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

Keeping school kids safe

Last March, my brother met a tricycle accident on his way home from school. He had come from rehearsing their class play. As is customary for many high school students here in the Philippines, he commuted home. He had done it countless times in the past, so we never imagined anything could come out of it.

At 7:40 that evening, just when I was getting ready for a massage, my mother called me up. With a panicky voice, she asked me to rush to the nearby hospital with some cash because my brother had gotten in an accident. All she said was that the tricycle he was riding had figured in a vehicular accident. I had no idea what to expect or how bad it was.

When I got to the hospital, I immediately heard my brother’s cries of pain. He had not yet been given any pain killers because they had no consent yet, and he was a minor. Upon walking into the curtained area, I saw him lying there, his face and clothing covered in a lot of blood. In his forehead was a large gash, several inches long. His forehead was protruded and his eyes seemed shrunken in to his head because of the swelling.

Thankfully, despite the bad way he looked, he didn’t suffer a concussion or have any major fractures. All he needed were 7 stitches and a lot of pain killers.

When the school found out about the accident, they immediately went to check on him and supported him in many ways. The accident happened a few days before final exams and he was quite worried about how this will affect his grades. They gave him accommodations to complete his requirements and he finished the school year with no problems. The school doctor even gave us a form from the insurance company. Apparently their school had provisions for coverage in case of accidents, and since he was coming home from school when the accident happened, he was eligible for a claim.

It was nice to know that there are such provisions that attend to such accidents. I always thought coverage by insurancespecialists would end when you step outside the school premises. I guess keeping school kids safe should really not be limited to class hours only. Besides the normal provisions needed to keep kids safe, it is important to make sure all efforts for your students safety must be explored.

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Winners of the 2010 Automated Elections

With the polling stations at the verge of closing and the early results of the first transmissions of this first automated elections in the Philippines, the winners are already clear. In spite of or despite whoever is proclaimed President (and other positions) at the end of these elections, these are the true winners of the 2010 electoral process :

• TEACHERS. To all the teachers who heeded the call of duty once again and remained calm, level-headed and patient despite bearing the torturous heat, not just of the weather but of also the tempers of voters, this is your victory.
• The PPCRV volunteers and other election watchdog volunteers for keeping people in check and helped keep the elections as peaceful and pleasant as possible, this is for you too.
• To journalists most specially social media journalists and bloggers who monitored and kept track of what is going on all over the Philippines: yehey! You did it!!!
• To every single voter who got their finger dirty (as well as those who tried but could not because of missing names, etc.) this is our victory!

Posted by Teacher Ria in Reflections | 0 Comments

Teacher’s on break!

After the ten long months, teacher is officially taking a two-week break!!!

I love teaching a lot but now that I’ve gotten older, it’s kinda hard to keep up with the little kids.  Running after them and goofing around isn’t as easy as it used to be! Now I contend with back aches all the time and my patience has gotten much shorter than it used to be. I think even the kids notice my aging as they ask about white hairs they notice or lines on my face and even the veins that are more prominent now in my hands. I’m starting to feel that I need to lather on all sorts of wrinkle creams and anti-aging ointments to keep myself from looking older! Nonetheless, I still enjoy it a whole lot. I honestly think too that being with these young kids have kept me young emotionally. I remember a time when I resigned from teaching preschool because I wanted to focus more on graduate studies and during that time, I felt so old! It was like I wasn’t laughing enough and seeing the joy of life as much.

I have to admit, though, that much as I will always love teaching, I can only squeeze in a year or two more of teaching little kids. After that perhaps I have to move on to a different kind of working with kids. We’ll see where that goes. In the meantime, I’m going on vacation. No pay nga lang. Hehe!

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Driving in the Philippines

This summer, my younger brother started taking driving lessons. One day, my mom decided to let him drive my car around the village. She said he was quite impressive It amazes me how fast time flies because I still remember him as the little boy I used to yell at because he couldn’t get his homework right! (yes…for some reason even though I can be super patient with my students, I can’t do it with my own brothers!!!)

On the way home one day, we were discussing road rules and traffic violations. We got into discussing what particular road signs mean and the like when my brother asked, but why do they still do it? in reference to taxi drivers who refuse to set their meters and bus/jeepney drivers who weave in and out of lanes regardless of the fact that they are cutting into your lane and nick your vehicle here and there. This is why whenever i have to get my comprehensive auto insurance quote I just shut my eyes and pay the premium  because even though I am a defensive driver, I can’t do anything about others who don’t care. In the end, I had no answer to give him for that question except to remind him that just because others do it doesn’t make it right.

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

Cheers to Second Moms!

