Tag: preschool

“All My Feelings are All Me” – Mindbuilders Preschool’s Culmination for Health Awareness Month

“All My Feelings are All Me” – Mindbuilders Preschool’s Culmination for Health Awareness Month

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To conclude their Health Awareness Month, which was primarily aimed to develop self-awareness in their students,  Mindbuilders Preschool located in BF Homes organized a special event entitled “All my Feelings are All Me.”

Prior to this culmination, the teachers of Mindbuilders Preschool implemented activities throughout October that would encourage their pupils to identify and even discuss their feelings in class. One tool the students made and used during their daily Circle Time period was a “feelings scale”, which allowed each child to identify a specific emotion he or she was feeling at the time. The children were also taught to use a decorated paper cup nicknamed the “jellyfish”. By breathing in and out of the cup, they could use it to calm themselves down in situations that made them feel scared, nervous or anxious. Other activities promoting self-awareness, specifically in the Gross Motor domain, were also implemented.

Then, on the morning of November 15,  the assembly of preschool pupils, teachers and volunteer parents witnessed two very special presentations: one by psychologist Patricia Pacheco-Beton and another by a living legend of Philippine cinema and television, Miss Gina Alajar. 

Teacher Pach efficiently taught the young audience about the kind of feelings they have and how to react when they feel something. In separate turns, a few students were called to the front to answer the guest psychologist’s key questions. The answers stated amused the other children as well as the parents and teachers who were present. More importantly, the little children themselves learned a lot from Teacher Pach’s presentation.

Using a children’s picture book, Teacher Pach engaged the students with a story and how it relates with feelings.

Teacher Pach also engaged the students in a read-aloud of an illustrated children’s book about the myriad of feelings a child can have in just one day! And as the narrative went on, students were able to identify the kind of emotions that the main character displayed.

Veteran actress and director Gina Alajar facilitated an acting workshop with three alternating groups of kids in attendance. In relation to the topic of feelings, she first asked the students what kind of emotions were they able to spot in films they had watched before. Collectively, the children gave answers which proved that they had been paying attention to the cinematic emotions even while enjoying the movies.

Ms. Gina Alajar had a group sit-down with the students of Mindbuilders Preschool about their feelings in relation to the senses. (Photo credit: Richard Estuesta)
The veteran filmmaker getting feedback from one of the students. (Photo credit: Richard Estuesta)

To determine how far everyone could go with their emotions, Alajar focused on the five senses: touch, sight, hearing, smell and taste. For each sense explored, the actress used specific items to get reactions from the kids. As children would respond differently to each item, she processed valuing each one’s feelings and respecting the feelings of others as well.  Having seen Gina Alajar act so dramatically in movies from long ago, I was very impressed to see how experienced and patient she was when it came to teaching the students of Mindbuilders Preschool. It was as if they were all her grandchildren!

Elsewhere within Mindbuilders were other activities that tapped the students’ other intelligences. These took place inside different classrooms. One classroom had each child decorate a puzzle piece and then assemble the pieces together to form one big puzzle. In another classroom nearby, students were taught to express themselves with music and movement amidst multicolored lights. Finally, a coloring session of positive quotes on affirmation stones was held in another classroom.

In this particular workshop, the students learn to express themselves with music and movement. (Photo credit: Macon Leaño)
Students putting the puzzle pieces together in another classroom. (Photo credit: Tintin L. Cabase)
A student coloring positive quotes on an affirmation stone. (photo credit: Kristine Salustiano)
The session of coloring positive quotes on affirmation stones offers students a unique opportunity to practice their analysis and creativity. (photo credit: Kristine Salustiano)

After all the workshops and sessions were completed, the students were treated to a free film viewing at the play area.

A special activity fulfilled!

According to Mindbuilders Preschool Directress Marah Estuesta, the team worked hard in preparation for their Health Awareness Month Culmination. This included making schedule adjustments due to a major weather disturbance. What transpired on November 15, however, was a huge pay-off complete with a strong reception and the fulfillment of goals on educating the children about self-awareness.

Mindbuilders Preschool’s Health Awareness Month Culmination was supported by Chef Thess Uy Catering.

Philippines film and TV living legend Gina Alajar poses with the teachers and parents of Mindbuilders Preschool. At leftmost is directress Marah Estuesta. (Photo credit: Richard Estuesta)

Words from the Directress

“This activity was one for the books!  In today’s world, where mental health is increasingly prioritized, I am happy to have an activity that fosters socio-emotional development in our preschoolers.  It is very relevant that children begin developing self-awareness early, as it lays the foundation for understanding and managing their emotions, as well as expressing them effectively.  

