Posted by Teacher Ria in Teacher's Corner | 5 Comments

Blogging as a Platform for Influence.

I am glad I am a teacher in this generation. I have a high regard and great respect for the teachers of yesterday, but I have to admit I feel very lucky that I am teaching in this day and age, mainly because of the advancements in technology.

In the last trimester, I was able to explore blogging as a teaching tool. In one of our class projects, I encouraged my students to come up with a multimedia campaign for an advocacy of their choice. They had a freehand in deciding how to go about it. Several of the groups chose online media as part of their campaigns. They started blogs and social networking profiles to get their messages across.

It was a great success! Even though we did not formally launch the project beyond the class members, I was able to see how the web, and blogging, can be a tool of influence.

That experience, coupled with my exposure to many blogger events and Plurk, allowed me to consider blogs as a platform for influence, thus the birth of this particular blog. To be honest, I ‘ve been blogging since 2004 or 2005, with Friendster still, and I never saw the value of my blog outside of me and my friends until now.

Not so long ago, I read about the search for the Top Ten Emerging Influential Blogs. I honestly did not expect to be nominated at all, but I feel blessed and honored that I was! Because I beleive that blogs are indeed platforms for influence, here is a short-list of blogs that I feel are influential. This is not my entry to the writing project, nor am I guaranteeing that these will be in my final list. For me as TEACHER RIA however (the Yapatoots or personal part of me may have different ideas hehe), these are great reads:

1. The Filipino Mom Blog.

2. OFW Para Sa Pamilya.

3. Gain Smiles. Find a Hundred and Plus Reasons to Smile.

4. Project Fit.

5. of course….The Accidental Teacher.

All these blogs have one thing in common, in my opinion: they really help! Be it parenting, teaching, psychological wellbeing or just overall wellness, these blogs can be sources of inspiration and information for it’s readers. I hope this list helps out a friend and reader of this blog, Earthlingorgeous, as she tries to find her own top ten blogs for nomination. Check out her contest search here!

Posted by Teacher Ria in Advocacies, Teacher's Corner | 6 Comments

Plagiarism and the Mainstream Media.

The blatant disregard for intellectual property rights on the internet is troubling enough, but when we see this creep into the mainstream media, it becomes disheartening and to some extent, shameful.

This weekend, I was shocked by the news from fellow bloggers that an article originally written by Enrico Dee, known as Byahilo on the blogosphere, was infringed upon by the mainstream media. As noted by Byahilo, his article on a cake shop in Bacolod was grossly plagiarized by a Cebu based paper, The Freeman. The same article was also printed in the website PhilStar.com.  (I was planning to add a link here for you to see the article, but when I tried to access it guess what: it had been taken down. However, screen caps of the said article are available in Byahilo’s site.)

In my line of work, it really irks me when my students copy from websites or what not in the papers they submit to me. I tell them that even blog sites should not be copied, and if ever they do get some information from somewhere, adding the words “according to” or “taken from” and the like is expected. I have been somewhat more lenient compared to some of my fellow faculty, in a sense that I reprimand and give them an opportunity to revise before giving them a failing mark. However, as with my previous article, how can we teach the youth what is right when those who are in the workforce (or whatever area that may be) do not do what is right?

I join my fellow bloggers in calling for a more ethical and fair media, one that honors the intellectual property rights of bloggers. Many of us in the blogosphere may not be journalism graduates. We may not have the necessary technical skills and knowledge journalists do. Perhaps we don’t get paid the way journalists do, but that doesn’t make us less of authors or our work and we deserve credit where credit is due. The author of the article, Oliver Victor B. Amoroso, should be held accountable for his misdeeds. The Freeman and the PhilStar.com  likewise should take steps to safeguard the rights of writers everywhere, on and offline.

Posted by Teacher Ria in Life Lessons, The Library | 15 Comments

Books to Liven Up Every Library

For PhotoHunt this week, the theme is books. Over the summer, my colleagues and I cleaned up the school library and decided to allot one slot for our “favorite” books. From Guess How Much I Love You to The Rainbow Fish, the shelf is definitely the most overused section of our library.

