A New Way of Learning with Galileo

My mother, though not rigidly strict was consistent in building our study habits growing up. I graduated Class Salutatorian in grade school, went to UP High School in Cebu, and earned my History degree in UP Visayas ( I think I’m smart. haha). Before I became a freelance writer, I taught in Japan and in a Chinese school here in Iloilo City. My experiences growing up and my exposure as an educator shaped the way I wanted my kids to excel.

While some moms enrolled their kids in preschool under the pretext that their kids can read and count  by 2 or 3 years old, I sent my kids to UP Balay Balay instead, where they only played and learned at the same time. I wanted my kids to socialize, listen to stories, sing, and learn some skills like cleaning up or putting on their own socks and shoes. I don’t like schools with “ advanced” lessons. For me, you are just fooling yourself and making a robot out of your child. I want kids to love school and learning. I just want two things from my kids –the love for reading and be good in Math.

The quest for the perfect tutor

Hence, I think I’m one of the few mothers in school who never brought my kids to a tutor. Not even once. Why? I can’t find a good tutorial service. I’d rather teach them myself. I’m taken aback to see tutorial centers with cubicles with shoving workbooks and worksheets to their tutees. On other center, I can’t feel the dedication of the tutors (I don’t want them to act like college professors but I want to see the passion).

Both my kids are doing good in school but deep inside me, I feel that I haven’t tapped their full potential. I’m not a perfect mother – I bail study time many times but I clear my schedule during exam week. Juggling different things and studying with them are taking a toll  already. This year, I’ve been looking for an after-school program that can meet my expectation.

Finally, I met Galileo.

I thought Galileo is just another after-school enrichment program. I’m glad and blessed to personally meet the great woman behind Galileo – Ms. Rowena Juan-Matti – and learned about their program. I think I’ve found what I’ve always been looking for.

Galileo started in 2004 and has centers all over the country. They have both school-based and stand alone centers. Lastly July of 2017, Galileo opened their first center in Iloilo. You check your nearest Galileo center here.

Galileo Enrichment Learning Program is inline with my “ learning through play” mantra. I don’t want to penalize my kids with academics, but I also want them to perform best. Hence, Galileo offers an after-school program that even our kids will love going.

Galileo’s center reminds me of a play hub with their open layout and bright color scheme.

Kid2 is an introvert and he kept telling me, ” I’m shy Mama” on our way to Galileo Iloilo, but as soon as we arrived, he told me, ” I want to stay here, Ma!“. The ambiance is really welcoming. Picture yourself after a long day in school, you will be brought to a play house.

Galileo offers enrichment programs in English and Math ( ages 3-12) and Singapore Math for students ages 6-12. I think aside from their fun approach to learning, Galileo’s edge is their Singapore Math. Developed in 1982 by Singapore’s Ministry of Education, Singapore Math is sought after and followed by various educational systems in the world.

My kids’ school turns out uses Singapore Math. I think I will write a separate post on Singapore Math but what I can share is that it teaches kids the ” how” and ” why” of Mathematical concepts. If you are looking for a tutorial center in Iloilo offering Singapore Math, check out Galileo Iloilo.

Here is sneak peak to Galileo Iloilo and a short clip to my kid’s demo lesson. Before you start your lesson, your child will take an assessment test to gauze his/her current level.

My son can’t wait to go back to Galileo and we’ll be back next week. I don’t mind going there at the end of the school year, I think we still have ample time. Learning shouldn’t have a timeline.

For those looking for summer classes for kids, Galileo offers programs like Coding and Money Smart Camp. A real upgrade from the usual art and music classes, isn’t it? I’m interested to sign up my eldest  for their Coding program – I’ve been asking coding lessons from their Computer class.

Big thanks to Galileo Iloilo for accommodating us. I too, enjoyed the demo and excited for my kids. We are looking forward learning and playing at the same time at Galileo Iloilo!

To know more about Galileo and further inquiries, visit their website – www.galileoenrichment.com and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.