From understanding their own feelings to recognizing those of others, this activity is a significant step in helping young minds navigate the complexities of emotions. By engaging in activities that promote emotional intelligence, children learn valuable skills such as empathy, emotional regulation, and healthy communication.

Our month-long activities encouraged our preschoolers to explore and express their feelings in a safe and nurturing environment. Through fun, interactive exercises, tapping their Multiple Intelligences, they begin to articulate their emotions, understand their impact, and learn appropriate ways to respond to various emotional states. This kind of early intervention is vital, as it equips children with the tools they need to grow into emotionally resilient and socially adept individuals.“

Marah Estuesta

About Mindbuilders Preschool

Mindbuilders Preschool is an early learning environment committed to maximizing a child’s potential by creating exciting experiences that inspire enthusiasm for learning. Founded in 2002, it has grown as the leading Multiple Intelligences Preschool in the South (BF Homes, Las Piñas & Parañaque), following Howard Gardner’s Theory. Mindbuilders Preschool offers one of the best classes in the community for preschoolers.

For further updates about Mindbuilders Preschool, visit https://www.MindbuildersPreschoolPH.com/

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Green Guardians, Young Schoolchildren Saving Planet Earth

Green Guardians, Young Schoolchildren Saving Planet Earth

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Green Guardians, Young Schoolchildren Saving Planet Earth

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A group shot at the Las Piñas Parañaque Critical Habitat Ecotourism Area (LPPCHEA).

    Since 2009, Mindbuilders Preschool has been engaging its graduating students, the Chopin Seniors, in a social responsibility project that would make a positive impact on the community.  Through the project, the children make use of their multiple intelligence and learn to work together collaboratively to achieve a goal and make a difference.  They function as a business unit would, mobilized into different departments such as sales, marketing, promotions, purchasing, and so on.

    This school year, the Chopin Seniors’ project was entitled Green Guardians.  Under the mentorship of their teachers and parents as resource persons, the Kindergarten students planned and organized a fun run to raise funds for their chosen beneficiary, the Las Piñas Parañaque Critical Habitat Ecotourism Area (LPPCHEA).

    In October, the children went on an eco-tour of the nature reserve.  There, they saw a contrast between the beauty brought about by the trees and birds, and the destruction made by the garbage that made its way to the coastal area.  The Chopin Seniors also learned about waste/resource management, and how they can practice this to help the environment.

    As all Chopin Projects go, the Kindergarten students were organized into a business unit, with the children assigned to groups where their strengths could be tapped.  Teacher and parents were also involved to mentor the students in logo development, event preparation, purchasing of materials, packaging, distribution, advertising and promotions.

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The fun run.

    The Fun Run was held on November 25 at The Village Sports Club.  The funds raised here were used to purchase photography equipment requested by LPPCHEA for documentation of their environmental cleanup activities.  A formal turnover to the beneficiary by the Chopin Seniors was held at the reserve on January 21, 2019.

    Another activity in school that was spearheaded by the Chopin Seniors was a plastic collection drive during the first quarter of 2019.  This was done in partnership with Pure Oceans, an organization that brings residual plastics to an upcycling plant which converts these into 100% upcycled plastic products such as school chairs.  Mindbuilders Preschool families were encouraged to send used PET bottles, clear microwavable containers, food/candy wrappers, etc. to school.  These materials were turned over to Pure Oceans in March.

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The plastic collection drive at the school early this year.

   The school foresees Green Guardians to be a long-term project by keeping its partnership with Pure Oceans, and making the collection and turnover of plastic a regular practice to be done on a quarterly basis.  It will continue to encourage families to adhere to lifestyle changes for the betterment of the environment, and for the future of mankind and Mother Earth.

      “It is very reassuring to see our children, young as they are, making a proactive stand for the environment.  They are not only calling out the concern but are also giving solutions to help address this pressing matter which is so relevant in our country and in the world today.” Teacher Marah Estuesta, Directress of Mindbuilders says.

Mindbuilders Preschool is a Multiple Intelligence school located at 168 Tropical Avenue BF International Las Piñas City.  It was established in 2002 and is accredited by the Department of Education.  The preschool is also an active member of the Las Pinas Private Schools Association.  To date, Mindbuilders Preschool established itself with not only good quality education but also worked with its students on several social responsibility projects.  The schools prides itself in having strong home and  school collaboration.  The bond built with families is even carried beyond the child’s preschool years – evidence that Mindbuilders Preschool is more than just a learning institution.