Snatch the Government

I was able to snatch my mom's phone this morning and I uploaded the pictures right away. *teehee* Here's one of Caitlin's camwhore days, she'd always stick out her tongue when I tell her to pose for the cam. Unfortunately though, her twin isn't fond of posing and smiling for the camera because he wants to take the picture himself. So there's my photographer in the making.

I am not busy this week in terms of school activities because we have our annual teacher's olympics which started today and will last until tomorrow. After that, we will be celebrating our teachers' day so no class for the whole week. Initially, we planned to celebrate our teachers day in Davao City but everything was cancelled this morning because the big boss from the division office won't sign our permit to go out of town for security reasons. Oh I don't know anymore, I'm so tired trying to understand DepEd. See, we've been working for at least 6 months now and they still haven't given us our salaries although I am thankful for my boss in school because he gives me allowances and other extras every month. Last September though, we were told that the budget for the salaries of preschool teachers have already been approved and given to the regional offices so our spirits were up. Last month, when me and my colleagues followed up about the salary, they keep on telling us to go back the next day, and then the next day, and the next day again, and so on. We haven't gotten our salaries for 5 freaking months and then they told us that we can get only 3months worth of payment. We were okay with that since the office said that that's the only budget given to them. However, 2 days after that, they told us again that we will only get 2 months worth of money, and then after that day, they told us that we will only receive a month's worth of salary. Who the hell are they kidding? So okay, we did get our salary for the month of June last Novemeber and after that we asked ourselves, when will we get the salary for the month of July? Next year?! How about the months of August-present? I am losing faith in the government and if any of you know how to contact the Secretary of Education please leave a message.
I was thinking that I am lucky to have a compassionate boss who knows that though my career is indeed a vocation, I also have to feed my kids (err, actually treat them out from time to time) so I need money. And the government prohibits us to collect money from the pupils! Where will I get my fare to go to school if the parents won't pay for my fare and the government's salary is like 5 months late? LOL. I'm still fortunate that my pupils' parents understand my sentiments so they pay a very minimal amount monthly for my fare and other extras like Jollibee or Chowking. LOL. However, I have colleagues who teach in very depressed areas so they're not expecting any contribution from the parents and that they really spend their own money for everything - even test papers or class cards. Such a pity for the government and such a commendable professionalism to my colleagues who teach without reservations. I don't think I can do that.

I Need a Friend Today

"I need a friend today."

I texted this line to a friend this morning thinking that that person will suddenly reply and console me. But the person didn't, and I'd like to think that I'm okay with that.

Well, I'm having some controversial issues to deal with this morning so I am still downhearted at the moment. There are accusations thrown at me and all I can do is grin and bear it. I know myself better than them and I will stand by my word that I will not compromise my credibility as a teacher for money or for anything. Sometimes it's more difficult to deal with parents than actually teach their kids. I am overwhelmed with the support of the parents who are also educators for they helped me explain to other parents how the computation of grades work. However, some parents are gullible so no matter how you explain things at them, they still wouldn't accept your explanation. So what can you do with those close minded ones?

Other than the controversy, I am also dealing with a personal battle. It is a battle that deals with denial, anger, bargaining and acceptance. I can't say exactly what level I am in but I'm good. I'm at this point in life where I think that there's no problem that I can't handle. So whatever it is, I would like to ask you to pray for me that I gain calmness and peace of mind. I'd love it if you do, and thanks in advance.

Usual Update

Caillou's not sick anymore, thank you Lord! He doesn't have to take antibiotics since his condition's getting better. However, I still had a sleepless night since I am still computing my pupils' grades.
The kids and I will be decorating our classroom tomorrow and they are excited to showcase their works to their parents. We need time off from academic activities and decorating the room is a win-win thing for the kids and me. :D Speaking of time off, the parents had suggested to have a get together next month in a pool near our city. Honestly, I am hesitant with this activity because it's too risky. But it's the parents themselves who suggested that they sign a waiver for my protection so I couldn't say no. The principal had already signed our request so it's probably final. :D

I saw this test below from Darlene and decided to take the test myself. I am appalled by the result for I don't see myself as the center of attention.

Others see you as fresh, lively, charming, amusing, practical, and always interesting; someone who's constantly in the center of attention, but sufficiently well-balanced not to let it go to their head. They also see you as kind, considerate, and understanding; someone who'll always cheer them up and help them out.

Aloy's recent fascination is the Rubik's cube and he's been playing with the standard 3x3x3 type of cube. A few weeks ago, he completed one color face which I never did so I have to say that my kid is smart. Dang he's only four and I don't even know how to play Rubik's cube! LOL.

