1.       Knowledge of Subject Matter : Exemplary

In my many years of teaching , I always try as much as I can to go down to their level to create learning experiences that make the topic as meaningful for my students. Especially if you teach a Playgroup wherein all if not all are first timer in school. As teachers, I modify to meet according to my student’s varying readiness levels, learning preferences and interests.  I also process engaging activities to make sense and for them to master the lesson presented and create a learning environment that works and feels like its their second home.

2.       Knowledge of Child Development and Learning: On Target

If there was a big challenge for me in handling this class is to have 4 children with special needs. It is no joke to handle all of them at the same time but special thanks to their therapists and parents who met with me and have created  modification behaviour plans to those who have behavioural issues and tantrum issues with my Down Syndrome child and life skills/tantrum issues with my Cerebral Palsy child. I constantly review their school records and exchange texts with their yaya’s if there’s an immediate concern I need to deal with. But if there are serious issues/incidents then I try to talk with their parents and set a meeting with their therapists. But overall, I try to maximize children’s play activities for them to develop on how to get along and interact with each other to avoid biting incidents and will be able to handle their anger management issues amongst themselves.

3.       Adapting Instruction for Individual Needs: Exemplary

Since we started classes last July, I have instilled that it’s a classroom that respects differences wherein each one has their own likes, dislikes, some with special needs and while others don’t have, some may work independently while others work collaboratively and if they can follow simple directions given by their teacher. There’s a big challenge to understand how to design learning opportunities appropriate to children’s stages of development, learning styles, strengths and needs but a teacher should never stop in finding ways to make it as interesting as possible for their child to attain learning.

4.       Multiple Instructional Strategies: Exemplary

Observing my class for the first week, I started changing my toy manipulatives the kids use during Choice time period to fit with what they like and interests them the following week. I guess I did the right thing because each one of them were able to be engaged and seemed to be very interested with the toy manipulatives I have prepared for them and would look forward to be in their Playgroup class and would even share it with their parents that they like to be school.  I remember letting the kids play with the big legos we have in school and let them follow simple 3 step patterns and have divided them into 2 groups and have observed how they develop their critical and problem solving skills. To those who lost and did not get the stars cried while the winners were the ones who went home with a big smile and have shown their 2 big stars to their parents. It is a constant challenge for teachers to find interesting yet basic approaches  that will help promote instructional strategies to enhance learning.

5.       Classroom Motivation and Management Skills:  Exemplary

A well-organized learning environment with a physical set-up conducive to classroom goals and helps promote positive relationships between and among children and teachers  can result to the success of a class in a given school year.  That’s why even if we have the smallest room in school, I try to maximize it by letting the kids use the backyard playground  for them to have the feel of what it’s like to play outside and be under the heat of the sun.  I also have a behavioural chart were I give a star to those who  behaved well during the day and no star to those who misbehaved and a movie time on a Friday if they are all good for the week. This seemed to be very effective to these children and have been used to the routine since July. It would be a bit challenging if there’s a long weekend or break that everything will just have to start over along with them again.

6.       Communication Skills: Exemplary

With a tech-savvy kids we have now, lessons are integrated with the use of a laptop  or to show some youtube videos they all enjoy watching. Kids these days are computer literate that they know how to use the gadget, that is why I often assign each one of them to turn it off or to gently  close the laptop monitor. Teaching a Playgroup class also include a lot of story telling time, that’s why whenever I story tell  I always have different voices and would  choose big  print rich story books for children to enjoy. Asking them simple to open ended questions from each of the stories would let me know  who’s listening and if they like the story or not.  Oftentimes, with the help of Powerpoint and Google I make teacher made stories to make it more personal and  interesting for the kids and back it up with an Art activity related to the story or theme for the week.

7.       Instructional Planning Skills: On Target

I usually plan the lesson for the week with appropriate pacing based on the child’s interest and participation. In this class I learned to modify and accommodate lessons based on children’s interests and motivation. I just don’t bombard and pressure the kids with too many stuff and just simply want them to enjoy the simple things in life and their time together.

8.       Assessment of Student Learning: On Target

There is never a time that I don’t evaluate my student’s progress and learning. Any given milestone or regression to any of my students I always write it in my observation notebook, so when there’s a need for me to make a narrative report or talk with their parents or therapists I use it as my reference tool. In my Playgroup class other than ensuring their intellectual progress, it is also important to develop their physical and social skills. There is also a need to  monitor and evaluate the effects of class activities on both individuals and the class as a whole. These are all important to own instructional approaches and interactions based on children’s responses and successes or failures.

