Rizal's Childhood and Early Education

Study Notes

Childhood and Early Education

Rizal had fond memories of his childhood in Calamba.
As a family, they prayed together during the Angelus.
Rizal enjoyed spending time in the garden exchanging stories with his family, which fostered an appreciation for nature.
Rizal's poor health led to him having a personal servant who told him legends and fairy tales after the daily Angelus.
These stories sparked his interest in myths and folklores.
As a young boy, Rizal displayed intelligence and learning ability.
His first teacher was Doña Teodora, who taught him to pray and the alphabet at a very young age.
Rizal showed a strong interest in reading books and spent time in the family library.
Rizal had private tutors, including Maestro Celestino and Maestro Lucas Padua, who taught him Latin, reading, and writing.
Leon Monroy honed Rizal's skills in basic Latin, reading, and writing.
At nine years old, Rizal left Calamba to study in Biñan with his brother.
They traveled by carromata and stayed at their aunt's home for more than a year.
Rizal was introduced to Justiniano Aquino Cruz, who was also Paciano's former teacher, by Paciano.
The school, as described by Rizal, was a nipa house 30 meters away from his aunt's house.
Rizal's daily routine involved morning mass, studying, breakfast, school, and more school.
During his leisure time, Rizal excelled in Latin and Spanish and enjoyed painting lessons from Juancho, an old painter.
Rizal spent time in Juancho's studio learning painting and drawing.
Rizal was sent to the Ateneo Municipal by his father for a six-year program, Bachiller en Artes.
He received entrance exam on June 10, 1872, four months after Gomburza's execution.
Rizal changed his name from Jose Mercado to Jose Rizal at his brother's recommendation.