Many summers ago before mobile phones were launched and digital natives (babies
who are tech-savvy more than their parents) were born, I volunteered to teach
kindergarten in our area that would prepare kids aged 4-7 for the REAL BIG
school.
Couple of years that time, I was an assistant teacher then eventually became the STAR on new kids' eyes enrolled for summer kindergarten the next years. Cute small voices called me TEACHER, the hat that I wore that gave me pure happiness. These are the moments that I sang this part of a song with feelings - "in the eyes of a child, there is joy, there is laughter..."
I prepared the lesson plan, I created my own teaching materials (drawing, coloring and cutting paper fruits, animals, etc.), I practiced kiddie songs with matching dance steps and theatrical actions (Barney will be intimidated. Ha) and read them stories. Best moments.
Last year before hearing Gangnam Style a million times on holiday parties, I joined our company's annual outreach program and we visited the kids of Alay Pag-asa (Offer Hope) to give them books and toys. We prepared a short program for them too with the purple mascot (not Barney, one of the McDo mascots).
I was holding my tears (of joy) most of the time that one day, I was in the middle of more than 30 kids again (with a camera on my chest). Kids were giving me high fives, others were tapping my back and some were telling me stories. I nodded many times (giving my head and neck an effortless exercise) as my reply to them. I could feel my face's muscles discomfort too because I smiled widely nonstop while with these kids.
This brief outreach program we did last year was for me the highlight of my 2012. Reviewing my visual library and seeing this album makes my heart jump more than the photos of places I've been and the events and award nights that I attended.
To continue singing this song - "...in the eyes of a child...there is hope, there is trust, a chance to shape the future..."
Happy 2013, friends! Wish you many reasons to smile from ear to ear this year!
Couple of years that time, I was an assistant teacher then eventually became the STAR on new kids' eyes enrolled for summer kindergarten the next years. Cute small voices called me TEACHER, the hat that I wore that gave me pure happiness. These are the moments that I sang this part of a song with feelings - "in the eyes of a child, there is joy, there is laughter..."
I prepared the lesson plan, I created my own teaching materials (drawing, coloring and cutting paper fruits, animals, etc.), I practiced kiddie songs with matching dance steps and theatrical actions (Barney will be intimidated. Ha) and read them stories. Best moments.
Last year before hearing Gangnam Style a million times on holiday parties, I joined our company's annual outreach program and we visited the kids of Alay Pag-asa (Offer Hope) to give them books and toys. We prepared a short program for them too with the purple mascot (not Barney, one of the McDo mascots).
I was holding my tears (of joy) most of the time that one day, I was in the middle of more than 30 kids again (with a camera on my chest). Kids were giving me high fives, others were tapping my back and some were telling me stories. I nodded many times (giving my head and neck an effortless exercise) as my reply to them. I could feel my face's muscles discomfort too because I smiled widely nonstop while with these kids.
This brief outreach program we did last year was for me the highlight of my 2012. Reviewing my visual library and seeing this album makes my heart jump more than the photos of places I've been and the events and award nights that I attended.
To continue singing this song - "...in the eyes of a child...there is hope, there is trust, a chance to shape the future..."
Happy 2013, friends! Wish you many reasons to smile from ear to ear this year!
Good bless you! reading this post reminds me of my visit to cribs and U happy events. I agree with you...giving time to this unprivldge kids is more than having the latest gadgets and slckst car on market...just a simple smile from them and touch warms our heart. Also whenever i go to events like this it makes me counts my blessings and promise to myself tht I will try to help espcly kids the best that I can.
ReplyDeleteWishing you a good year ahead!
Awesome gallery of kids' photos!
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful, happy year, Rizalenio!
I'd rather be surrounded by innocent, cheerful kids than by gossiping oldies with their tales of material possessions LOL. More power to you Rizalenio!
ReplyDeleteThere is nothing like children - is there? :-)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful story!
Happy New Year!
Doing good for others, no matter how simple it is, will always go a long way in the lives of anyone in need.
ReplyDeleteYou have such a BIG heart for the kids.. ang saya lang pag nakikita mo silang naka ngiti.
ReplyDeleteJust reading your post made me teary eyed too. I have dreamt of being a teacher before. And so I enjoy reading story books to my niece.