Sleepless in my Room

Caillou's fever went up to 41 degrees Celsius last night and even though he wasn't cranky, I had to wake up from time to time to check up on him - which explains why I was late for school this morning. The twins' yaya woke me up at 7am so I rushed with my morning rituals just to be in school as early as I can (even though I'm already late), good thing I had brought the papers my boss asked me to print. I feel a bit under the weather today because I didn't get enough sleep so when I went home from class this morning, I catched up some zzzzzzs and was late AGAIN for my afternoon class. LOL. I still feel sleepy and downhearted.

Anyhoo, my co-teachers was in the office when I gave the papers my boss asked me to encode and print. When I was about to leave the room my co-teachers came up to me one by one and asked me if I could do the same for them. How can I say no? I just couldn't. They asked me how much I charge for a single page and I can't give them a price. I just said that I don't charge for that -much to their joy (and my disgust? LOL). So okay, I am normally "business minded" but I don't know what I ate this morning that made me charitable. Haha! Probably because of my lack of sleep? That's a possibility.

So now I am stuck making the reports of my co-teachers, free of charge. Well, that's all I can do to refrain them from talking behind my back. Uh-oh.

Have a happy mid-week everyone, and a happy sleep tonight as well.

Birthday Birthday!

My boss asked me to encode his report to be submitted on Thursday and I'm cramming right now. I couldn't say no, could I? Maybe when I give him the encoded report he will allow me to be absent on the 13th because my friend will visit me from Manila. :) And well, I really wanna be absent on the 13th because I don't want to deal with super super stage moms and dads for it's our Card Day on the 14th. I'm receiving numerous calls and text messages from my pupils' parents just to monitor their kids' rankings.

If there's one thing I hate about being a teacher, that is computing grades and writing them on their cards. This is it. This is my ultimate test. Kaya ko pa ba?

Of course! Ako pa! Haha!

Today's Mommy Dory's 50something Birthday and we're all celebrating. Happy Birthday Mommy Dory, may God bless you with good health and more travels to come. :)

Uh-Oh

Just when I said that I'm on a roll, I will be off next week for an out of town seminar somewhere in the mountains. I will be in Sultan Kudarat, together with my co-primary school teachers from different public schools in the city, for four days. We will be leaving on Monday and probably return by Thursday or Friday. So that means, no online activities for me for almost a week. I don't think I can stand it but I can manage. I think I will just bring my books my brother's books with me, at last I will be able to read again after a long long time.

I was about to teach the poem I posted yesterday but I realized that the words are hard for the kids to pronounce so I just recited the poems in front of them which gave them a good laugh. They wanted to recite the poem themselves but when I taught them the words, they asked for a recess instead. Haha, kids!

It's also my friend Joan's wedding day today but I was not able to attend the celebration because I got lazy. Ssshhh don't tell her please.

And one last thing. I got irritated with this "friend" of mine today because she's accusing someone I know from doing something wrong. I mean, I think that it's quite acceptable to accuse someone but that person should be given the benefit of a doubt. And it's very wrong to tell your friends to loathe that person you're accusing of because that's unfair. Given that the accusations were true, will ganging up on that person make you a better human being? Think about it woman. I hope you read this. :p

Am I on a Roll?

Blogging for fun, yes I am starting now!

A pupil asked me this afternoon why we stopped singing songs in the classroom and it was only then that I realized that she's right! We have been busy reading, writing and playing that I forgot to teach them new poems and songs. I promised to teach them a new poem tomorrow and guess what I found on Yahoo? This!

The Kindergarten Concert

By Robert Poddle

The kindergarten concert was an interesting show.
Peter walked onto the stage and yelled, “I have to go!”
Katie was embarrassed, but she had nowhere to hide.
She raised her dress to hide her face. Her mother almost died.
Keith removed his tie and said, “It’s ugly, Dad. I hate it!”
David picked his nose on stage. What’s worse is that he ate it.

They sang their song, and Wyatt burped, and then he did a dance.
Michael fell while spinning ’round. Peter wet his pants.
The music teacher at the end said, “There, I’m glad that’s done.”
The kindergarten bowed and said, “Let’s sing another one!”

Did you like it? Do you think it's proper for me to teach them this one? I kind of liked it and I got tired of the usual Jack and Jill poems so here's a new one for a change. I will be waiting for your reactions and comments until early morning tomorrow so that I can teach this or replace a new (more decent) poem in class.