When I first started graduate school, I did not only have the chance to learn new things that allowed me to become a better person, but I was also able to meet one of the most influential and inspirational women I have ever crossed paths with. For many psychology students of DLSU, she is known regarded as a big favorite and an excellent teacher. For me, she was (and is) more than a teacher. Through her I have learned what it really means to be happy and how to be able to be true to myself. By working with her in all the different ways we have been doing so (as a teacher, as a colleague, as a mentor and all other roles we have shared) I have really been able to equip myself with the life skills needed to be a good person. In many ways, she has changed my life.

This Mother’s Day, I am taking the time out to recognize not just my own mother, but also all the phenomenal women out there who are like second moms to me.

To my classroom moms, mentor moms and most specially to online moms (a.k.a. editors, blogging gurus, and plurk supporters!), thank you for all the love, support and encouragement you have given me these past years.

Let me invite you, too, my dear readers, to say “Cheers” to your Second Moms, whoever they may be. These wonderful women, be it your lola, tita, yaya, office mentor, kindergarten teacher, deserve a big thanks on this special day. What better way to spread the love and gratitude than by giving them a special Toblerone bouquet, designed especially by Michi Calica? Be sure to log on to www.toblerone.com.ph and check out this fab contest to to discover new ways to thank those 2^nd moms on Mothers’ Day.

Posted by Teacher Ria in Teacher's Corner | 1 Comment

Sprucing up my classroom

Today I spent the whole morning browsing all sorts of scrapbooking programs and clip art collections we had installed in the school computer looking for inspiration to help me spruce up my classroom walls and windows. This year we decided to have our designs digitally printed with a tarpaulin instead of the usual paint and paper that we use. The last time I decorated my classroom wall, I probably spent a whole week painstakingly cutting out art paper to glue to the walls for my cutey-patootey garden. This is what it looked like:

not the best lighting for a photo, but you get the idea

Each flower petal and leaf was cut out individually. Wasn’t it cute? However, I realized that it’s not the most cost-efficient way of decorating my classroom walls, especially since the kids end up picking on it till it peels! To be fair, it lasted for 2 years so I guess it was worth the effort!

However, like I said, this year we decided to use tarpaulins for my new classroom for two reasons: it comes out more cost-effective and the classroom where I’ll be staying at this year is in the open-air section of the school. Sometimes, when it rains really hard and I forget to close the windows, the stuff gets wet! We also had leaking problems with the roof by the wall where I intend to decorate so if I used the usual paint-and-paper decors, that would be a nightmare.

I haven’t found my classroom design yet, but I think I’ve decided on a playground theme this year. I’ve done garden, city and sea in the past so for this next year, I’m excited about the play theme. Any suggestions? For the next two weeks I’ll be trying to compile photos or patterns to use for my design while the carpenters and technicians change the paint, fix the roof, install new light fixtures, a fire alarm and a door chime to replace the current one which seems to be grounded and has it’s wires sticking out. In the meantime, I will surf the web for more inspiration!

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Remembering why I teach in the Philippines

On the way home tonight, I was listening to the radio and heard commentaries about teachers being disenfranchised in this 2010 elections. The way I understood it (pardon me, I wasn’t really listening very much because I was so exhausted!) some teachers discovered that their voters registration status was deactivated and some of them will not be able to cast their votes this year because of the new ruling of the Commission of Elections which does not allow them to vote in the precinct they are assigned in. This was quite disheartening because by doing their job, they lose their right to suffrage.

It’s sad to hear about the plight of teachers in our country. They work very hard to make a difference in the lives of the students they teach but they do not always receive the support they need from the government. This is just one example. There are so many opportunities for employment abroad but they’re still here. Teachers in the public school system also have to deal with so much politicking and red tape which can limit them from flourishing in their jobs. Another saddening fact is that while the teachers have the heart to teach, they lack resources such as classrooms and textbooks, to do so.

As for me, I still want to believe that teaching in the Philippines is a worthwhile profession.  It just gets harder and harder every year to remember why I keep holding on to teaching here when I see my counterparts succeeding financially by taking on teaching jobs in various parts of the world. Not only do they get paid better, they also have more resources within their reach. I guess one reason I still stay is because I really have been blessed by the institutions I work for, even though the compensation is much lower than if I taught in the US.

I pray that the next administration that will be elected this Monday will finally value edcation the way it should be valued. For now, I will still stay and pray hard that I can hold on to my determination to be a teacher here in the Philippines.

