Semarang, September 6, 2024 — SMA Negeri 3 Semarang has launched the Specta Literacy program to enhance students’ reading and listening skills. This innovative literacy initiative encourages reading habits for 10th and 11th graders and introduces 12th graders to the art of listening to traditional Javanese short stories, known as cerkak.
The Specta Literacy program is a school-wide initiative designed to improve literacy skills among high school students. The program encourages reading books for tenth and eleventh graders, while 12th grade students are tasked with listening to cerkak, traditional Javanese short stories. The program is specifically targeted at students of SMA Negeri 3 Semarang. It involves 10th and 11th graders in reading activities and 12th graders in listening exercises. The program is facilitated by teachers and school librarians who guide students through their literacy journey.
The Specta Literacy program starts at the beginning of the current academic year and is set to run continuously throughout the school year. Specific reading and listening sessions are held weekly during class time, with additional activities scheduled monthly. The program is located at SMA Negeri 3 Semarang, both in the classrooms and the school library. Some activities, such as reading group discussions and cerkak listening sessions, also utilize the school’s audio-visual room.
The program develops to foster a love of reading and to preserve cultural heritage through storytelling. It aims to improve students’ comprehension, critical thinking, and appreciation for local literature. For 10th and 11th graders, reading diverse books is seen as a way to broaden their horizons, while 12th graders are encouraged to connect with their cultural roots through cerkak. Tenth and eleventh-grade students are required to read at least one book per month, including novels, biographies, and motivational books. They submit book reports and participate in class presentations. For twelfth graders, weekly cerkak listening sessions are followed by class discussions to enhance listening skills and cultural understanding. These sessions also involve creating their versions of cerkak as part of a final project. “Our goal with Specta Literacy is to develop students who are not just academically excellent but also culturally aware and literate. By reading and listening, they learn to appreciate the wealth of knowledge in books and the wisdom in traditional stories.” said Drs. Yuwana, M.Kom, Principal of SMA Negeri 3 Semarang. Students have responded positively, noting improvements in their reading habits and a newfound appreciation for local storytelling. “I’ve discovered so many new perspectives through reading, and listening to cerkak makes me feel more connected to my heritage,” said the twelfth-grade student.
Reported by: Malino Ezra XI-12 (Student of SMA Negeri 3 Semarang)