Grade 3 extends environmental learning beyond the classroom

In one of their final environmental activities of the school year, Grade 3 Ateneans explored La Mesa Ecopark, deepening their appreciation and care for nature. 

Guided by the school’s commitment to Pope Francis’ 7-year Laudato Si’ journey, the Grade 3 students set out on a meaningful learning experience outside the classroom for its only field trip of the school year.

On 13 February 2026, the third grade students visited La Mesa Ecopark, engaging with nature firsthand. This marked the grade level’s first visit to the park, as previous field trips had taken place at different venues.

The itinerary featured an introduction to Philippine native trees, a learning session on water systems, a visit to the Butterfly Garden, a mindfulness walk in the forest, an art activity in the park, a storytelling about Maria Makiling, and a reflection exercise to close out the day. Several experiences stood out, including the Philippine native trees session, where students took a close look at species like the Narra and learned about their ecological importance.

During the water systems activity, the young learners discovered how water is recycled, while the mindfulness walk in the forest allowed them to immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of nature.

The field trip served as an excellent complementary learning experience for the students as it strengthened their understanding of Laudato Si’ and continued the hands-on environmental lessons they had been exploring all year.

Lakbay Tayong Tatlo: Ikaw, Ako, at ang Kalikasan

Throughout the school year, the students immersed themselves in a series of integrated activities anchored on the theme “Lakbay Tayong Tatlo: Ikaw, Ako, at ang Kalikasan.” The initiative, which drew lessons from across all subject areas, aimed to teach the students how to take care of oneself, nurture healthy relationships, respect creation, and develop several practical life skills such as making informed decisions, appreciating the value of money, and utilizing different forms of communication, etc.

All these activities were intentionally connected to environmental stewardship, reinforcing that caring for oneself and others goes hand in hand with caring for the environment. 

Together, these experiences – both inside and outside the classroom – reflect Grade 3 students’ ongoing hopeful journey toward becoming environmentally conscious individuals.