Elle Marie shows off her Princess Mama in class

I never had problems talking in front of a big crowd. My job requires me to present in front of different groups from business support organizations, national government agencies, and non-government organizations. I also got a chance to teach freshmen in my Alma Mater, De La Salle University. But, last July 28, 2010 was different. I had to present in front of my daughter, Elle Marie’s class.

Part of Elle Marie’s “Show me your Mama” activity in school was to bring Mama in class to showcase her talent or hobby. Being a self confessed stage mother, I got very excited at first with the thought of going to Elle Marie’s class and doing something for her. Later, I got confused because I don’t know what talent or hobby I have that is worth showing the class and that will make Elle proud of me. I thought of reading a poem, storytelling, or painting. Dancing and singing of course never made it to the list. I ended up doing storytelling specifically, Sleeping Beauty since it is Elle Marie’s favorite story.

Aside from reading Sleeping Beauty for Elle Marie almost every night since I bought her Sleeping Beauty book, my only experience in storytelling was ten years ago when I was still a volunteer in Tuloy sa Don Bosco. After office, I would go to Tuloy and read story or tutor street children. It happened for almost one year and I got good feedback about my storytelling.
Up to the last minute my palms were sweating and I was very nervous. When teacher Thea asked me to sit in front of the class to start, it took me seconds to compose myself and start. At first I was very conscious I couldn’t look at Elle’s direction fearing that she has a disapproving or disappointed look. But when I finally got the courage to look at her, I noticed that she has a confused look. It is like she is confused why I reading her favorite book in front of her class. So, I smiled at her.

It was like subjecting myself to thesis defense all over again. The kids would not stop making side comments “I also have that book”, “we will watch that soon”; one even tried telling me the story ending!; and once in awhile throws very difficult questions like “what kind of bird is that black bird?” I answered crow (since it is the only black bird I know), somebody said mockingbird (imagine, when I was 3 years old I didn’t know what mockingbird is!) Funny, it turned out that the black bird in the book is a raven?!

In the middle of the storytelling, teacher Thea asked Elle to sit beside me as I read the book. I made her hold the book and turn the pages. Once in a while, Elle Marie would make follow up remarks and point to the characters everytime I mention their names. At this point, I know Elle Marie is really having a great time and all the nervously I initially had faded away…

Challenging as if may be but it is always a welcome thought for me to do something for my daughter. I hope she remembers every moment of it and know in her heart that I am doing everything just for her. I thank the management of Early Achievers Learning Center for a successful Show me your Mama and Papa weeks. It was fun and informative for the kids. But it was a fulfilling experience for the parents.

Goodbye Toddlers Unlimited! Hello Community of Learners!

It is official. Elle Marie is definitely transferring to Community of Learners School for Children next school year. We completed the school visit; Noy and I attended the Parent's orientation; and Elle Marie passed the entrance assessment. We paid the P2,000 reservation fee and are now just waiting for the final schedule of school fees.

The idea of transferring Elle Marie to another school is actually not new. Noy and I already did an initial scanning of pre-schools in Makati City last year but still ended up with Toddlers Unlimited. However this year, we had no choice but to transfer Elle Marie considering that my new work is in Manila, we kept on losing our yayas; and Papa gave me a new car.

Our primary considerations were location; student-teacher ratio; and after-school programs. Our initial choices were Colegio de San Agustin, Assumption-Makati and St Scholastica’s College. However, given that on average their student-teacher ratio is 25-1 we took them out of our list.

I surveyed pre-schools near Malacang where my new office is. I listed St. Jude and Little Presidents. I thought, maybe after class, Elle Marie can stay with me. However, what if I am out of the office for a meeting or field work? What will happen to Elle Marie?

Good thing I met Upeng. Upeng is the wife of Noy’s friend Dodgie. We met one afternoon in a party organized by the Nemenzo’s. We were exchanging notes about child rearing and family life when she suggested that I consider Community of Learners for Elle Marie. But she cautioned me that it is not a “fancy school” in terms of facilities. I said, I’ll think about it.

I found myself falling in love with Community of Learners the moment I visited their website. I totally relate with their student handbook. I saw myself and my daughter growing and evolving with Community of Learners.

Then I had a discussion with my bestfriend and Elle Marie’s godmother, Irene. She told me that Community of Learners is like the “UP” of pre-schools. “Mura”, di fancy and facilities pero quality education talaga. Of course, my eyes twinkled upon hearing those descriptions about COLF… And, that discussion was followed by another discussion with my colleague Haydee whose children grew up with COLF! She mentioned that the “after school” program of COLF has greatly helped her survived motherhood with a career on the other side.

I look forward to a fruitful year with COLF. For now, all I had to do is learn how to drive... familiarize myself with the San Juan route...