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News Bit: Homeschooling Conference

Sharing with you guys some information that was sent to me

I don’t really know much about how homeschooling is really done and monitored here in the Philippines, but I do have a lot of friends who have embraced the philosophy of homeschooling. As such, I cannot really say much about the practice but for those looking for alternatives for the education of their children, I strongly encourage you to check out this conference

Details of the press release are as follows:

This year’s Homeschooling Conference is themed “Laying a Strong Foundation.” It will feature lectures from esteemed homeschooling authorities both here and abroad including: noted inspirational speaker, best-selling author and homeschool parent, Bo Sanchez; and former high school and college educator and best-selling author of award-winning books like “Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling,” “Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling Teens,” and “Ultimate Planners for Moms, Teens and Students,” Debra Bell.

The event is supported by the 3,000-strong force of Filipino families, who are currently homeschooling by choice and discovering its priceless benefits.

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Channeling Mary Poppins

This thesis writing thing is leaving me defeated and uber challenged. I’m THIS close to throwing in the towel. Seriously. I kinda feel all this emotional and mental turmoil is not worth it. I wanna just channel Mary Poppins and be a nanny abroad, hanging on to a gutter brush on one hand and an umbrella on the other, while singing cutesy little songs. Sigh.

HOWEVER, I love teaching all too much to give up on it. Why oh why does writing this paper have to be so difficult??? Gaaaah.

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Multiple Intelligences

Yesterday was grade consultation day and for the first time ever, I had more than 3 students come to me for consultation. The funny thing is for most of them, it wasn’t about their performance in their class that they came to talk to me about, but about other things they were feeling and going through. Some of them were struggling in their courses (and mind you, not in my subject!) and so they were asking what they should do next. They were feeling conflicted about whether they should stay in their current programs or whether they should shift to another. I told them I did not have an answer for them, and that only they can make that decision, but that they really have to think about a few things before making a choice. First off, what are they interested in? What are their strengths and weaknesses? After that I said they have to take into consideration their resources. Lastly, I asked them to think about what they want and what is holding them back from achieving this.

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Stereotyping

This term I learned one important thing about myself as a teacher…I often am guilty of stereotyping

What I mean by this is that whenever I teach a class, I base my activities, behaviors, attitudes, and the like all too much on my preconceived notions of the group I am handling. I guess on one hand, there is some value to this practice, because it allows me to tap into the strengths and interests of the group. For example, when I handle business sections, I try to teach of social entrepreneurship and the like. So when I teach about ethics, I used the business setting as the base of my lecture.  Makes sense, right?

However, there is also a danger to this. Because of preconceived notions, I may miss out on giving them opportunities that go beyond those ideas. Also, it leaves me defensive because I feel like I cannot connect with the students who like things I don’t understand or have a different wavelength. For example, I have no idea what cree xm-l LED’s are but I have students who talk about that and other electronics like it was nothing. As such, I cannot connect.

This term, I had to overcome that again. And because I did not hesitate to say I didn’t know what they meant, I was able to learn more and in the same way, I realized that they are also interested in other things outside of what I think they do. Lesson learned

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I Don’t Wanna Wear Shoes…

This will be one of the most random posts ever. You have been warned

For the longest time, I was known for my stilettos and my flair for the dramatic when I get all dolled up. Even when I was teaching in preschool, I would wear heels to school. Daily. Always. No matter when. Sometimes it would be a wedge, sometimes pumps, but more often than not, stilettos. I’d also always been in pretty dresses and accessorized to the hilt…dangly earrings, emerald rings. chunk necklaces, you name it I wore it.

However, since I have fallen in love with yoga, I have stopped wearing shoes…and now I long for a job that won’t require me to wear shoes on a daily basis. Flip flops will do, no more shoes, please I wear stretchy pants and tank tops, and pearl studs if ever, are now my daily attire.

Nope, I’m not becoming unfashionable, I’ve just changed gears.

And now I know what I wanna do…I wanna be a yoga teacher. When I do, I can still say I am an accidental teacher, I guess. Teaching yoga was something I never thought I’d do, but right now, with all my heart, I know it is what I am meant to do

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Never on a Sunday.

