One morning in my class at Sampoerna Academy BSD, I noticed one of our quieter students hesitating to join a group activity. We were working on a simple sorting game—grouping toys by color and shape. I gently invited them to choose “just one” toy to place in the right basket. That one toy became two... then three... and soon, they were sorting happily with the group.

This moment reminded me of why I love teaching Playgroups. It’s not just about teaching foundational skills like colors, shapes, or numbers—it’s about building students' confidence by creating a safe space where they feel encouraged to take risks, try new things, and grow at their own pace.

From an academic perspective, sorting activities like this support early math and cognitive development. Children learn to categorize, recognize patterns, and use language to describe their thinking (“this is round” or “this is red”). Socially, they practice turn-taking, collaboration, and problem-solving with peers. All of these are essential components in building students’ confidence, helping them feel capable and included.

As Playgroup teachers, we guide our students through tiny steps that lead to big growth. The joy isn’t just in what they learn—but in who they’re becoming. And sometimes, all it takes is a gentle nudge, a smile, and one toy in the right basket to start that journey.