However, if I were to recommend books to liven up any kids library, it would definitely be those of Eric Carle.  These are but a few of his many fun and colorful books for children. My personal favorite is Brown Bear, Brown Bear because it provides a venue for active involvement with the kids I read it too. After the story, I extend the book to a class activity where I ask the kids to draw what they want to see then we make our own book about it. On a recent trip to FullyBooked bookstore here in the Philippines, I almost fainted at the wonderful Eric Carle selection they had!

Posted by Teacher Ria in Teacher's Corner | 4 Comments

The Officer Forgot He Was A Gentleman.

I am a firm believer in the saying “two wrongs don’t make a right”.

Yesterday’s circus at the Philippine Senate was such a disturbing thing to watch. I am kind of glad I did not get to see the whole thing. However, I was greatly appalled with the behavior of former policeman and mayor Abner Afuang. I am referring to the incident in which he poured water over the head of Dr. Hayden Kho. Despite my disdain for the doctors behavior, I feel that what he did crossed the line to ungentleman behavior. I get that he was driven emotionally towards that outburst but that does not excuse his behavior. As a man in his position, even if he no longer holds his post, he should be an example of what is right and just.

For me, his behavior reinforces the wrong notion of hitting someone back if they hit you first, which is something I tell my kids not to do. How can you expect children and adolescents to appreciate the fact that even though one wrongs you, there is a proper way of standing up for yourself without  resorting to violence? Given that pouring water on someone’s head does not constitute the socially-accepted definition of “violence”, it still is a violation on one’s human rights and dignity.

He now refuses to apologize and even proudly proclaims he would do it again. he further threatens to go on a hunger strike if he is not released because this is for the country. Pardon me for asking, what are we teaching our children?  I am not saying we should not take a stand when issues arise. I’m not saying we don’t fight for what is right. However, I want to point out that we don’t need to be vigilantes. We need to fight the fair fight, even through we don’t win it right away because in the long run, this is what really matters. We can’t change things if we remain as brutish homo sapiens who act on impulse alone.

What happened in the senate yesterday did not solve the problem of pornography, voyeurism or abuse of women. What Abner Afuang and all those who supported him showed the world is that our officer forgot he was a gentleman and taught people around him that it is okay to behave like less of a man. Tell me now, how does this solve the problem that was the Hayden Kho-Katrina Halili sex scandal?

Posted by Teacher Ria in Teacher's Corner | 0 Comments

Keeping Schools Safe from the AH1N1/Swine Flu Virus.

The Department of Health (DOH) has confirmed that the dreaded AH1N1 or Swine Flu virus has made its way to Philippine shores. Despite protective measures taken in airports and other ports of entry to our country, it is frightening to know that we no longer can claim to be free of the virus.  According to reports, a 10-year old child who returned from travelling with her family to the US and Canada, tested positive for the virus. Further reports indicate that she is recuperating well while under strict quarantine.

This is especially concerning now that classes are but two weeks away.

Aside from placing ourselves in a sterile bubble, what can we do? More importantly, what should schools do to safeguard their students and faculty from acquiring the illness?

1. Strictly enforce a “do-not-come-to-class-if-you-are-sick” policy. While most kids love to be absent for any reason, often times they are forced to go to school because of the concerns their parents may have about what they would miss in class. While absenteeism is indeed a contributing factor to low grades, sometimes it is more logical to have kids stay home from school especially since they are often contained in one room where they are in close contact with twenty-five or more other students. Teachers can provide supplemental activities for students who are absent, thus allowing them to keep up with the demands in class.

2. Teachers should keep a bottle of alcohol or hand-sanitizer handy at all times. Albeit handwashing is still best, sometimes it is not accessible or feasible at an instant! For example, in my toddlers class, sometimes lining up twelve 2-3 year olds is not so easy, especially since I am a stickler for “no yaya in the classroom”.  As an alternative FOR THE MEANTIME while the others are lining up, I use alcohol or sanitizer until I get them to a sink to wash. Having this handy is also helpful as it is easily accessible after a child sneezes or what-not.

3. Keeping tissues nearby is also a big help! I personally am not a big fan of hankies, I prefer tissues. This may be different for others. I find that tissues are better because it is disposable, whereas if I use a hanky to wipe my students’ nose, I kinda keep the germs on hand, right? Correct me if I’m wrong though Bottom line, it’s a preferrence.