9.       Professionalism, Effective Practice: On Target

I honestly need more exposure to observe other Playgroup/Daycare classes and attend  Special Need  conferences to improve my teaching strategies with these students.  To be always updated, there’s a need  for me to be constantly working along with the therapists of my Special Needs students for me to help them  with their concerns and issues and just come up with interesting activities that they will all enjoy.

10.   Relationships: Exemplary

As their teacher, I always try to get along with my students and know when they are not in good mood.  That’s when I do consult the help of their parents, yaya’s or therapists, to help me figure a way to bridge the gap and promote student’s  well being . Even if they say that there’s no perfect workplace, we can choose to make it better by  getting along with each other to make the school a productive learning environment for  the entire school year.

      Having seven little ones in a Playgroup/Daycare class this school year was a mixture of fun, crazy and more playtime with each of them.  Each one have their own remarkable antics that you’ll surely adore but if there is one child that consistently became a favorite of mine it could be Kahlil Ian Dienzo.  Knowing him for only 6 months was enough for me to always look forward to my class.  I remember him just sitting quietly in the chair and would see him about to cry on his first two meetings and I just assured him that he gets to be with his Mommy after some time and there I would see his smile. His a boy who loves car games and loves to collect items with “Thomas and Friends” and “Cars” theme.  It’s always a treat to help him open his lunchbox because it’s always filled with many crackers and drinks he can choose from. He loves to go and play in amusement center like Timezone with his Dad and younger brother. And loves to watch his favourite shows, listen to music, sing and read books with his mother. This boy amazes me with his being kind-hearted to his classmates especially with the 2 girls whom he protects  like a big brother. I remember telling him one time to look after them and he said yes Teacher Shirley and even reminded me that he took care of them while I was away for few minutes. Kahlil is said to have a happy disposition in life, that is why it can be seen with the way he is with his classmates and just bring positive vibes to all of us present there.  If there are off days, you can simply call him and ask him why is he not following what teacher tells him to do and he will just timidly say that his sleepy or not feeling well.  One can’t simply afford to reprimand this little one because he simply has a way to soften your heart. Since he lives with his parents, grandparents, uncle and aunt, I can say that there is a strong feeling of family bond and love in their family that is why he extends it to us his teachers and classmates. Kahlil is persistent and always curious and has the ability to create different shapes and forms with the connector toys.  He is also eager to do our arts and crafts and would be the first one to finish it among his classmates. Looking back, it just makes me feel proud that I could have done something good in my class and to this fine boy considering that majority of the kids are with special needs. I’m just happy to say that with special needs or not, they were able to play along together and enjoys each other’s company.

With Kahlil’s parents and little brother

With his Mommy Keithyfel

With Mommy and his baby brother

So happy together with his Mom and Aunt

Kahlil with his halloween costume!

Kahlil with his infectious smile <3

Great editing of Kahlil doing ala Zac Efron pose!

      Last October 20, 2012, Mindbuilders Preschool sent 3 of their teachers as part of their faculty development  to attend a seminar at the Ateneo, Manila called Differentiating Instructions in an Inclusive Classroom. The said seminar was facilitated by Dr. Merlene M. Alon.  As today’s classroom become more varied and diverse in knowledge, skills, abilities, and attitudes, it is imperative that the classroom teacher face the opportunities and challenges of the inclusive classroom with increased skill and acumen. A look at the curriculum shows that it is incumbent upon the teachers to bring new skills to the content, materials, and approaches as we meet the challenges of educating and shaping the “future” who sits in the desks of our classrooms. The challenges of modifying the curriculum, and adapting it to fit the individual student’s levels, needs, interests, and abilities is increasingly an “opportunity” for the classroom teacher who cannot work harder – but must work “smarter” to pull the group into a cohesive element whenever possible, and a smoothly running team of varying degrees always. The seminar has taught  how the teacher can do that, how one can adapt the curriculum through our approach to themes and interdisciplinary approaches, how one can ( and must) plan her work/work her plan better, and develop units and lesson plans that can stand as tools that help teachers, not as letters of law that must be met. Differentiated Instruction is when teacher modify their instruction to meet students’ varying readiness levels, learning preferences and interests. This simply means that teachers proactively plans a variety of ways to get at and express learning.  As a playgroup teacher with 4 special kids, it was a big help especially on how I should cater to the different needs of each of my students. Good thing I was included in the said seminar and it gave me new perspectives, ideas and approaches and create the best learning experience possible.  

