TEACHING – A Classroom Full of Stories

I was assigned to teach Grade 2 students, and honestly… teaching them became one of the most unforgettable parts of this journey.

At first, I thought it would be quite challenging and yes, it was but in the most beautiful way possible. They were very active (sometimes a bit chaotic), but at the same time, they were incredibly smart, curious, and full of energy. What made me happiest was how interested they were in learning English. Their enthusiasm made every lesson feel alive.

Before starting the lesson, I always included a short ice-breaking activity. It may seem simple, but it made a big difference. They became more focused, more excited, and more connected to the lesson. Seeing their energy change like that was something I truly enjoyed as a teacher.

I also prepared my teaching using lesson plans and PowerPoint slides following the Filipino teaching style. At first, I found it quite complex compared to what I was used to in Indonesia. The structure, the details, and the expectations were more advanced, and honestly it was a bit overwhelming at the beginning.

But at the same time, it became a new learning experience for me. I started to understand how teaching methods can be different in each country, and instead of feeling discouraged, I felt challenged in a good way. It pushed me to learn more, adapt faster, and improve myself. And surprisingly, I really enjoyed the process.

During my teaching practice, I was also guided by the class adviser, Sir Emerson A. Salvador, who was very supportive and welcoming. He didn’t just observe, but also gave me meaningful feedback and insights about teaching in the Philippine context. His guidance helped me understand the students better and improve my teaching approach. I’m truly grateful to have had such a supportive mentor.

Another thing that made this experience special was the teachers at the school. They were very kind, approachable, and always willing to help. Even though I was new, they made me feel comfortable and accepted.

I was also surprised by how well the students handled the worksheets I gave them. Honestly, the level of difficulty was quite high compared to Indonesian Grade 2 standards but they were able to do it very well. It made me realize how capable and well-trained they are.

One of the most touching moments I will never forget was when I wanted to sit but didn’t have a chair. Without me asking, one of the students immediately brought a chair for me. It was such a small and simple gesture, but it meant so much. It showed me how kind and thoughtful they were.

During my demo teaching, I felt a mix of nervousness and excitement. I was being observed and evaluated, so of course I wanted to do my best. But once I started teaching and saw the students engaging with the lesson, I slowly felt more confident.

Seeing them understand what I was teaching, answering questions, and participating actively made me feel incredibly proud. It was one of those moments where I thought, “Yes, this is why I chose to become a teacher.”

At the end of the lesson, I shared Indonesian snacks like Gopeng, Derry, Ting-Ting, and chocolates. They were so happy and excited it turned into such a warm and joyful closing moment. We ended the class with smiles, laughter, and memories that I will always carry with me.