Every parent wishes their children to succeed in life. That is why we send them to school to learn knowledge that will be useful to them in the future.
Hello, Hive family and friends! I hope you are doing great at this moment as you read my blog. Your cup-bearer will share with you the moment of our daughter, Jehoia Reece, during her moving-up day.
A month ago, the daycare center of our barangay, where our daughter is attending, informed us that they would be starting the practice for their recognition and the moving-up ceremony. Teacher Gladys also informed us that our daughter would be the one to express gratitude on behalf of the daycare learners. They provided the speech, and when I read it, I found it hard for my daughter to memorize since it's quite long for her age. We did not refuse the favor of teacher Gladys; instead, we started to practice our daughter's delivery of the speech. I improved some of the parts to make it more meaningful and easy for the audience to feel the emotion of the child.
Our working scholar accompanied Jehoia during their practice at the center. We were not able to witness how she practiced there. We thought she performed there the way she performed at our house. But when we decided to attend the practice, we were shocked because she's not doing it well. She waited for her teacher to dictate every word she needed to utter. Even though she had a hard time memorizing the speech, we know she can do it without anyone dictating to her. We approached the teacher and informed her that she could do it alone. It would also help her to practice not depending on anyone when delivering the speech to the crowd.
They also practiced their invocation, moving-up song, and dance presentation. We observed that our daughter is shy and would not perform well. When we arrived home, we talked to her and encouraged her to practice with us. She was also interested in improving her performance. But we did not put pressure on her because she's improving every day during their practice at the center.
Their teacher informed us about the moving-up pictorial. When the day came, my wife prepared her with a light makeover. She was excited to participate in the pictorial. When we arrived at the center, her friends greeted her. We waited for her turn for the pictorial. I helped them let Jehoia watch the camera since she's watching me from a distance. She really wanted me to be closer to her all the time.
After the pictorial, they had a short break. We forgot to bring her snacks since we thought they would only take the moving-up photos. Teacher Gladys called Jehoia to practice her speech. And she asked us why Jehoia was not taking her snacks. We responded that we'd just buy her in town after the practice. We were not informed that they would stay longer after the planned pictorial. She told us that we could go home since Jehoia had already mastered her part of the program.
Several days and weeks were allotted for the moving-up preparations. If we cannot send Jehoia to the practice, we will call our working scholar to accompany her. We were happy to know that our daughter was eager to perform her part for the event. Every time we come home from work, she shares about her day at the center. She is always excited to share with us, especially during dinner time. We practiced that we would eat together and share some experiences that would teach our children a lesson. They also have their stories to tell, and we always remind them to be good and responsible individuals.
Teacher Gladys asked us to prepare the costume for the dance presentation. We submitted the needed clothes and paid some contributions for the creation of their costume. While the big day for the daycare learners came nearer, Jehoia became more excited to deliver her speech. She needs to change the name of the guest when the head of office of the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Department dies. But fortunately, she was able to adjust easily with the name of the officer-in-charge.
The moving-up ceremony was held on June 3rd at 1:00 o'clock in the afternoon. We went to the barangay covered court 30 minutes before the time. We bought some leis for her and waited for the program to start. I decided not to accompany her during the processional so that I could take photos. I was given a chair to sit beside my wife at the back of the recognized learners. They then performed the invocation, followed by the Philippine National Anthem. The barangay captain welcomed the attendees and congratulated the learners and the parents.
The torch of knowledge was lit by Scarlet, one of the recognized learners. It was followed by the presentation and confirmation of the recognized daycare learners and the distribution of certificates. The MSWD Officer-in-charge at the same time the Municipal Administrator delivered an inspirational message. He reminded and encouraged the parents to nurture the behavior of the children so that they will become responsible in the future. After the message of Hon. Hingco, the learners, pledged their loyalty to the daycare center.
One of the municipal councilors who graced the occasion also delivered an inspirational message. He emphasized the importance of the family in society. He even shared and quoted that FAMILY is an acronym. Father and Mother, I love you. It reminds us of the commandment to honor the mother and father. He also shared some updates on the projects and programs of the local government unit of the town. We are hoping and praying that employment will grow once the newly built shipyard starts its operations. Many local families will soon benefit from the said business.
The recognized learners then performed their moving-up song, I'm ready to go. Obviously, she mastered the steps of the song. I was amused that even at her young age, she knows how to focus on the given task. The moment has come for Jehoia to be called on stage to deliver her words of gratitude. Unlike his brother, Ioseph, who delivered a speech during his kindergarten years, I never felt nervous, and I was just calm, believing she could do it in front of many people. Jehoia delivered it well and got applauded by the audience and the guests.
Teacher Gladys called one of the learners to render a song while others had the time to change their costumes. After the song rendition, they danced the Pearly Shells. Jehoia gracefully performed the dance together with her partner, Nash. We never thought she improved much compared to the previous practices. She then hugged and kissed me and said, I love you. She's so kind and sweet. I always wish it would never change as time passes.
It is her first step going up in formal education. She will enroll at the school where my wife is teaching. We are just looking forward to the days that our kids will always strive for excellence in education. They both wanted to become medical doctors someday. But they are too young, and maybe it will eventually change. But if that's what they want to become in the future, we'll just prepare for it.
This moment is something we will forever cherish. This will pass, but it will never be forgotten. A little win for our little one, but we have our huge support for her first achievement.
Thank you for your precious time. I hope you enjoyed reading my blog. Till next time.
The lead image was edited using Canva. Other
images are mine unless stated otherwise.
