Surabaya, Indonesia Sentinel — A public middle school in Surabaya, Indonesia, has implemented a midday nap trial for its students, aiming to improve their concentration and refresh their energy levels.
The initiative was done at SMP Negeri 39 Surabaya which began on Wednesday, January 22, at noon local time, as reported by CNN Indonesia. Students prepared their classrooms by rearranging desks and chairs to create designated nap areas, with separate spaces for boys and girls. They also brought mats and pillows from home.
Around 1:00 p.m., a teacher announced the start of the nap session over the school’s public address system. Classroom doors were closed, and calming instrumental music played to create a relaxing atmosphere.
Students recited a prayer together before settling in, while homeroom teachers monitored the sessions, ensuring that everyone participated. If students remained awake, teachers reminded them to comply. The 45-minute nap period lasted until 2:00 p.m.
Addressing Student Fatigue
Principal Rini Aswinarti explained that the program was introduced after teachers observed that students often struggled to stay focused during lessons.
“We noticed that many students were losing concentration in class,” Rini said. “We discussed this in staff meetings and came up with the idea of a relaxation activity, incorporating naps and calming music, to help students regain focus, improve their health, and restore their enthusiasm.”
Rini hopes the nap sessions will have positive impacts on students, fostering empathy, concentration, and creativity while boosting both physical and mental health.
“This program aims to rebuild focus, improve physical and mental well-being, and encourage empathy and cheerfulness among students,” she added.
School Nap Trial and Evaluation
The school midday nap trial program is currently being conducted as a pilot, taking place every Wednesday. To evaluate its effectiveness, the school plans to distribute surveys to parents, teachers, and students to gather feedback on whether the initiative should continue.
“We will review the results—whether they are positive or negative. If the feedback is mostly negative, we will stop. If it’s positive, we will evaluate and refine the program,” Rini said.
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The trial at SMP Negeri 39 Surabaya highlights an innovative approach to addressing student well-being and academic performance. As the school awaits feedback from parents, teachers, and students, the program could serve as a model for other institutions exploring creative solutions to enhance focus and overall health in the classroom.
(Raidi/Agung)
