Beyond Books: Little Explorers at Niña Maria Learning Center Discover Learning in Nature

What a beautiful experience it was for the Kinder 2 learners during their encounter with nature. The children truly enjoyed the activity, had so much fun, and created meaningful memories with their peers.

The adventure began on January 24, 2026, at the Lestonnac Youth Center. At exactly 8:30 in the morning, supportive parents brought their children to the venue, where the assigned teachers warmly assisted them. To promote unity and team spirit, both the children and their assigned teachers wore shirts that matched their group colors.

The learners were grouped into six teams, identified by the colors yellow, red, pink, purple, blue, and green. Each group was guided by dedicated teachers who ensured the children’s safety, participation, and enjoyment throughout the activity. The yellow group was handled by Teacher Lydia Sabanal and Teacher Marlylie Jane C. Aron, while the red group was guided by Teacher Mavette R. Japay and Teacher Sheraldene C. Eleccion. The pink group was supervised by Teacher Lorna Mae E. Escabus and Teacher Liza B. Nalla, and the purple group by Teacher Guillian O. Tiosen and Teacher Lowelyn Castillo. The blue group was assisted by Teacher Camael C. Cagas and Teacher Kaye C. Villarico, while the Green Group was led by Techer Almera Grace T. Danuco and Teacher Rodelle A. Guzman.

Before the program officially started, Teacher Lydia Sabanal and Teacher Kaye C. Villarico collected the payment for the venue. The encounter with nature was not only enjoyable but also meaningful, as it allowed the learners to socialize, appreciate the beauty of God’s creation, and actively engage their bodies in fun and educational environment. Each group found a suitable spot where they could comfortably place their mats and organize their belongings before the activity began.

The program started at 9:00 in the morning with Teacher Pia Vevialyn Codriga as the emcee. The opening prayer was led by Nina Croel May D. Suazo from Kinder 2 Lestonnac and followed by the singing of the National Anthem, which was led by Alana Smile G. Balaba. Teacher Maria Estela C. Dalman formally welcomed everyone during the opening remarks. Our school principal, Dr. Maria Flerida T. Nery, encouraged the young learners to be active throughout the activity.

After the opening remarks, Teacher Grace Danuco smoothly led the Shibashi exercise, guiding the young learners through a series of flowing movements that encouraged calmness, coordination, and inner balance. Together with their assigned teachers, the children took part in a nature tour that encouraged exploration, curiosity, and a deeper appreciation of nature through hands-on learning. They saw three different kinds of plants and trees and some animals, such as goats, chickens, and fish. 

After enjoying their snacks, they played the Amazing Race, where they collected stickers as they completed each game. At exactly 12:00 noon, after playing the Amazing Race, they took a short rest and then prepared for lunch. Marco Drexel G. Naguita led the prayer before the meal. After finishing their food, they kept their food containers, cleaned their area, and took a rest. At 12:45 p.m., the program concluded with a closing prayer led by Rhayne Gabriell T. Cababat.

In this encounter with nature, our little explorers learned big lessons - care, wonder, and love for the world around them.

Text by: Maria Estela C. Dalman from Kinder 2 – Lestonnac Adviser
Photos: Kaye C. Villarico from Grade 5 – Richelet Adviser