Posted by Teacher Ria in Teacher's Corner, Teaching Resources, The Library | 0 Comments

Giving books a new life

One of my favorite places to shop in are those Book Sale kiosks or stalls. I love how old books find new homes through these kinds of  stores, especially since brand new books are quite expensive. This is especially true for text books, more so when we are talking about college text books. I know that for the early grades, it’s a little more difficult to recycle text books because of the fact that there are answer sheets that have to be completed after each chapter.

My bookcase is filled with all sorts of old books. A lot of them are textbooks. From Physics to Statistics, Psychology and Biology, the list is endless. My brothers also have their share of old textbooks, and in fact, next week they will be getting a new set for the upcoming school year. There is a solution I can think of, however: Sell textbooks! By selling these old textbooks, I can free up space as well as make money out of something I am not using anymore. Perhaps, donating can also be an option.

Come to think of it, Book Sale also has a  lot of text books available at much lower prices. However, the hassle with Book Sale is the way books are organized in the shelves. It’s kind of hard to see the titles and a lot of times, you only get books by chance. I wish there was an online book center, such as the one here . By going online, it’s easier to find what you are looking for. This site actually gives you the opportunity to sell books too. For more details, check out the faq page.

Posted by Teacher Ria in Teacher's Corner | 1 Comment

Go Away, Freak and other Mixed Messages

In class one day, one of the little boys said to his classmate: “You’re such a loser!”.

I overheard him call his classmate that and I immediately called his attention on it. I asked him why he had said it and what it meant to him, and all he could tell me was that he had seen it in TV. He didn’t even really know what it meant, except that it was something you said when someone made a mistake. In this case, the classmate had dropped his snack box cover on the floor.

I explained to him how what he had done was wrong and I gave him a “sad face” mark on his hand to remind him not to do it anymore. Since then, I never heard him say it again. However, i got to thinking about how we adults give kids mixed messages when it comes to what is right and wrong. Take for example the local television show Agua Bendita. It tells the story of two young girls, born as twins but very different. One is a typical, normal looking child, while the other one takes on a water form when in dry land. Overlooking the impossibility of the concept, let me just focus on the behavior the grandmother teaches the young girl named Bendita. She teaches her granddaughter to call her sister Agua a “freak”. Granted that she is indeed freakish, I think it is a very wrong thing to teach children. Because of the show, calling others “freak” becomes an acceptable behavior. Yes, I know it is television, but I think there could have been steps taken to show that is is unacceptable and wrong. Throughout the series, I have not yet heard Bendita being reprimanded for calling her sister a freak.

Shows like this, as well as other cartoons that have characters calling each other stupid, idiot, moron, and the like with no reprimand or means of correcting these behaviors give kids mixed messages about what is right and wrong. For young children, being consistent and firm is essential in making sure they learn the right messages that will lead to better behaviors in the future.

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

Do Looks Really Matter?

Seriously, do they?

In the past few months, I have observed how television commercials and similar media have seemed to place so much more value on looks, even more than they used to. For example, I was appalled at a TV ad that featured whitening lotion for teens and pre-teens. Seriously??? In an article I had read, the author even pointed out that the ad said something about “start white, start right” (or vice versa). Bottom line, the point was to make it far, you have to have white skin. With that, I got to thinking if looks really matter.

In a perfect world, the answer should be no. However, in the world we live in, sadly often times the answer is yes. For me, I personally see how looks do affect interactions I engage in, but that doesn’t mean I approve of judging others by their looks. What I mean here is that as I have gotten older (and it is physically obvious now) I seem to be able to get more respect from my students. It’s like they see me more as an authority figure as compared to when I was still quite young. As such, I see how looks can make a difference. In this case, it was a “good” effect, but many times, people can use looks as a means for discrimination which I TOTALLY DO NOT CONDONE! Going back to my intro, for example, having darker skin should not be an issue.

I believe that more than changing the way we look through these supposed magic creams, treatments and  plastic surgery, which are big trends nowadays. More than emphasizing that we will be “better” with these,  we need to be able to highlight that we don’t need to CHANGE who we are, but to change OUR PERSPECTIVE of who we are and this can be done by taking good care of physical selves. For example, I struggle with a mild case of hirsutism, which is an off-shoot of a hormonal problem I have. As such, I have a lot of unsightly unwanted hairs on my upper lip and chin. Perhaps, taking steps to remove these hairs such as waxing, threading or the like can be helpful. Checking out a site featuring Laser Hair Removal in Los Angeles made me think also about seeking permanent hair removal treatments for my problem. The thing is, I’m not so sure how well I can tolerate that and if I can afford it for that matter.

