Yogyakarta, Ministry of Education and Culture - Picture books and storytelling activities are a gateway to fostering literacy among children with special needs (ABK) at the IT Mekar Insani Kindergarten. Through teacher support and mobile library services, children are introduced to books tailored to their individual characteristics, interests, and abilities.
Mekar Insani IT Kindergarten teacher Maya explained that literacy success in children with special needs isn't always measured by their ability to read or recognize letters. Teachers also observe children's interest in books, attention span, engagement in activities, and communication development. "We see the growth of interest, engagement, and communication through books. The initial indicators are how interested the child is in books, able to focus their attention for longer periods, and willing to interact with the teacher's guidance," Maya said on Thursday (10/15).
According to him, every child has different characteristics and needs. Some children are interested in pictures but are unable to maintain focus for long periods. Others need help understanding instructions or communicating.
Therefore, teachers adapt reading materials and mentoring methods through initial observations. Picture books with engaging visuals are one option for capturing children's attention. Teachers also use simple questions, movements, and concrete objects to help children connect the story to their surroundings.
Maya emphasized that children don't have to respond verbally to demonstrate understanding. "When children are able to point to a requested picture, look at a shown object, or respond through gestures, we also observe that as a form of communication," she said.
This literacy practice is reinforced through mobile library visits managed by the Library and Archives Service. Mobile Library Officer, Alfian, said the service reaches schools in the morning and residential areas in the afternoon. Each visit lasts approximately two and a half hours and is free of charge.
"For early childhood, we hope to expand the collection of picture books. With less text and engaging visuals, officers can read more varied stories, encourage children to express themselves, and make reading more enjoyable," said Alfian, who often tells stories to the children he meets on duty.
This synergy between teachers and mobile libraries provides opportunities for children with special needs to interact with books through experiences tailored to their needs. This approach places the development of curiosity, attention, and communication as the foundation for building positive literacy experiences from an early age.*** (Author: Denty/Photographer: Ikram/Editors: Destya, Seno)
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