February 14, 2025
Preschoolers experience their first market day
By Dorothy Castro
On February 7, Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool Philippines went on a trip to Farmers Market in Cubao, Quezon City, to teach students where their nutritious food comes from and how they can purchase it. While this may seem like a routine activity to adults, marketing can be fun for kids.
Three teachers, 10 students, and 10 parents set off to the Cubao market, excited to participate in this new experience for the kids.
This is one of Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool Philippines’ goals: to provide essential life skills through experiential learning and exposure to daily activities. These include interactions with people, simple chores, and understanding the world around them.
Additionally, they involve family, encouraging parents to be alongside their young ones through each milestone.
To guide the students in this new setting, each was provided with a list of items to purchase, all of which are vegetarian. Hence, not only are children exposed to this learning environment, but healthy eating is incorporated into this immersive experience.
Students and their companions roamed around, choosing their preferred stores to buy the needed ingredients. The bustling stores had all kinds of nutritious options that day, from fresh fruits to vibrant and crisp vegetables.
“It was Naiya’s first time at the wet market. She was very excited, and even though there were so many shops and veggies, she was very focused on her shopping list that the teacher gave,” said Nikki Ngo, mother of pre-kindergarten student Naiya.
Hand in hand, they walked around the market, mother teaching daughter how to spot fresh produce for their planned dishes at home.
Likewise, Allan Anggala taught his son Ava the ropes on buying quality yet affordable greens.
“As he grows older, I hope we can guide him [further] so that he understands the value of knowing the price of the vegetables,” said the enthusiastic dad.
This is why he entrusted his son’s education to Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool Philippines. “[It is] because they teach life skills, not purely academics. This is good for the children so they can learn more about life,” he said.
Ngo agreed, sharing that a simple trip to the market can teach kids the value of money and how to spend it wisely.
After this successful shopping trip, students and parents brought home their purchases and, as a family, created different sumptuous veggie dishes for the family to enjoy.
Before the start of the market exposure trip, participants gathered for a group photo.
The Farmers Market in Cubao, Quezon City, is a great source of fresh fruits and vegetables at affordable prices.
There’s no shortage of fresh fruits and vegetables at the Farmers Market.
There’s no shortage of fresh fruits and vegetables at the Farmers Market.
There’s no shortage of fresh fruits and vegetables at the Farmers Market.
A pre-kindergarten student checks out the broccoli sold by the vendor.
Students compare notes as they complete their purchases.
A parent (in blue) guides her son in purchasing vegetables.
Allan Anggala (in blue), takes the lead in buying vegetables before teaching his son Ava some valuable tips to make a good purchase.
Allan Anggala (left, in blue), takes the lead in buying vegetables before teaching his son Ava some valuable tips to make a good purchase.
Nikki Ngo (in blue) poses with daughter Naiya after completing their shopping trip.
A happy student carries her purchases.
Students showing off their purchases.
Students carrying their purchase after a successful shopping day.
Pre-kindergarten student Gavin cooks a nutritious veggie noodle dish.
A pre-kindergarten student shows off the stir-fried dish he prepared.
Pre-kindergarten student Harmonie proudly shows her creation: stir-fried vegetables with onions.
Mother-daughter pair Raquel and Harmonie Tan work together to create a tasty meal.