ISMILE Bandung officially opened “No Way, There’s Still a Hundred,” an educational exhibition that honors the depth, creativity, and capability of children as thinkers, learners, and artists. As the culmination of the school year, this exhibition reflects the school’s commitment to child-led inquiry, collaborative learning, and the values of the Reggio Emilia approach.
Rooted in the philosophy that children possess “a hundred languages” to express themselves—through drawing, movement, storytelling, sculpture, and more—the exhibition underscores the importance of viewing children as active participants in their own learning process. Each class from toddlers to kindergarteners explored a topic that emerged organically through their curiosities:
The toddlers (16–24 months) explored the expressive potential of their hands through sensory-rich activities and mark-making experiences. Engaging with various textures and materials—paint, clay, and natural elements—they communicated ideas long before using words, laying early foundations for empathy, connection, and self-expression.
Nursery 1 classes (2–3 years old) followed two distinctly transformative learning paths. One class became enchanted by flamingos, observing their grace through stories, dance, and visual art. Children mimicked flamingo poses and expressed their findings through movement and imaginative play. Another group explored shaping, molding, and transforming clay into imaginative representations.
For Nursery 2 (3–4 years old), one class studied birds—their feathers, flight, and symbolism of freedom—through drawing, collage, and observation. Their experiences, including moments of caring for sick or lost birds, sparked compassion and curiosity, grounding learning in real emotional connections. Another class focused on dramatic visual storytelling. Through representations of their spontaneous narratives, the children gave life to their inner worlds, showing the power of imagination and the richness of their voices.
Children in Kindergarten 1 (4–5 years old) engaged in scientific observation and artistic interpretation from being captivated by snails. Through sketching spirals, tracing slimy trails, and investigating shell patterns, they integrated language, math, and biology in an inquiry that revealed the beauty of nature’s quiet wonders.
In Kindergarten 2 (5–6 years old), children explored cooking as a sensory and cultural language. From mixing and measuring to tasting and storytelling, this journey helped them develop practical life skills, deepen mathematical understanding, and connect with one another. Food became a symbol of identity, sharing, and joyful exploration.
Visitors are encouraged to explore the exhibition not merely as a presentation of student work, but as a living example of inquiry-based education. The environment has been intentionally curated to highlight the collaborative spirit that defines ISMILE Bandung’s learning community.
Ms. Supiani Winata, Director of ISMILE Bandung, declared the exhibition as a reflection of their belief in the power of children’s ideas, and a demonstration of possibility when time is taken to listen—to provide space, time, and trust in the learning process. “What you see here is not only the outcome of creative exploration, but also the result of meaningful relationships between children, educators, and families.”
In its entirety, “No Way, There’s Still a Hundred” serves both as a joyful celebration of learning and a heartfelt invitation to witness the richness of childhood—when nurtured with respect, attentiveness, and a deep sense of wonder.
For more information, contact +62-(0)811875230 or maryati.lauw@ismile.sch.id, or visit ismile.sch.id.
ISMILE Bandung
Jl. Hegarmanah No. 26, Hegarmanah
idn.ismile.sch.id
@ismile.bdg
