering leadership, confidence, and empathy in its secondary learners. By giving them the opportunity to mentor and entertain, the activity cultivates essential communication skills while reinforcing the joy of reading. Meanwhile, for the younger children, the experience transforms reading into an interactive, social event. Listening to an older peer adds a layer of relatability and admiration that sparks a deeper interest in books.

Teachers observed that both age groups benefited equally: the older students learned the value of patience, storytelling techniques, and audience awareness, while the younger students were motivated to explore more books independently. Events like these are a cornerstone of the Surabaya European School approach, celebrating literature not as a solitary task but as a communal journey. Whether through dramatic retellings, expressive voices, or animated facial expressions, each story told was a gift shared from one student to another.

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.

World Book Day: 2 March 2017

We had a range of book and film characters in school today to celebrate the 20th annual World Book Day including Harry Potter, Darth Vader, Gingerbread Man, Red Riding Hood, Peter Pan, Rainbow Fish and Mary Poppins. At break time, we paraded around for everyone to see the colourful and fantastic array of costumes.  Other characters seen were: Smurf, Chewbacca, Stormtrooper, Puss in Boots, Alice in Wonderland, a Doctor and a Spy. This beloved event often generates difficult decision-making for teachers, parents and students as to which character do they want to be? In addition, where to buy or how to make the props and costumes. It was a fun activity and we look forward to the next one in 2018.