On a personal level, at this point in my life, I can still say I will not opt for any physical treatments  such as Botox Treatment Los Angeles. I have nothing against those who want to have it done, and who knows if five, ten years down the line I’d feel the same. I guess as long as you educate yourself and read the WebMD Botox Information thoroughly, you can make a better decision for yourself.

As I’ve said,  it’s not just physical looks per se that matter, but really how we take care of ourselves.The thing is, we don’t really get to get that message across to people, especially young and impressionable individuals. So do looks really matter? Yes, they do. But this doesn’t mean you have to dislike the way you look: you just have to learn to accentuate and highlight your personal beauty strengths.

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

Rewriting Filipino Time.

I used to be a very punctual person growing up.  Now, I catch myself being late a lot. To be fair, I still am generally prompt  when it comes to meetings and appointments. However, because of the notion of Filipino Time, sometimes I find myself dilly dallying instead of getting ready as early as I would have normally used to do.

The idea that it is okay to be late because the event (be it a meeting, party or what not) doesn’t start on time anyway seems to have been so ingrained into todays society that many have lost a sense of value for time. Perhaps this attitude prevails because it has become an accepted behavior among most of us, very much like Pavlov’s classical conditioning. I suppose we also make it acceptable by our response to these kinds of behaviors.

Just this term, the university I work for introduced a program to really emphasize the importance of being on time. Every now and then, we would receive emails reminding us about how we should be in the classrooms on time, even though our students tend to come in later. I guess part of the reason why the students come late too is because they know the teachers are aware they come late so they aren’t 100% prompt 100% of the time. Plus they get away with it anyway.

This coming term, I am going to try to rewrite Filipino time, at least for myself. Perhaps by being more self-aware about my being prompt and conscientious about this, I can affect change around me, after all, this is why I’m called teacher, right?

Posted by Teacher Ria in Teacher's Corner | 1 Comment

Tests, tests and more tests.

I’m over my head with papers, quizes and tests that need to be checked   Next to having to wake up early, this is one part of the job that can really challenge me. I guess most teachers will feel the same way, or at least I hope they do! While tests are essential ways in measuring or assessing how much students have learned, sometimes I think there are other measures that can also be as rich in data and perhaps for some, more appropriate.

This coming summer I will be giving a workshop on embracing different learners in the classroom. I hope this will be helpful to all teachers and parents out there who have a passion for making their classrooms fair for all their students. Nonetheless, while trying to embrace all types of learners is a goal I have in my class, I still cannot avoid having to be a traditional test-giving teacher from time to time. At times, I turn to my test bank or perhaps a quiz generator to help me come up with the best test possible to accommodate all the different students in my class. I guess one way I try to keep it fair is by giving my students test taking tips and sample exercises so that they can hone their skills and be able to cope with the academic demands of classes. I think this is especially important for school systems that tend to be more traditional and structured, just like what we have here in the Philippines. I’m glad that the school I currently teach in focuses on a more transformative learning pedagogy which allows me to be a more flexible teacher both in terms of teaching concepts and assessing student’s progress.

I will post more about the details of the workshop when I have them, but I hope I do see you there!

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

If I weren’t a teacher….

If I were not a teacher, I would probably be a writer or be in media. Even though I am painfully shy (yes, I am!) my mom used to say I was very “showbiz” as a child. If I’d look for a job in that field, I’d probably explore Singapore public relations with Newsline Communications or consultancy with one of the local PR firms I get to interact with in blogger events. I could also look into training and development, whether locally or abroad.

Seriously though, I still like being a teacher a lot, which is why even though I believe I can do well in public relations I still choose to stay as what I am. I guess to some degree, teaching, especially young kids, is much like PR, just a different kind. I have to sell the idea of things kids don’t really like, such as vegetable and doctors’ visits and make them seem exciting and fun. In the adult world, public relations is still the same right? We try to get people interested in products and services by generating buzz and making these seem exciting and fun. I think there’s a difference though between simply generating buzz or gaining publicity to establishing a public presence. PR companies, I’d think, are not just there to publicize things but to care for your name, products and services.  To know more, read the article on public relations and click here for services. Like teaching, I don’t kids to just get excited about the idea of things, but I want them to learn these things and establish life-long connections to these concepts and ideas. So, I guess I’m still into PR after all…just in a different light. Wouldn’t you agree?

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

Teacher Ria’s SHOE Story

Before I begin, let me say it’s been a while since I stopped and tried to see the positives in my day-to-day life. Earlier this year, I had attempted to start a photo Project 365 that focused on finding the silver lining to everyday but since I’ve gotten so busy, I haven’t really had time to do so. Thankfully, as an added bonus for her contest, Earth encouraged her readers to take a look at their SHOEs for the day. What are SHOEs? These are your Seven Heaven on Earth, or seven things, events, places or whatever that you appreciate. No matter how small or big, it’s important to be grateful and to honor them, right?