       I also had the privilege to attend a free event entitled Start Something  held at Big Shift Events Hall, A-Venue in Makati Avenue last October 27.  It is a Productive Pinoy event that encourages participants to learn how to “start that one thing” that you’ve been putting off like to write a book, start a business or shift careers. It also shared practical insights on how to achieve your major goals in life. I was also able to meet 3 interesting speakers who are passionate about learning. People who already made something interesting in their lives. Like Mr. BJ Hernandez a renowned Creative Director of TV 5 and who took the challenge of redesigning “The New Generation Currency” of Banko Central ng Pilipinas. What I cannot forget from what he said is to get the best critique which is your enemy and to brainstorm with people with same passion as yours. It just makes sense to think that it doesn’t have to be complicated but just resort to people who shares the same passion as you have and start making difference with what interests you.  The second speaker was Ms. Lois Yasay who used to work in a corporate company but decided to quit her job and travel with her colleague with just under P100,000. She was already able to travel 9 countries in less than 6 months.  The award winning travel blogger  said that we don’t have to be afraid that something happens  but be afraid that nothing happens to you!  She also said that in her travel experiences, she learned to observe people, things and their culture and from there she started to document it through videos and pictures, share it to her social media friends and earn. Now she gets to enjoy the best of the world and get to be paid by doing what she really enjoy and that is to travel and blog.   The last speaker was Mr. Yeng Remulla,   an entrepreneur and  the author of the book entitled   Productive Pinoy.  What I remember this guy said was that we all are valuable, one with exciting mission because your work is your contribution to the world.  There’s a need to capitalize on our strengths because with that we can achieve major goals in life. On my way home, I couldn’t help but be inspired with what the speakers and participants have shared in the seminar.  It’s a breath of fresh air to have witnessed a personalized and fun learning experience that afternoon. I just wish and pray that I get to “Start Something” with mine soon and  also inspire others. 

Just before the seminar began…

with Mr. BJ Hernandez

Note taking time =)

Special prizes to those who can answer Mr. Yeng Remulla’s question

The speakers: Ms. Lois Yasay, Mr. BJ Hernandez and Mr. Yeng Remulla

Last November 22, nine from our class went to visit 4 preschools in the Metro. First stop was The Learning Tree in Quezon City.  We have visited the grade school campus and the school atmosphere was busy and excited because the Directress was happy to tell us that President Aquino will visit the school the following  Tuesday. So who will not be that excited if you know that the president of the country will spend some time in your school?  I  like the thought that kids there don’t wear school uniform and really speak their mind. I also liked and remembered by heart what the Directress have said that If the teachers are happy and so does the kids in his or her class. If there’s one concern that I have for this school is lack of space, here’s wishing for more space that would cater for kids in their school campus.

We also visited Explorations Preschool after lunch. It was just nice to have seen my partner in Brent International school of two years Sab Pelino teaching the toddler class. I liked how the transition took place and how the kids knew their routines already. It was also good to see kids rest in their mats and change to their new dry shirts or blouses with minimal assistance from their teachers.

Our third stop was Keys Grade school. The school environment was more spacious and home-like feel. What I enjoyed and appreciated was when the Kinder teacher discussed how one subject was and how she does it in her class and I really got interested in doing the “Artifact” project with the students.  It seemed to be very personal and lives a lasting impression of handing down one’s legacy.

The unexpected visit was when we dropped by Romina’s new school called Rainbow Room Learning Center in Mandaluyong. One can’t help but be happy for her as she embark  to the new school site  she will have this next school opening.  It’s nice to take part with someone who wishes big things for the small kids that will enrol in her school. There was even an urge on my part to even try applying in her school for next year but proximity wise will inhibit me in doing so.

The overall Manila School visit was truly an eye opener experience and took with me some lesson and learning’s that I will forever treasure and remember.  Looking back now, it was really worth the wait considering what I went through this term.  With the recent hospitalization I had caused by Dengue, it may have  inhibited me in joining the GK in Sunshine Ville in BF Homes last  December 2 but as promised I’m here to share my preschool experience as Playgroup teacher of Mindbuilder’s Preschool and complete my tumblr journal entries.

