On September 9, 2024, I conducted my initial visit to MovEd La Huerta Learning Lab which is my project locale. I was accompanied by my gatekeeper, Ms. Yanna, and I met the MovEd teachers, Teacher Anna and Teacher Gerlie. I also met the parents on that day and I had them sign the consent and assent form for the participation of their children to my project as well as for the use of their children's photos and/or videos for documentation.

On a regular school day, PS1 learners are divided into two sessions, but on this day, they were gathered all together since the teachers were advised that a visitor (me) will be coming to observe the class.

I conducted my initial observation of the learners and the learning environment. PS1 learners' attention spans are really short as they could not stay in one place but I also understand that this is normal given their young age. My thorough observations can be found in my needs, context, and learner analysis.

In letting the parents sign the consent and assent form, my gatekeeper and I had to carefully explain the contents thereof to them in order for them to fully understand what they were signing. I'd like to believe that we were also reassuring to them as to the purpose of getting their consent in good faith and without any ill intention because they were also compliant and willing to have their children participate in the project.

Getting parents' consent is very important in conducting the special project especially because the learners are minors and are still very young. As adults, we have the responsibility of ensuring that their personal information are being handled with confidentiality, especially their photographs and videos. As researchers, we have the ethical responsibility of ensuring that the participants (or their parents, in the case of minors -- who do not have the full legal capacity of providing consent) are aware and agree to be part of the study or project. Special thanks to my gatekeeper and to the MovEd teachers as well for helping me obtain signed consent and assent forms from the parents of the learners!