Anyhoo, I was busy teaching the kids how to read and yes, sweetbejeezus, they can now read simple words. Filipino words are easier to teach than English words because English phonics are crazy. But we'll get to it later. And oh no, no, no, NO! I just found out this afternoon that we won't have a semestral break, not even for three days at least. Argh. I'm planning to have a vacation but I guess it will have to wait. Life!

Linggo ng Wika

I had a big day today because it was our school's Linggo ng Wika culminating activity. I had a major blunder and it's still pissing me off. You see, yesterday I asked the coordinators about the program invitation so that I can guide my pupils what time they should go to school. The coordinator told me that the invitations were not disseminated yet and the program will start at 1pm. I then told my pupils' parents about the information relayed to me.


When I went to school this morning, I had the shock of my career when I saw the higher level kids in their costumes! The program was moved to 7:30AM from 1PM. I didn't know what to do for a minute and wished for the earth to eat me alive. I managed to pull it off anyway without being hysterical or any wild reaction. I called my contestant for the solo declamation and decided not to join the sabayang bigkas instead. But when I saw 10 kindergarten pupils waiting outside our classroom, I once again changed my mind and made them participate for the sabayang bigkas.


My pupils were great! They're the youngest in the campus but they placed 3rd for the Sabayang Bigkas and my contestant for the Solo Declamation won 1st place. Oh I am ever a proud teacher and coach! And as for the kids who were not able to join the contest, I demanded from the coordinators to make them perform in the afternoon program because of the miscommunication that transpired. So everyone had their shining moment.

My pupils' parents, however, are so mad at the administration and coordinators for not giving us a copy of the program invitation. But luckily, no one blamed me. I learned a lesson this time and the next time we have a program like this one, MY PUPILS WILL WIN FIRST PLACE IN ALL CATEGORIES. Haha! I know they will, I have so much faith in them.

Meet Yahyah. He made me proud as he recited Jose Rizal's "Sa Aking Mga Kababata".

The pupils who were not able to make it to the contest proper had their shining moment as they performed and intermission number in the afternoon activities. And yes, Aloy was one of those who were not able to perform in the morning. Any way, they all made me proud.

And the Opportunities Keep Coming

Even though I didn't want to, I went to my old school this afternoon to do a friend a favor.  I have to admit that I was a bit overwhelmed when I went inside the campus, the horizon's so different I felt like entering a new world.

Yeah, I missed my old school.  I spent almost 9 years of my life and I learned a lot from there. I miss my teachers, the routines, the canteen, and even the monthly activities. I felt awkward for a moment because nobody knew me when I entered. Haha! Do I sound so full of myself? It's just that everyone knows everybody there, from pre-nursery up to 4th year high school, and everyone knows each and every family background of each schoolmate.  We're like a big family to make it short. But yeah, times have changed, I left the institution 8 years ago so I don't know anybody anymore.

I was able to meet my mentors and had some little chitchats. When I went to the admin office, the school registrar asked me to teach in Grade 1 NEXT MONTH to replace a teacher who had just resigned. And I said NO. Haha! I have a signed contract in my present job so I cannot accept the offer. I left my contact number for tutorial jobs though so I'd settle for that.

Classroom Fight

This is my 200th post.

I feel terrible today. This morning was a disaster.

It's our school's first periodical examination today and when I was proctoring my class, a girl cried and shouted at the top of her lungs. She threw the worst tantrum I have ever seen in my life. She was shouting, "Ayoko na! Ayaw ko na mag exam!" and "Sumbungin kita sa Mommy ko! Di ko alam kung ano ang sagot dito!"

As a teacher, I know that every child is unique and has different characteristics. However, this morning, I was at my wits end. The rest of my pupils were distracted by the screams and wails of that kid. God knows how I really really really want to punch her and throw her outside the classroom. I kind of shouted at her and told her that her actuations are not acceptable inside my classroom but it got me to no avail. She only screamed louder which made me feel very frustrated. Instead of attending to that pupil's tantrums, I tried very hard to keep my cool and said a little prayer:

God please grant me the serenity to accept the things that I cannot change.

I think I was about to cry with my frustration to make that kid behave properly. So when everyone finished their exam, I asked that pupil not to go home for a serious talk and that made her scream, jump, shout and even curse at me. Everything's so physically draining. Not knowing what to do next, I hugged the girl and wiped her tears. Somehow, the mother instinct in me succeeded in dealing with the ordeal. My pupil stopped her tantrums right there and then, and I felt my tears streaming down my face, with guilt perhaps because I shouted at her. The girl eventually answered her examination papers, smiled and said goodbye at me when she finished.

