Posted by Teacher Ria in Teacher's Corner, Toys and Playthings | 0 Comments

The Dangers of Technology.

One question many parents have asked me is whether or not it would be a good idea to give their children mobile phones or perhaps allow them to join social networking sites such as Friendster or Multiply. Being a big fan of modern day technology, my answer is often yes, as long as you think your child is ready for it. I even encourage blogging and keeping an online journal because this helps hone their writing skills. It also develops their thinking skills, as well as builds their vocabulary and enhance logical thinking.

However, as much as I am a big supporter of the internet as a venue for learning, I am taking this time to take pause and outline some of the danger technology brings, especially to the youth of today. This comes as my reaction to the increasing numbers of sex videos, sexually explicit photographs and innuendos found not just in the internet, and even on personal mobile phones and devices.

If you found this post interesting, informative and educational, feel free to take home my notes by subscribing here.

Posted by Teacher Ria in Life Lessons | 1 Comment

Playing in the Sandbox.

(I am borrowing the term sandbox loosely from the Social Networking Site of the same name. I don’t know if the developers named the Smart’s site, Sandbox for the same reason I envision it to be, but nonetheless, I think I live in a world of virtual sandboxes. Parts of this post is taken from an earlier post I wrote in my Sandbox account entitled “In the Sandbox”.)

As a preschool teacher, I’ve seen many great things happen in the sandbox. From friendships being formed to arguments erupting and being settled the Sandbox is probably a kids version of the real world. This is where ideas are born and developed. It is where loyalties are learned and values are explored. And lest we forget, it is a place of fun!

As we get older, we move away from the sandbox and forage through the great unknown, but the dynamics remain the same. We find a place where we converge, form friendships, settle arguments, share ideas, and even find love and grow.

Posted by Teacher Ria in Outside the Classroom | 2 Comments

Dine with PAWS.

Before Bubba came to my life, I did not care much about animals. For me, they were just insignificant creatures. However, as Bubba worked his magic on me, I started realizing that they were not insignificant at all. In fact, Bubba has taught me a lot of important life lessons, many of which I’ve written about here and here.

This is why when I read about the charity dinner PAWS is organizing, I knew immediately I wanted to take him. It sounds like a fun event that Bubba and I will definitely get to enjoy. Plus it helps raise funds and awareness for the plight of many of the unwanted, abandoned and abused animals that PAWS helps protect.

Posted by Teacher Ria in Tips and Tricks | 2 Comments

The Value of Money.

One thing my mother always tried to teach me is the value of money. I don’t really know if she was successful because up to now, I tend to be an impulsive shopper. However, one thing I know for sure is that she taught me that money does not grow on trees.

From an early age, she never really “gave” me money. I say this because she always taught me that if I wanted money, I have to work for it or at least deserve it.  After all, she would say, hindi lang napupulot ang pera (you can’t just pick money off the streets).

Posted by Teacher Ria in Teacher's Corner | 13 Comments

My Most Unforgettable Teacher Blog Contest.

Not too long ago, I recieved the results of my performance evaluation in the last trimester. In De La Salle University, where I teach, faculty members are evaluated by thier students every term. I have always recieved good evaluations, ranging from a satisfactory to very satisfactory. I have recieved an outstanding once in the past, but when I opened my envelope this term and saw the outstanding rating, I was thrilled. But what made my heart overflow was the qualitative assessment one of my students had placed there saying “she is one of the best teachers I’ve ever had in DLSU”.

I felt like I had won the lottery. In the past few months I had been feeling the weight of the economic crisis a lot and being a teacher, I have to admit I don’t have that much leeway for economic fluctuations. Many times I consider doing something else that is more financially rewarding. Receiving such heart warming feedback and affirmation made me realize that despite my economic woes, I am rich. I am made even more rich with the idea that I am making a difference.

This now leads us to the perfect contest, especially as the school year starts!