After about 6 months of admin duties and zero teaching load, I now enter the teaching force again.  Thanks to a teacher who resigned from her post just a week ago.  Nobody was qualified enough to handle her class. Even my qualifications (which include a 7 year teaching experience) were questioned. Why? simply because this class was no ordinary class- It was a baby’s class.  Yes, I was rigidly trained to be a teacher- like an old teacher’s joke says- oldtime teachers can teach even while sleeping.  However, I knew that regardless of my education, training, seminars, and experience, I am to face another battle in my life- another arena where the participants, the rules, and the goals are different.  And of course, the cautious and paranoid individual in me prompted me to be ready and fully geared for the battle ahead.

Why others doubted my capability as a pre-nursery teacher was understandable.  For one, I was known to be strict and worse, a notorious goal-setter.  I maintained high expectations for my previous students in Kinder. Hence, according to my co-teachers, I may suffer from bouts of frustration.

I believe that they are wrong.  One of the things that a teacher should first do is to know the learners.  Knowing the learners would help you understand their nature.  Understanding their nature would guide you in choosing the appropriate teaching strategies and classroom management styles.

Pre-nursery children in Brightwoods School can be as young as 1 year and 6 months to 2 years and 11 months.  The approach should be non-threatening and at the same time, not overly lenient.  Rapport and the building of trust were the firsts on my agenda.  What made the whole thing a bit complicated was the fact that they have had a teacher before.  Somehow, I had to win the kids first before I can really teach them.

In terms of activities, multi-sensorial tasks are preferable.  Kids their age, learn when all senses are engaged in the learning process.  Also, teachers should be entertaining as well, with plenty of gimmicks, voice modulation, and games to pique interest.

So far, I have had one successful day with them.  Tomorrow will be a new adventure, a new experience to learn from.  And as always, I will give it my 100% effort.

Just recently, I was given the opportunity of becoming one of the production members of Les Miserables- the showtime presentation of Brightwoods School’s highschool graduating batch.  I was tasked to handle the costumes and inspite of the short notice, I believe that I was able to do my part well… However, what was really memorable was the collective efforts of each and everyone in the team.  Under the helm of our showtime director, Ditas Yap, everything went on smoothly and according to plan.  We are overwhelmed with the rave reviews of people who witnessed the event.  Again, we have proven that, together, we can really make great things happen!

Allow me to share my experience as a prod staff.  Being in-charge of costumes, I was able to mingle with the cast.  Just like any highschool batch, theirs was an interesting bunch of personalities.  Being a preschool teacher, they do not really know me, but then again, they welcomed me heartily and appreciated the help I have extended to them.  Penetrating the group and earning their support came in easy.  I have realized that inspite of their natural playfulness and easy going attitude, they were all for the success of the play!  I have been a witness to the hard work that each of them had accorded to the presentation… They helped each other, becoming leaders in each of their own way.  Indeed, it was a remarkable display of team work and camaraderie… To everybody, Congratulations!

Congratulations to Basil who plays Valjean, the lead character.  He seems to have it all- good looks, brains, and most importantly, sheer determination.  His leadership qualities emanate as he steers the group towards focusing on the success of the play.

Congratulations to Marius and Javert, played by Papo and Gelo.  With their intensity as actors, they might even make it big in the movie industry!

Congratulations to the Thenardiers, played by Mao and Miko.  What a funny tandem! Their appalling behavior towards young Cosette was overshadowed by their comical and hilarious antics.

Congratulations to Fantine, Cosette, and Eponine… their realistic portrayals brought tears to the audience’s eyes.

Congratulations also to Eugene and Gaston, who brought justice to their roles as support for the leads!

And of course, to the whole fourth year highschool brood, Congratulations!  A big hand to you guys!

To the Brightwoods School Prod Staff, what can I say but, WE DID IT AGAIN… Three cheers for us!  Congrats Ditas, Marvin, Jhoan, X, Eric, John, Joy, Shiela, James, Jay, Ryan, Leilah, and Francis!