I am the type of teacher who often lets her students get away with almost anything. And when I say that, I mean it. Seriously. My philosophy as a teacher in the undergraduate level, after all, has always been that my students are no longer children who need constant supervision and reminders of what is right and wrong. Rather, they are young adults who are capable of making personal choices and are aware of what is good for them. Therefore if they want to cut my class, by all means, it’s not my problem. Sorry nalang pag dating sa course card day. I may not seem like I check attendance or give a high premium to it, but I do take note of it for a purpose after all. If they don’t want to submit work, that’s fine, too, but it’s their call. Like I said, malalaki na naman sila.

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Spell What?

All too often, I have parents come to me and ask about why their kids have difficulty in reading and spelling. They’re good in all other aspects, they say, but when it comes to this, they’re lagging behind. I often tell these parents to first take a deep breath and assess the situation. In what instances, for example, do they have difficulty in? In what context? Often times I observe that the children, even at age 4, are expected  to know how to read and spell words that are beyond what would be age-appropriate. Um…how can you expect a child to spell out physician or understand what an annuity quote is when you read through a brochure in the doctor’s office, for example? Give them books that are suited for their age, I say, and perhaps you’ll see that they do better. Also, I tell them not to pressure their kids into spelling words out correctly immediately (at the preschool level). I am a big fan, after all, of invented spelling. This is their way of learning and discovering phonics and so giving them time to explore will allow for the development of skills. At the end of the day, I feel that too many a time, parents and teachers forget that kids are just that…kids.

Random thoughts from Teacher Ri.

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Summer Activities For Kids

It’s that time of the year again: Summer Vacation! Three full months of freedom: no waking up early, no teachers, no homework and all fun, fun, fuuuun! However, this does not mean that kids have nothing to do all summer. In fact, my mommy friends say that summertime is actually just as busy (if not even more!) than the school year. What with the many different activities their kids are enrolled in.

As a teacher, what I suggest is that kids get to participate in activities that are less academic based. While I have nothing against taking advanced lessons, doing programs like Kumon or Enopi, and other school-like activities, I feel it would be nicer if the kids be given a chance to explore other areas of interest. Here are some things I can think of:

1. Sports. Enrolling kids in sports programs are excellent ways to improve their social skills and build self-esteem. They also learn sportsmanship and discipline. Plus its a good way to expend excess energies. Team sports are best, but activities like swimming, kids yoga and the like are also highly recommended.

2. Art and Music. These programs will allow the kids to tap into their creative sides. They can also learn how to be more imaginative, to experiment, and to tap into their hidden potential. Since Mother’s Day comes during the summer, perhaps a project they can explore is putting on a show for mom or perhaps making beaded mother day rings to give to them. This can teach them the concepts of sharing and generosity, as well as patience and perseverance.

3. Writing and Literature. Although these may seem a little “school-like”, allowing them to take creative writing courses can help them build their writing skills both in terms of technical writing (how to write good essays) and creative expression.

There are many other things kids can do over the summer. Hopefully they don’t spend majority of their days watching tv and just doing nothing. Happy Summer everyone!

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Teacher Who?

Ten years later, I am still stuck in my masteral program. Egaaad. Am I making progress, yes. Am I getting to the finish line? Not really. Hayz. I do love teaching more than anything, but this thesis is really getting the better of me. I have invested so much time, effort and not to mention money in it but I am soooo stuck. What makes it worse is the fact that I want to study something else now. Oh noes. I soon may need to enroll in a debt management program because of my many changing interests. Har. Seriously though, this new thing I wanna study, it’s soooo completely different from everything else I’ve done. And yeah, after it I don’t end up in the academe. Teaching still, yes, but in a different venue. Wish me luck, will ya? But yeah, I wanna get my degree. Heeelp.

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Flabbergasted

There is no other word I can think of for this post but that. I am flabbergasted. Earlier today I gave my students an exam and I got asked the most jaw-dropping question…

In the essay part of the exam, I got asked not once, not twice, but a total of four times if they could answer it in bullet points. Um….how does one answer that??? Diplomatically, I mean? I guess my students are just used to me being so flexible but I felt quite disappointed with such questions, mainly because I thought the instruction was clear enough. Oh well.

Oh, I did regain my composure and answered them with a “Welll, if you think bullet points equals an essay, go ahead”.

Sigh…the non-joys of teaching.