Field trip

Last November 19, the Mindbuilders Preschool had their annual fieldtrips at the Nido Science Discovery Center and The Robot Zoo at MOA . It was interesting to note that compared to the previous years, the facilities have improved to the children’s and parents delight.  It was very informative and visually rich for the kids to appreciate.  Here’s hoping for more venues like these for the children to visit and be proud to call our own.  Seeing all the kids in our bus so tired and sleepy after the days fieldtrip just makes me wonder that they will love to learn more especially if you have facilities like these to boost your interest to learn.

Progress Preschool Gold Little Leaders Caravan 

Lil hands got so busy that day

Kyle was so interested in playing with the toys with Yaya Elsa

Kahlil figures how to play with the connectors

getting those hands busy

Playgroup and Toddler kids getting ready for bubble game

Weees and screams from the lil’ ones!

Earthquake Safety

For one of our Values Friday, we gathered the children from all levels together in the play area to talk about earthquakes, as well as the steps in keeping safe during one. A few terms were introduced, such as the layers of the earth (core, mantle and crust) and how the earth’s crust is continually moving. Through pictures, the children saw how the earth is like a puzzle, with the pieces (tectonic plates) moving against each other, sometimes causing sudden rifts and shaking, which we feel as an earthquake. Some of the children explained what they knew about earthquakes: “The ground shakes!” said one. “Things fall.” “Sometimes people die.”
The children watched a video of a seismograph, a machine which monitors and illustrates the earthquake’s movement. The teachers demonstrated the Drop, Cover and Hold On steps used during earthquake drills. Our actual earthquake drills for all levels will be done on the week of September 24. This awareness on earthquake drill have made a good impact with the kids especially when they hear the assigned sound and know how to conduct themselves in times like these.

Javi in hiding

Chopin Senior kids in fear

Kids and Teachers line outside to gather

All line up under the heat of the Sun

Relief Operation in Partnership with JCI Manila

With the unsought of Habagat, Mindbuilders Preschool became a drop off center for bottled water, food, medicine and clothes for the flood victims.  All donations were sent to JCI Manila’s Oplan damayan center in Baypark Manila, Roxas Boulevard.

These are just some of the Science and Social Studies activities the school had for the last 6 months. Surely it is good to note that activities like these made an impact or two with the kids…. One that they would remember by.

 Parents usually visit or call in and that’s where we interview and ask pertinent questions about the child, it’s age, likes and attitudes. A trial class will then be set to gauge the child’s level. The teacher then will inform the admin as to what level the child shall be at. Although oftentimes, it becomes a dilemma when a child has a special case and when parents are asked for a Developmental Pediatric  Report they will not comply and cooperate. Making it hard for the teacher to know how to help/assist their child the best way possible. I also observe that some kids are not properly levelled where they should be. I believe that we should not just let the kids go to the next level and just let them stay on another year until they were able to master and be good at it than be in a hurry to be in the next level.  As preschool teachers, we should find methods and approaches to help struggling students succeed in life. A regular conference and report card give parents feedback on their children’s progress also plays an important role in making updates of their child in class.  Just like in my Playgroup class, I often meet with the therapists of my special kids in class to update them of the kids progress or behavioural problems encountered in that quarter. What benefit this brings is that we try to help and work as a team and make possible and effective ways to help the child in need. With constant communication via notebook and text with the therapists and parents, we somehow were able to help the concerned kid in the littlest possible we can. 

Physical development plays an important role in enhancing the totality of a child that is why  Mindbuilders Preschool  have integrated Brain Gym in the program. It is a registered trademark given to the sensorimotor program of Educational Kinesiology. It is a series of 26 quick, fun and easy movements that prepare the brain and the entire nervous system for optimal performance in all areas.   All classes in all levels have incorporated Brain Gym during Circle time and other than during playtime. There is so many opportunities to let not the kids feel pressured with school because we also mixed it up with play and physical development.

In Mindbuiders Preschool subject areas like Language Arts and Mathematics are unified by a theme. Themes are topic based from the child’s contextual experiences, thus making learning more relevant and meaningful. From the themes, books are used as a springboard for discussion of concepts, skill, attitudes and values. As for the case of my Playgroup class, every week we have a story book where I share the story and let the kids do some art works after. On a Friday, the Playgroup and Toddler classes join for movie watching in which have made both classes be friends and familiar with each other already. 

