Pre-Hispanic Newspapers

Since we're into the review of last school year's Social Studies themes, I asked them to make a mind map, answer a quiz, and list all of their ideas and research topics before they started designing and writing out their "newspapers'. It was a tough beginning for all of us, dusting our brains and searching for past facts and stories. But in the end, having a handy online textbook (http://takdangaralin.tumblr.com/) made things incredibly easier. The results; though a bit rough, though a bit rushed, was still praise-worthy in the end.

Gabbie gets a taste of hard work as she finishes her newspapers.

With enough research, Aaron shows off his newspaper with his organized, neat style.

Aaron's first page

Aaron's second page

Gabbie's first page

Gabbie's second page

Teaching graphic design in Poveda?

A dear friend invited me to speak at the San Pedro de Poveda School last June 5. I was lucky enough to have been chosen for the task. It was a workshop for the school's club moderators who needed ideas in setting up a graphic design group for the students.

Now, I'm not an expert in graphic design, but I've tried teaching it to high school students in the past and the experience helped set up the framework for the talk. But as the afternoon wore on, I realized my message wasn't just about design, but advocating art as a method of teaching and learning. Since my audience were primarily academic teachers, I wanted to share how you could use different methods in planning and implementing a lesson.

It was an interesting experience. I got to see an old family friend, and saw the inside of a school I normally would pass by on EDSA. Plus, my wedges were killing my by the end of the afternoon. Still, Friday's was within walking distance, and relaxing over a Coke and lime was good way to end the day.

Old exhibit photos SY 2009-2010

Didn't realize that I had a treasure trove of photos on my Facebook account. Still, looking at the pictures, I regret not taking more. It was a fun ride, finishing up the grades of more than a hundred students, telling them to submit, submit, submit! And who can forget the simple jokes a 1st grader would share with you and you just have to laugh...yep. Those days were fun.

School projects

Teacher Uly taught the kids how to make lanterns for Christmas and they were extraordinary!

Being a fan of Studio Ghibli, we used "My Neighborhood Totoro" as our theme in English class and all the kids got the chance to take home my Totoro stuffed toy for 2 days. The requirement? To write about their adventures together while Totoro was visiting them. It was a good experience all around and the kids became interested in woodland spirits as well. Good springboard for future discussions and essays!

New Teacher again

Everyday Hero.

Something we all strive to be at any given point in our lives. And now, I'm part of a group of gifted teachers and parents that want to grow young heroes who'll rock their world when they grow up. I'm extremely blessed for this chance. And I'm so grateful. Now I understand a little of what passion means...doing what you love brings out the best of that person.

The school is just a form or venue. What really matters is what we teach, what we say and how we use our heart to guide our teaching. Thanks Teacher A. for finding me at the right time and inviting me here. I'm so lucky.