I didn't mean to be overly mellow dramatic today but this incident somehow made me feel humane. I realized that I could control my anger and that the power of a 14 word prayer is very effective. I still feel drained at this moment but I also feel good about myself.

Mental Scrapblock

I've been trying to do scrapbooking since yesterday but my creative juices aren't working.  Well, that happens all the time so it doesn't really bother me.  Anyway, I just finished printing all the needed materials for my cousin's wedding next week but I will still be busy for the post wedding celebration to be held here so that the ones who aren't able to attend the wedding in Cagayan de Oro will have their share of the celebration. And I will be the one to cook leche flan.... Leche talaga! Hahahaha!

My pupils will have their dance presentation tomorrow and I'm expecting a disaster to happen.  We attempted to have a practice this morning but only half of the class attended the practice since today's a local holiday here in Cotabato City. Also, I'm brewing something for someone and the thought excites me so wish me luck!

Here's a layout I made before I end this post.  I don't mean to be rude but I don't know who to give credits to with the layout I made because I used a lot of papers and embellishments and my kits are not well organized. So here it is!

Victory and a Layout

Hello all! I'm happy today because my contestants won as the King and Queen of Nutrition Month and the kids already master their dance for the presentation on the 31st. I'm so happy that I was able to scrap something. I'm quite struggling with the use of brushes but here's my layout anyway. Happy weekend everybody!

So here's to teaching!

Law of Readiness

The Law of Readiness means a person can learn when physically and mentally adjusted (ready) to receive stimuli. Individuals learn best when they are ready to learn, and they will not learn much if they see no reason for learning. If trainees have a strong purpose, a clear objective and a sound reason for learning, they usually make more progress than trainees who lack motivation. When trainees are ready to learn, they are more willing to participate in the learning process, and this simplifies the instructor's job. If outside responsibilities or worries weigh heavily on trainees' minds or if their personal problems seem unsolvable, they may have little interest in learning.

When I got the job as a kindergarten teacher in a public elementary school, the principal warned me that my pupils' parents are the hardest to deal with basing from their years of experience and he's right. From time to time, I hear comments from the parents regarding my teaching style.  My co-teachers also warned me about this matter and they advised me not to mind the parents.  My boss told me to do whatever I think is proper and whatever I think is best for my pupils and that's what I'm doing.  I'm always updating myself for new styles and trends in teaching and the modules I use cost more than my actual salary. Although it's kind of impractical to do so, I still want to be a good teacher that's why I sacrifice my finances for my modules. 

However, I cannot please evrybody.  Yesterday, a parent went up to me and said that another parent complained that I don't teach my pupils about the sounds of the letters in the alphabet.  For chrissake, the kids cannot even distinguish the letter a from e or letter b from d and she wants me to teach the kids something more advanced.  Besides, not all my pupils have the same intellectual capacity and I will definitely feel guilty if I force the slow learners to have memories like a sponge.  I'm always on a hotseat and it's making me uncomfortable.  Thank God that the other parents know where I'm standing so they support my decisions in teaching.  Ha! They can never complain with the test papers that I gave my pupils because they are not cheap and definitely much better than the test papers from any public school here in Cotabato City or the whole region perhaps.

As much as possible, I don't want to tarnish my pupils' perception of schooling.  I want them to have fond memories of their first year in school that's why I'm taking it slow.  I don't want them to get traumatized with a particular subject because I scold them or insult them if they don't get the correct answer.  If the child is not ready, I don't force him/her to be at par with his/her peers.  We don't get to play that much inside the classroom but we sing a lot. I see to it that I integrate my lessons with music so that the kids will not get bored.  And  so far, singing while learning is great. The kids learn easily and their self confidence are developed.  My pupils asked me why I always smile and I only answered them with a big smile. From then on, a frown is not entertained inside my classroom.  I hope that the local government will give (not corrupt) appropriate budget for the primary level because that's when learning is at its critical point. And I hope I will pass the licensure exam so that I will get my teaching item next year and continue what I'm starting this year.

Busted

The pc's busted for three days and I was the culprit.  Good thing I know how to reformat and modify some programs so it's working well again.  And thanks for Mr. Manaois for the help.

I am busy this week as it's my pupils' first long quiz. So far, only 2 got  failing marks and at least 5 got perfect scores.

I am still searching for new techniques to make my teaching very effective.  The problem is that the devices are too costly.  I was advised by my aunt to compile my modules so that I can still use them next year and that's what I'm doing now. 