4. Teach students the proper way of handwashing. I think a lot of us are guilty of washing our hands too quickly Reminding the kids (and ourselves) that we should wash our hands with soap for about 20 seconds in running water. If possible, use liquid soap as bar soaps are often breeding grounds for viruses and bacteria. After washing, drying hands with a disposable paper towel is recommended. For younger kids, having a timer with a bell or something similar to that can help mark how long they should, as I call it, “rub and scrub” their hands.

5. Teachers and parents can also benefit from reading articles about the illness so they can be aware of the signs and symptoms of infection.  According to the World Health Organization “Early signs of influenza A(H1N1) are flu-like, including fever, cough, headache, muscle and joint pain, sore throat and runny nose, and sometimes vomiting or diarrhoea”.

6. For those working with young children, it would help to get to understand their language. Sometimes we do not understand what they mean by “ouchie”. Perhaps we also don’t know that they are experiencing muscle and joint pains, as we don’t see or feel it, unlike when they have a fever. Being able to ask them what hurts and what they mean by this “hurt”  can definitely clarify things.

7. Air out and sanitize classrooms after it is used. Germs can remain in stagnant air, so allowing a classroom to “breathe” after classes can be a good way to expel these germs. This is especially true for classrooms with airconditioners running during class hours. Usually what happens after the janitors/cleaners are done with fixing up the room, the door is closed till the next day.

8. Consider getting vaccinations against the flu/pneumonia. I believe that as a teacher, I should be responsible enough to ensure that I do not inadvertently infect my students, this is why I chose to get the flu vaccine.  While this will not keep you protected against the AH1N1 virus, you can help keep your immune system at par with all the viruses we are exposed to.

9. Eat healthy. As with the previous suggestion, keeping our immune systems healthy can be good ways to keep us safe from infections. Loading up on nutritious food with lots of vitamins and minerals is one way we can keep ourselves healthy.

10. Lastly, be vigilant. Watch out for what is going on around you. By being aware of subtle changes in behavior in children is key. Often times before the onset of illnesses parents and teachers note some form of change (i.e. appetite, activity level, sleep) in the kids. These may signal the start of the body’s attempt to fight off infections.

Posted by Teacher Ria in Life Lessons, Teacher's Corner, Tips and Tricks | 0 Comments

And the Underdog, Kris Allen takes the win!

I have always loved rooting for the underdog, albeit  I may enjoy the popular choice better. This years American Idol finale was no execption. While I enjoyed watching the outlandish and lavish performances by crowd favorite Adam Lambert, I secretly crossed my fingers for an upset.

And an upset we all got!

In the latest idol shocker, Kris Allen, the quiet and understated crooner, won the coveted American Idol title leaving many Lambert fans in shock at the results. Immediately after the win the clamor of the upset filled microblogging sites. However, let me, Teacher Ria, take this moment to savor the win of the underdog.

Posted by Teacher Ria in Advocacies, Teacher's Corner | 6 Comments

We NEED a Country of Readers: NO TO THE PHILIPPINE BOOK BLOCKADE!

‘...novels and reading books are “not educational”.‘(1)

Add this to a long line of baffling statements people in our government has said.

I strongly reject the notion that a reading book or a novel serves no educational purpose. Just because we are entertained by a story, a book, or whatever reading material, this does not discount the fact that these are avenues for learning and growth. In a country that sorely needs education, they are making achieving this even more difficult. How can we, as a country, progress if we keep the people from accessing information?

While  Stephanie Meyer’s Twilight Saga and J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter Series are not textbooks filled with facts and figures to inform us about historical events and similar data, these books encourage us to THINK and IMAGINE. These are crucial components of problem solving and logic reasoning. We don’t learn how to share and be self-aware with an almanac do we? But with books like Rainbow Fish, The Giving Tree and The Missing Piece we learn what it means to be human.

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 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!

Posted by Teacher Ria in Teacher's Corner | 0 Comments

Enchanted Kingdom Pays it Forward.