Happy Shiloh doing the stamping of his initial

 Watching on as Miguel does his name stamp

One Friday Afternoon Movietime

Last October 16, the whole school had a treat when Clifford have visited Scholastic Book Fair Carnival. Here are some photos to show how the event was:

Some displayed books with Clifford pawprint sign

Sample Clifford paw print stamp

Aaliyah’s Mom accompanying her in looking for good books to buy

Kyle with his yaya checks the books to buy

Cailey looks on the book she will tell Mommy to buy after classes

Kyle got upclose and personal with Clifford

My Tuesday and Thursday boy’s class with Clifford

In teaching Math concepts in preschool can be as fun and practical that’s why when I took charge with the Toddler class last June we had a culminating activity on Circle shapes and the activity was called Circle Collage merienda wherein I have asked the kids to bring 5 foods to share that is Circle in shape. 

 Circle Collage Merienda

Toddler kids enjoy munching the circle shaped food

Aaron

He is 4 years old, the eldest and has been attending Speech Theraphy at Communicare in BF Las Pinas. Aaron  really loves to have his Yaya Marlyn to accompany him in class so I talked with his Yaya and made a plan that she needs to simply sneak once he gets busy with playing the toys and was able to try it for about 3 to 4 times until Aaron was the one telling Yaya to be out. I’ve met with his Mother and Speech Therapist and told them that he  can utter few chunk of words and later found out that it was only this year that he began to talk. If there’s one thing that he needs  to improve on must be his way of playing with toys because there are times that he just throws them away and that I needed to prompt him that its no good in doing such.

Javier

Javi as we fondly call him is the youngest in his family, only 3 years old has also been attending Speech Theraphy classes at Communicare in BF Las Pinas.  You would catch him reading a book and will sit beside you and will give you that grin and will start mumbling words.  This small kid  had a temper that when you look at him he will suddenly hit or bite you. I’ve talked with his father  and  therapist  and what was surprising was the therapist told me that out of the many years that he has been in the clinic there were only 2 kids who fought with him and one of them is him.  He may be that hot headed but he can be that sweet kid too because he would oftenly kiss my hand and back during snacktime.  He also looks forward to the big star stamp I give the class just before going home and when he doesn’t get it will make him cry. I will just assure him that I will give him next meeting if he will be nice to his classmates in which he will utter a soft “ok chicher”.

Jadford

Jad as we fondly call him is 5 years old  and is a Down Syndrome child.  Jad is a sweet quiet boy who loves to read books. Based on his medical report there are some things that’s a no-no to this kid like no beans, soya, soy sauce, ampalaya and blue berries. He also can’t stand the smell of menthol, efficascent oil, moth balls and albatross.  Having the chance to take care of a Down Syndrome child two years ago, made me have a soft spot and a lot of understanding for this child.  That’s why I have to have an equal attention to my kids needs so they will not feel so different from the rest.

Kyle

Kyle is 4 years old and with Cerabral Palsy.  Among the kids in class, he is  Yaya assisted and also attends theraphy classes  at Communicare in BF Las Pinas. Kyle has progressed in walking  but needs to utter words like Yes , No, Teacher, Mama , Papa, Grandma and Yaya. It can sometimes be so frustrating because I really want to understand him but just couldn’t because everything is still limited. Here’s wishing that he also gets to utter words so we would know what he wants, or if he is in pain or not in the mood and just be able to cope with the demand of big school or life.

Kahlil

Kahlil is 3 years old and a boy who loves Cars and Thomas the Tank Engine from his lunch box to his outfit, you will simply love this kid. An independent kid giving his Mommy no hard time especially when his mom endorses him to my class he would just kiss his Mommy and say goodbye.  Feeling like a big Bro in the group I oftenly tell him to help teacher pick up the circle spots and to be the line leader. There is no doubt that he will not have a hard time when he goes up to the next level which is  the Toddlers.

Cailey

Cailey is 3 years old and is the fashion model in the making. Very active as the model of her Mom’s business of gown making for little girls. It was first observed from her before that she was bit shy and would just sit in one corner. It is understandable because it is her first exposure to school set-up but later develop to follow the routines and would participate during Circletime and Story telling time.

Aaliyah  ( No picture available)

Aaliyah just turned 4 years old and is the new addition in class.  The smallest in class, you would find her  following Cailey wherever she is and good thing it doesn’t make it irritating to her classmate. She was able to adopt to the routines we have in class and even though that her Mother have a hard time hiding each time she endorses Aaliyah to me I would simply say that “Mama wiwi”. She then will repeat saying it and you would simply see her playing the toys after some few minutes.