ReplyDeleteAnd what I really love about kids is that you can see how happy they are with just the simple things na binigay sa kanila. Pati yung eyes ng mga kids, naka-smile.. Thanks for sharing, now I'm more excited for PBO. :)
I read your post about your outreach too, Sunny. You're a kind person. Wish you all the best in everything. Ingat lagi. Salamat sa comments. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks a lot, Traveling Hawk. You too, happy new year. Love your new site. :)
ReplyDeleteHahaha. Natawa ako don, Sir bertN. Ingat kayo lagi. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, RuneE. Thank you. Happy new year! :)
ReplyDeleteAmen, the Nomadic Pinoy. Ingat lagi. Salamat sa comments. Happy New Year. :)
ReplyDeleteSalamat ng marami, June. Contagious ang smile ng mga bata...pati energy nila. :)
ReplyDeleteGoodluck sa PBO nyo, Joanne. Enjoy your time with the kids. Happy new year! :)
ReplyDeleteSuch adorable kids at Alay Pagasa :)I really felt how happy and touched you were when you were with them.. Makes me more excited for our outreach :)
ReplyDeleteHappy 2013 Rizalenio! God speed! :)
gusto ko rin ma try yung kindergarten teacher ;-) pero hanggang caregiver lang ako ;-) ang hirap kaya alagaan yung preschoolers at toddlers. nakaka aliw pero super kulet at likot. at ang noble ng ginawa nyo - yung outreach. God bless!
ReplyDeletewhat a great post to start the year. beautiful kids and i love their innocent smiles. best wishes for 2013!
ReplyDeleteThank you very much, Zai. Goodluck sa PBO nyo. You're all good persons to be organizing that kind of activity. Bless you more, guys.
ReplyDeleteMaraming salamat, Phioxee. Simpleng ways na makapagbigay ng saya sa mga bata, sobrang saya ng feeling. I love being with kids - iba ang energy nila, nakakaenergize. :)
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year! :)
Thanks a lot, LR. Love their smiles too. It will make your heart smile as well. Stay safe in all your travels. :)
ReplyDeleteShort but beautiful post! I can sense that this is what you want to do kahit di ka bayaran. :)
ReplyDeleteHi, Ed. Thank you very much. Happy 2013! Ingat sa mga trips esp abroad. All the best for you this new year. :)
ReplyDeleteGood for you. I also did that several times before and usually I'm the one feeling more blessed at the end of those outreaches.
ReplyDeleteI think si Grimace yung purple mascot ng McDo. Hehe. Masyado kasi associated si Barney sa purple + mascot e.
Good to know you're back! I've frequented this blog while you're too busy. Have a happy and blessed New Year!
Yep, si Grimace! Hahahaha.
ReplyDeleteSalamat ng marami, Beth. Happy new year. Ingat lagi. :)
These kids are having really great fun.
ReplyDeleteThose wonderful images of happy kids - happy new year to you too!
ReplyDeleteoh, such sweet smiles. :) thank you for sharing the joy.
ReplyDeletesabi nga nung kanta: teach your children well
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year Rizalenio. A truly rewarding vocation as I once assisted in this activity for a few years. Photographing children is a difficult and sensitive matter but you have captured the happiness & joy very well.
ReplyDeleteHi, Rajesh. It was uplifting seeing them having fun. Thanks for your comments. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you very much, Helen. Have a nice day! :)
ReplyDeleteSweet smiles indeed. Thanks a lot, TexWisGirl. :)
ReplyDeleteThat's true, Photo Cache. Ingat lagi. Salamat sa comments. :)
ReplyDeleteHi, Jayz. Glad to hear from you. Thanks a lot for all the wonderful words. Stay safe. :)
ReplyDeleteIndeed, many reasons to smile! Wishing you health and happiness in the new year!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year always with a smile!!!
ReplyDeleteHi, Diane Az. Thanks a lot. Happy weekend! :)
ReplyDeleteHappy weekend, Phivos. Thanks for your comments. :)
ReplyDeleteamazing to note guro ka din pala dati!
ReplyDeletemabuhay ka for doing that outreach program for those angels!
Hi, Doc. Kung hindi po ako nakapasok sa corporate world, magtutuloy tuloy ako sa pagtuturo. Pangarap ko pa din ang magturo.
ReplyDeleteThank you sa comments. Happy Saturday. :)