Teacher Gina Unson-Rivera

"If my students learn to love reading and strive to do so independently, then I know I've achieved my goal."

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For Teacher Gina, there's nothing that inspires her more these days than seeing a child pick up a book and turn the pages with interest and focus. She understands that the age group she teaches may already be immersed in technology and books may not be immediately within their reach, or not considered a priority.

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Storytelling has always been a passion for this seasoned teacher, who has taught the pre-K and Kindergarten levels for more than 25 years (18 years teaching the Vivaldi Virtuosi level at Mindbuilders). During the pandemic, she began making videos of read-alouds for her students, eventually creating the Facebook Page "Storytime with Teacher Gina."

In 2022, her dream of becoming a children's book author had finally come true. She had penned three stories that were published by Anvil Publishing. 

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The books are early readers, with minimal text (Tagalog and English) and whimsical pictures, all illustrated by Domz Agsaway. "Mga Tinapay ni Tinay" (Tinay's Bread) introduces children to the popular types of Filipino bread; "Ang Sampung Pusa ni Lola Adela" (Lola Adela's Ten Cats) tells of a grandmother who lovingly cares for her cats; "Mga Pasahero sa Dyip" (Jeepney Passengers) shows commuters boarding and alighting from a jeepney at different community places. Each book features a QR Code that when scanned, links the parent or teacher to downloadable teaching/learning materials. With her stories' themes, Teacher Gina is also more than happy to guest in other schools for storytelling events (with advanced scheduling).

 

With her writing experience and 8 years of advertising (account mgt., McCann Erickson) behind her, Teacher Gina is also the school's Special Events Coordinator.  Her love for art, music, musical theater and film are big influences whenever she creates a concept for the school's programs. She considers it a challenge to think of something new every year!