I'm not even sure if it's too early for me to scout for possible
schools as Ching only turned 3 this January. Toddler schools are very
common nowadays especially in Metro Manila but since I am a working mom
from Cavite, the main thought of enrolling Ching in one would be an
impossible feat for me. To add, schools nowadays do not come cheap.
Leih and I have been discussing when we'll start Ching's formal
schooling. From what I've observed, my little girl isn't ready for it
just yet and I have no plans of pressuring her to perform as the other
kids her age does. I have always believed that every child is different.
I feel it better to encourage my child and teach her at home every
chance I get until she's at the proper age to start school.
And yes, there is the inevitable topic of where to send her next
year... Before Leih left, we talked about what kind of education we'd
want our child to have. These days, you get to have more choices in this
field compared to ours years back. There's the traditional school,
home-schooling, non-tradional, Waldorf, etc...
Both
Leih and I went to traditional co-ed schools just like most kids our
age. I must say that though traditional schools have yielded
successful graduates, my husband and I feel like taking another path
when it comes to Ching's education.
I have been
continuously researching about the differences of these teaching
approaches for some time now and so far, I think I found what I've been
wanting for my little girl. Given the option, I prefer a school which
nurtures a child's potentials particular to her age. I want her to enjoy
school and see it as her second home. I want her to learn in a warm,
beautiful and home-like environment where she'd be encouraged to develop
her imagination and other skills.. A kind of education that will not
only educate my child but transform her to be a good human being and
enrich her values & respect for life and for others. I have high
regards for institutions who promote the importance of family in their
curriculum. I'm not having Ching home-schooled though, just to be clear.
I want my child to find eagerness in learning the academics without
having to need to vie for the honor's list. In my heart, I want to
become an integral part of her learning, and I'm more than willing to
support my child in any way I can. If there's one thing I would like to
spare my child from, it is the pressure of excelling, something that I
once went through as a child. Though I have nothing but gratitude for my
ever-patient mother for teaching me all there is I need to know, still,
I believe that learning should not be turned into a competition where
kids are forced to perform and be the best amongst others, no matter
what expense.
Sounds too good to be true? Well, I
think I already found the right school for my child. I will not be
dropping names though for it is too early just yet. But I'm glad I have
come to a sound decision a year ahead. We can start saving up for it
now. I just hope we'd be able to sustain the cost... =)
