Today I was in the El Nido, and though I still miss some of the connections that I made with the children in the Primary, I know that I made some of the same connections with the younger students.
At first none of the students were too quick to warm up to me. More or less they just stared or ignored me. But then twin girls came in who I had heard were fairly new to the school and soon enough I was watching them go down the slide and talking with them as they did. Even after circle time the girls were grabbing my hand and leading me around the playground. Other students were soon talking with me soon, waving at me, and playing games with me. A particular student thought it was hilarious to say "hi" and "bye" to me as he opened and shut the doors to the school.
Although not a lot in the El Nido benefited my specific research, the experience was a great personal gain.