2011 Learnings

2011 flew by me so fast. I don't know if it was the day job, the business, the homework of the kids, the big 4-0? I don't know.

I have a few realizations, looking back to what I experienced in 2011. Please let me share them with you:

Reedley International School --

Late last year, I was invited by the administrators of Reedley International School for a visit. You might be wondering why I went, considering our two boys are in Xavier School already. I have only one reason: I am always interested in understanding how each school differs in their teaching methods, because I believe that everyone learns differently.

On the left, you can see what is expected of each Reedley kid. For some, it will be a paradigm change from the grade-conscious society of Manila, because Reedley expects all kids to be well-rounded, street-smart kids, who can fend for themselves in the "real world".

One very interesting point that Reedley emphasizes to their students is that the school is against bullying. It is explained to all students that in each situation, there are three parties: the bully, the bullied and the bystander. While we think that the bystander is just that -- a bystander, the child is taught what to do as well. It is not enough to watch the scene folding out, it is important for him or her to do something.