WORDS Storytelling preparation has officially kicked off at SMK Negeri 9 Padang—ETA Aurelia Tan and counterpart Lilla Rama Dona tirelessly promoted SMKN9’s WORDS Competition to every single 10th- and 11th-grade class during the first week of classes. They were met with 25 students attending the first WORDS workshop on January 14!

On Wednesday, January 14, students began learning the basics of storytelling: What are the parts of a story? Aurelia thoroughly explained world-building, creating a rounded character, and the difference between conflict and plot. Students practiced identifying the five parts of a story—exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution—using familiar tales such as “Cinderella” and “Malin Kundang.” Aurelia then led a close reading of two finalist stories from AMINEF’s 2025 WORDS Competition, inspiring participants to write and illustrate their own stories.

Energized, WORDS competitors returned to SMKN9 on Friday, January 15, despite having no classes, eager to learn more! Aurelia introduced students to concept maps and outlines. Students worked together to create a concept map of what community meant to them, diving into their perceptions of community in its many forms. Upon returning from the Mid-Year Enrichment Conference, Aurelia hosted a read-aloud of “The Paper Bag Princess” and “The Three Little Pigs,” as well as one-on-one storywriting consultations, on Saturday, January 24. With the local SMKN9 WORDS Competition coming up on February 5, Aurelia can’t wait to see what her students create.

Aurelia Tan is currently teaching at SMKN 9 Padang, West Sumatra.