So thanks Earth for reminding me to do this! And so, here are my SHOES:

1. I am grateful for the successful school year that had just finished. I enjoyed my days with the kids a lot, and despite some difficulties along the way, they all showed good progress and for those who are of age already, they made it to the big schools!

2. My third article for www.thepoc.net came out today It was an article on addiction and I enjoyed trying to capture the shot that was used for the article. Oh….those are all vitamins, fyi! Well, except for the blue one, which is a night time over-the-counter sleep aid.

3. I am grateful for the summer. I love how I don’t have to wake up so early everyday and I am looking forward to the rest and relaxation summer brings. I was lucky to have some early summer getaways but hopefully soon, I can take a longer and more relaxing trip soon!

4. I am especially happy that both my brother and my Bubba are okay. Last week was a truly tumultuous week as Tuesday saw Bubba with a sprained paw and JJ, my brother, figured in a tricycle accident on Thursday.They’re both doing great now and thankfully, there’s no major problems or concerns with them both.

5. A good night’s sleep! If there is one thing I miss a lot, it’s sleeping in and not having to wake up with the blaring alarm clock. I am so grateful for that today!

6. My WIFI router! This was purchased from winnings in a contest I won a few months back and since I got it, it has definitely made me very happy. That and Cerise, my Nokia E63

7. My 7th SHOE is blog contests Though I don’t win all the contests I join, it’s a fun and entertaining past time. And when I do win, the thrill is just….awesome! Just yesterday I received the great news that I won a Starbucks 2010 Clean and Green Tumbler! Woot!

what about you, what are your SHOEs?

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

Claiming the Spirit of People Power

Today our country marks the 24th year since the historic bloodless revolution known as the People Power Revolution. From this the Philippines was freed from the clutches of a dictator. Our people got to know what true democracy meant and to live freely.

I was blessed to grow up in the time of that freedom. I was able to study in the University of the Philippines and not worry about anything because we had been granted the privileges of a free people. However, just because I personally did not grow up or live through (at least being old enough to know what it meant) martial law, this doesn’t mean I should take it for granted.

Today I am reminded of the fight my parents, and many of our parents, fought. I am reminded of the cause taken up by a simple housewife dressed in yellow, who fought to end the rule of the Dictator and to seek justice for the senseless killing not just of her husband, but of countless victims of extra-judicial killings, many of whom were never found. Today I am reminded of the sacrifice taken by many who marched down EDSA with arms linked, unfazed by tanks and arms that sought to stop them from gaining freedom.

However, as I recall with pride our people’s success, I feel saddened that even after all that, it seems that we as a people still have not learned our lesson. We still allow corrupt officials to govern us, just take a look at all the campaign paraphernalia all around asking for the voters to “bring back” or “return” old faces to power, despite knowing their track records. I feel appalled when I recall how that in the face of evidence of anomalies and inappropriate behaviors, we still allow these people to seek public office.

What do we need for us to learn our lessons? Isn’t that what history is for?

I may not be an expert, but isn’t it that that’s what the People Power fight was all about? To break the chains of old politics to usher in a new dawn? At the rate we’re going, it sort of feels that we are once more being chained into our old practices. And the sad part of this: we are not chained by tyrants unwillingly but we allow ourselves to be chained by our bad decisions.

We may be living in a “free” world today, but sometimes, I don’t believe the word free means the same thing anymore. Just take a look at the current situation of our country. We have the Maguinadano Massacre and the Morong 43, we have countless human rights violations, threats to our basic freedoms…all in the face of a supposed democracy.

As a people, we really need to claim the true Spirit of People Power.

There were so many heroes of EDSA. Let us honor them by keeping their fight alive.

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

February 22 declared a Special Holiday

Another long weekend is looming for students all over the Philippines. Pursuant to Proclamation No. 1841 issued by Malacañang, there will be no classes on February 22, 2010 in commemoration of the 24th Anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution. For Parañaque based schools, this is the second consecutive long weekend as the city celebrated it’s cityhood day this Monday.

While I love my long weekends, sometimes I feel that we are losing the spirit of commemorating a holiday because it keeps getting pushed to the Monday or Friday nearest to it. I personally think it would be better to honor the days as they are, rather than making it a long weekend. For example, People Power was on February 25. I would have wanted to keep it that way. Nonetheless, I do see the logic behind moving it around but that doesn’t change the fact that I still want it on the day it’s supposed to be. Then again…I’m not complaining!!!