I am taking this profession seriously and I'm glad I found something that I am proud of.

Teaching Made Easy

I've been teaching for more or less a month now and I still have no idea of what I'm doing.  I have to admit that I desperately need help.  I'm still groping for techniques and teaching strategies so that my pupils will not fall asleep in my class.  As I was searching though, I found a great website which suggests activities and teaching styles for kindergarten pupils. It's http://www.dltk-kids.com/ and I am happy to share this site for teachers like me or even mothers who are homeschooling their children.

I want you to meet...

My pupils!  They are my afternoon session kids.  They're quite few but very hard to handle. And to think that these kids are fast learners! They are absolutely camwhores and take notice of my saling pusa son, the one who's not wearing a uniform.

  I told my pupils yesterday that I will bring a camera to document what they're doing inside the classroom and when I arrived to school this afternoon, the girls already had their lipstick on!  Their parents told me that the girls insisted to look their best, haha!

The Best Boomboxes

Last Friday, I taught my pupils how to sing the Philippine National Anthem as ordered to me by our principal. I thought that it will be an easy task to do since we will be only singing the whole two hours but I was so wrong! The kids got cranky after 15 minutes of listening to the music. Although some kids already know how to sing the National Anthem, I still struggled with the others who do not even pay attention. Some stared at me while some slept. What I did was play a lively music that the kids will dance into and fortunately, they all swarmed up to the "dancefloor" and danced. I had a bit of problem with the school's player though because it was an old one. I hope that the school will soon have enough funds to buy a boombox with cd player.

Luckily though, I was able to surf through some great finds on the internet. There are a lot of high-quality machines on the market, many of which offer a ton of features that let you listen to store-bought CDs as well as your own CD-R mixes. As I have said, I found a site that has the best boombox with cd player and they sell it at an affordable price. The site has a wide variety of boombox with cd player to match anyone's taste. I wish my boss will be able to see the site and think of buying one for the school. The booomboxes even have Ipod Connection and some are portable and great travel buddies. I do think that buying one of the featured boomboxes is a good investment especially for a kindergarten teacher like me as I integrate my lessons with music.

There are even tips on the sidebar to help buyers and surfers on what type of boombox with cd player to look for. So if you're looking to find the best portable boom box to play your CDs, this site is really a great find!

Classroom Humor

I officially had my first class last Monday and I was disappointed with myself because I went to school unprepared. Thankfully, the principal assisted me with the kids and dealing with the parents. We do not have a regular class until now because I am focusing on making the kids comfortable inside the classroom and with my presence. :D

I still have three to five pupils who do not want their parents to leave them inside the room. And I have three boys who are so rowdy and one of those boys is ALOY. Haha! He was supposed to be in the afternoon session but when he started getting noisy, I immediately joined him for the morning session where the boys are quite shy.

Teaching is fun. I don't think I will ever get old being with the kids. A lot of classroom humor happened actually, let me share one:

Me: Bago kayo umuwi, gusto ko munang sabihin ninyo kung ano ang dadalhin ninyo bukas?
Pupil1: BAON!
(laughter)
Me: Okay, ano pa?
Pupil2: BAG!
Me: Tama! Ano ang laman ng bag?
Pupil2: BAON!
(laughter)
Me: Ano pa?
Pupil3: Tubig o juice!
Aloy: Pati biscuit!

So the room was filled with laughter. Obviously, the baon is their reason why they go to school.

I won't be a Bum after all

I was offered a job yesterday and I couldn't afford to decline it. Not many are given opportunities like I have and I will always be grateful for the blessings that are coming my way. Starting tomorrow, I will be teaching a kindergarten class. Well, technically, our classes will start next Monday but I have to report tomorrow to my boss.

And my boss happens to be my cousin's husband. Well, I know it's unfair especially to those who have applied for the position given to me. But I guess that's what life and job hunting is all about.

It's who you know and what you know.

Wish me luck!

thinking thinking, angry angry

1. I will be very busy this week. Have to go to Davao on Thursday to submit our final layout for the yearbook but we still haven't finished them until now. Bahala na si batman. I hope our trip will be postponed so that I can attend my friend's birthday celebration on Friday. I miss her company.
2. I have two ultimate plans for this year. They're kinda simple but I want to accomplish them no matter what. First, I want to donate blood at least once. Second, I want to go and visit Iligan City again. I so miss Iligan's waterfalls and lifestyle I really wanna go back there....with Aloy this time so that he can meet his relatives there.