I was recently invited to a blogger event in Enchanted Kingdom where I got to experience their thrilling and exciting Magicalympics. It was an exhausting yet amazing day! But that is not what this post is about. You can read more about that in my other blog by clicking the link above.

What struck me with EK’s new line up is how they have managed to incorporate paying it forward with their Celebrity Storyteller program. By inviting some of our local celebrities to host a storytelling session at Eldar’s Tent, 30 children from the celebrities chosen charity are welcomed to the park free of charge! It is nice to know that companies like Enchanted Kingdom try to include our less fortunate children by giving them a fun filled day of excitement. Knowing this makes me feel more encouraged to spend my money in the park!

Posted by Teacher Ria in Teacher's Corner | 0 Comments

Flu Fly Away and Other Vaccine Stories.

Being around students (both kids and undergraduates alike) guarantees one thing: constant exposure to coughs, colds and a whole kaboodle of germs. This often leads to my own personal bouts with the flu or other similar illnesses. This is why, much as I hate getting shots, I decided to get myself vaccinated against the flu. While this may not be protection against the dreaded H1N1 virus, I believe that arming myself against the threat of influenza is an important step, especially since I am a teacher. It’s not just for my personal health that I got the shot, but I recognize my role as a potential carrier in spreading illnesses to people around me.

Posted by Teacher Ria in Classroom Escapades, Teacher's Corner | 4 Comments

Raising a Bookworm Contest Winner!

Thank you for making fist contest of  theaccidentalteacher.com a huge success! In the next few days, watch out for the new contest that I will be launching.

There was a total of 27 unique entries with 44 raffle entries for the Raising a Bookworm contest. As promised, the winner was selected this morning, with the aid of the online software Random.Org.

The results are in!

Congratulations Jamie! You are the winner of the  Php 300.00 Fullybooked gift certificate!

Posted by Teacher Ria in Teacher's Corner | 0 Comments

Back to Back Autism Seminars

On April 25, 2009, the Autism Society Philippines is hosting back to back seminars on Autism. These seminars are part of a series set by the ASP as a means of educating Filipino parents and professionals on various modes of interventions, techniques and theories regarding the Autism Spectrum Disorder.

The featured seminars this weekend are as follows:

This seminar will present the current trends and options in language and communication for children with autism (CWA). Focal points of discussion will also center on available options and therapy procedures that effect as well as facilitate improvements.

Therapeutic Listening is one approach that helps to target the multiple facets of listening by using auditory input within the context of sensory integrative treatment. Find out how we listen with our ears, as well as our whole body. This seminar will help further improve the integration of the auditory and vestibular systems of children with autism.

For fees,  schedules and profiles of the speakers, please visit the Autism Society Philippines blogsite.

Posted by Teacher Ria in Teacher's Corner | 2 Comments

Problem Child or Child with Problems?

When a child does not behave or perform the way people around them expect them to, they are called problem children. If they do not get the good grades or make it to the honor roll, they are called problem children,  In most classrooms, there are always students who are labelled as the problem students, especially those who don’t sit down quietly and listed to their teachers.  However, are they really problem children or are they simply children with problems?

Often times teachers get overwhelmed by the sheer number of students in the class, as well as the work that is expected of them. I know I have. Sometimes, despite my training and background, I have difficulty determining if and what exactly the problem is when it comes to working with my kids. For example, if I have a kid who is quite restless and talkative, or perhaps on the other hand, very quiet and shy, does this mean there’s a problem?

This summer, PsychConsult, Inc., is offering a workshop to help teachers, parents, therapists and all other professionals that work with children identify red flags that could signal learning problems, behavior problems and other developmental disorders that may be affecting the child’s growth and development. Entitled Chaos in the Classroom: Identifying Red Flags that Lead to Learning Difficulties, the workshop aims to equip participants with  skills and knowledge to understand and assist their students who are exhibiting academic and/or behavior difficulties.

The workshop will be held on April 25, 2009 (Saturday) 8:00am – 5:00pm at the Diliman Function Room, Regalia Park Towers, 150 P. Tuazon, Cubao Quezon City. For inquiries, call Chona at 421-2469, 357-6427, 0917-8080193, or email psychconsult@gmail.com