ETA Maria Osman and her students at SMK Abdurrab Pekanbaru turned a free week between exams into an exciting cultural exchange through games. After discussing traditional American and Indonesian games with her co-teacher, the idea of a games exchange was born. Each class was divided into groups and assigned to bring one traditional Indonesian game to teach ETA Maria. In return, Maria introduced them to traditional American games, sparking lively comparisons and conversations about cultural similarities and differences.

The week was filled with energy, laughter, and plenty of running around. Students showcased Indonesian games like congklak, a mancala-style game; lompat tali, a rope-jumping game where players leap over a rope that gets progressively higher; and bakiak batok, a coconut shell racing game where players stand on coconut shells tied to ropes and race to the finish line. The class also enjoyed ular naga, dragon snake, a spirited team game that tested both strategy and teamwork.

Maria then introduced her students to American games like Capture the Flag, Sharks and Minnows, Red Light, Green Light, Limbo, and Duck Duck Goose. Each game brought a new layer of excitement and discovery. By the end of the week, everyone had gained a deeper appreciation for the traditions of play that connect people across cultures.

Through this exchange, Maria and her students found joy in learning from one another while fostering a sense of community and curiosity. What began as a gap between exams became a meaningful celebration of shared experiences and cultural exploration.

Maria Osman is currently teaching at SMK Abdurrab Pekanbaru, Riau.