Building character at Bright Seeds

 

“Building character at Bright Seeds”

Sun.Star Davao, April 26, 2014

Like seeds in the garden, children need to be lovingly nurtured to grow with all of their best potential. Aside from a supportive family, the right choice for a preschool is crucial in ensuring that kids have a strong foundation not only for the ‘big school’ but for the real world as well.

A fresh and welcome addition to the preschools in Davao is the Bright Seeds Preschool which recently opened its doors to the public with the dynamic Maria Lourdes Victoria Tionko-Imperial or simply ‘Teacher Lea’ as the school directress.

Teacher Lea has a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, both with distinctions, from Assumption College in Makati City. For many years, she also worked with the preschool department of an exclusive private school in Makati City.

“While teaching, I was assigned to various leadership roles with my work which included running the preschool department. Throughout those years teaching in Manila, I learned and appreciated the importance of integrating values in the curriculum because it builds positive character among learners”, Teacher Lea, a mom of two young boys, shares.

Growing character

“Character is what defines a child. It is what leads him with his choices. A positive character builds positive action. We believe that a child learns best when he is using his five senses (see, hear, smell, taste and touch); thus, allowing him to discover, explore and develop his character”, Teacher Lea explains.

SEEDS is an acronym for Sensory Experience for Early Developmental Success which is inspired by Pestalozzi’s educational philosophy---“learning by head, hearts and hands”.

Knowledge, skills and values are imparted through Bright Seeds’ 4H Foundation of Learning, namely:

HEAD (Intellectual Development) – Concepts and knowledge are shared through sensory experience activities by using real materials for the child to explore and by allowing him to learn through the use of his five senses (see, hear, smell, taste and touch).

HANDS (Physical Development) – Physical development is as important as the intellectual and emotional/values development. Included in the activities are large and small movement skills which are the foundation of the child’s practical and creative activities.

HEART (Emotional/Values Development) – Through their character building program, the school combines lessons with values and introduces the recognition of God’s love in everything that surrounds us.

HARMONY (Social Development) – Relating well with others is an essential key to a child’s success. Cooperative learning and play are used in activities to allow kids to discover his talents and to respect the talents of others as well.

From seedlings to bloomers

This coming school-year, Bright Seeds Preschool will be offering classes daily with thematically-based activities and lessons. With a corresponding theme for each month, skills and concepts are integrated to the fun activities.

“We believe in consistency of the home and the school. That’s why we involve parents and nannies as well by having constant feedbacks and giving seminars so that there will be continuity with what is being taught in school”, Teacher Lea enthuses.

Classes offered are the following:

Seedlings for 2 to 2.5 years old; Number of students: three; With one teacher and one classroom nanny; Time: 10:15 a.m.-12:15 noon (*Note: Seedlings class also offer thrice a week classes);   

Sprouts for 2.6 to 3.5 years old; Number of students: twelve; With two teachers and one classroom nanny; Time: 10:15 a.m.-12:15 noon;

Buds for 3.6 to 4.5 years old; Number of students: 15; With two teachers and one classroom nanny; Time: 1:30 p.m.-3:40 p.m.; and

Bloomers for 4.6 to 5.5 years old; Number of students: 15; With one teacher and one assistant teacher; Time: 7:45 a.m.-10:05 a.m.

In addition, Bright Seeds Preschool is offering summer classes for Toddlers Playgroup (Songs, Stories, Arts & Crafts, Games, Sensory Play) ages 2 – 3 years old; May 6 – 24 (TThS); 10:30 a.m.-12 noon; Fee: P3,950; and Reading Enrichment Program (Sensory Reading Activities) ages 4-6 years old; May 5-23 (Daily); 9:00am-10:00 a.m.; Fee: P3,750.

“Our vision of a Bright Seeds Preschool learner is someone who responds with confidence and certainty even with an ever changing future through a supreme holistic program. We invite Dabawenyos to experience Bright Seeds and let us help your children bloom!”, Teacher Lea smiles.

For inquiries, Bright Seeds Preschool is at Doña Vicenta Road, Doña Vicenta Village, Davao City (near Chowking, across Victoria Plaza); Cellphone numbers: (0917)5400988 and telephone number 3003286.

E-mail the author at mom.about.town.dvo@gmail.com. Visit www.momabouttowndavao.blogspot.com.