How to Start Your Day Right

If asked exactly how I would want to start my day, I'd probably say a good breakfast, steaming-hot coffee, and some music would hit my sweet spot.  

Today, however, I was reminded of how the children of Hungry Minds start their school day.  I joined the Morning Meeting of the fifth graders of FHMS Malolos.  Children sit around in a circle then start with their chosen Morning Greeting.  Today it was, "Bonjour!" matched with a sour face.  The kids were tickled pink!  

Then came the sharing part.  The first sharer said, "My brother keeps teasing me.  I am now ready for questions and comments."  I encouraged the children to ask questions and give comments.  The children asked about why she was being teased, how old the brother was, and later on how this little girl felt when she was teased.  She said that she tried to ignore her brother, but it was painful.  

My heart melted.  I remembered being teased, not that I was always the victim.  I've done my share of teasing, too.  Anyway, before I could feel really awful, the class came to the rescue.  Some comments that were given were:

- In Taekwondo (from PE class), we learned that there is such a thing as self control.  Just practice self-control.

- Tell your mother about it.

- Find a good time to talk to your brother and tell him gently (their words!) that what he is doing is hurting you.

- Put up a PeaceBuilders poster in your house and talk to your brother about its principles.

These pieces of advice made my heart soar!  Oh, I love how these kids show so much care for each other!  A few minutes later, the little girl who shared thanked her classmates for their questions and comments.  The meeting went on with one more sharing, a short activity, and then the day's announcements.

Morning Meeting is such a simple activity, but I know that it just starts things right for the Hungry Minds children.  In the short span of 20 minutes, I witnessed some tender hearts being made stronger.  I couldn't believe how much wisdom there was inside that room!  There was also such a generous show of support for each person.  Those children are really wiser than they look and stronger than I always think!  

Now allow me to one more thing to my list of things that make my morning right - a good breakfast, great coffee, music, and Morning Meeting!  

Note:  Thanks to www.google.com.ph for the photos.

HS Scholars Give Back

It doesn't seem too long ago when in 2004 we organized Saturday morning tutorials for our first Grade 4 batch. Employees from our donor company volunteered to conduct them.  The kids needed assistance especially in their English, Math, and Science subjects, so extra help was extended.

This morning, on another Saturday, students from the same batch who received help now gave back.  Those 4th Graders are now in 4th Year High School and are enrolled in private schools because of donations from individuals who wanted them to continue what they started in Hungry Minds.  Since our new 4th graders need help, these students conducted tutorials for them.

I can't help but be so proud of the persons our students have become.  I share this pride and joy with each person who helped along the way.  Our kids are growing up!  Look at what they're doing now! :)