Anyone Can Teach? Think Again

This is for everyone who thinks that teaching is just like a walk in the park. 
That anybody can easily do this job...

Let this infographic debunk the three myths about teaching:

Source: www.busyteacher.org

Myth 1: Anyone can teach
WRONG! This idea is non-sense. Try organizing a child's birthday party or chaperoning a high school dance.

Myth 2: Teacher preparation is not much use
WRONG! Studies over the last 30 years show that fully prepared teachers are more highly rated and more effective with students.

Myth 3: Teachers don't work hard enough
WRONG! Teachers have little time during the day for planning, locating materials, talking with parents, meeting individually with students, or grading papers, they do all of these things after school hours, typically well into the evenings or on weekends.

Teaching is more than a profession, it is a noble duty of shaping the future of this nation. Like a candle, teachers allow themselves to be consumed just to light the path of the young minds, to help them achieve their full potential. 

#HappyWorldTeachersMonth!

PAGASA Rainfall and Flood Warning System

Tropical storm “Mario” hit and caused flood in the greater part of the Metro. Classes are suspended and even some government offices decided to suspend their work because of the heavy rainfall and flooded area.

Many were surprised about the intense rainfall brought by “Mario.” Well perhaps, if most of the people were properly informed by the latest rainfall and flood warning system by Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), they could have prepared earlier.   

Hence, I feel the need for this post. Let us be aware of the new PAGASA Rainfall and Flood Warning System and how they should be interpreted.

This is the visual infographic of PAGASA about their rainfall warning:

Click this image to enlarge the view

Meanings of the Color-Coded Warning Signals

Yellow Warning – there is a continuous heavy rain that can be expected for the next two hours. Flooding is possible. People should monitor the weather conditions by listening to weather updates to be constantly informed.

Orange Warning – there is a continuous intense rain that can be expected for the next two hours. Flooding is threatening and people should be alert by now for possible evacuation, most particularly those who are living in low lying areas.

Red Warning – this signal is an emergency call. Serious flooding is expected because the critical level of rainfall has been reached and the intense rain is expected to continue for next two hours. Flooding is serious and people who live in the low lying areas are advised to evacuate.

Sa ganitong mga panahon, ang susi ng ating kaligtasan ay ang laging pagiging handa.
Maging mapagmatyag at alerto rin tayo.

Stay safe everyone! 

The Adventures of Stickman

Classes are suspended today because of the bad weather. To keep myself busy while at home, I read three chapters of my book about research and scientific writing and updated my OneNote lectures about these chapters.

While reading and freewriting simultaneously, I just found myself stuck and running out of ideas. So I decided to chill out for a while by updating my social media sites and surfing the net for fun…

Then I stumbled upon with this amazing site that really made my day: http://www.drawastickman.com/

This site offers an application wherein you can draw the stickman that will play as the hero of a short adventure. It is very interactive. You need to guide your stickman as the story progresses by drawing some tools or weapons that he will need. There are two episodes that are currently available:

EPISODE 1: Your stickman will battle against dragon and escape from hungry sharks!

EPISODE 2: Guide your stickman as he outwits an awakened tiger to rescue other stickmen on top of the tree.

To whoever made this online application… thanks so much! I had fun animating my own stickman and helping him in his very comical adventures! :D

Division Website Development ,Roll-Out on RPMS and Parent-Teacher-Conference

As my last catching up post about the past events that made me so busy for the past two months, let me share about the Division Website Development, our school’s Roll-Out on Results Based Performance Management System and Parent-Teacher Conference:

Division Website Development

Last July 31, I was invited as one of the facilitators in preparation of materials for the website development. As part of our Division’s journey to the apex of SEAL of Excellence, all public schools were required to develop a website with virtual classroom. Elementary and Secondary ICT coordinators were gathered to attend a mini-workshop on how to use the 88DB online web editor in developing their school website. A demonstration on how to maximize the virtual classroom was also conducted to enhance the learning experience of the students.

With the 88DB web development team (our host provider), Dr. Belino, Division Planning Officer and Mrs. Jean Tropel, ValMaSci Master Teacher:

Roll-Out on Results Based Performance Management System

Last August 16, we held our roll-out on Results Based Performance Management System (RPMS). I was at the write-shop when I read the announcement of our principal posted on her Facebook timeline that she is expecting 100% attendance for this In-Set. I aimed to finish my revisions a day before the last day of our write-shop, so that I could attend the learning engagement.

During the plenary session, our school head and department head teachers gave us a comprehensive lecture about this new performance system of Department of Education. At first, I was kind of reluctant about this new assessment scheme, but as the truth about its framework, features and its aims to motivate teachers to improve better performance and quality of work by making this as one of the basis for the PBB grant were unveiled to us………… we were like…. okay we really need take this one seriously.

During our concurrent breakout session, we were tasked to write our SMART objectives for the following KRAs:

• Teaching-Learning Process
• Students Outcome
• Community Involvement
• Professional Growth
• Tardiness
• Attendance

With my fellow TLE teachers, while writing about our objectives and required competencies for each KRAs:

Parent-Teacher Conference

After whole-day school-based learning engagement about RPMS, I went home immediately to prepare for the First Quarter PTC. Working overnight, I encoded the grades in composite grading sheet, print dummy cards and certificates of recognition for my class achievers (this is the most demanding part of being a class adviser). I also prepared my agenda for the meeting with the parents.

During the PTC, I discussed to the parents about the school policies, rules and regulations, proper grooming, absenteeism and class performance. I also reminded them about their significant role about the success of their children in school.

Nutrition Month 2014 Culminating Activity and Awarding Ceremony

Last July 30, 2014, we held the Awarding Ceremony and Culminating Activity of Nutrition Month with the theme “Kalamidad Paghandaan: Gutom at Malnutrisyon Agapan!” I considered this as one of the most successful awarding ceremonies we have ever organized. As the TLE Club adviser, I’ve witnessed how my fellow TLE teachers committed their time and effort in facilitating the different contests for this month-long celebration. With the combined efforts of the TLE faculty, TLE Club and Junior Computer Club, and with the support from our school administrators, we successfully staged this most highlighted event of our department.

The program started with a National Anthem led by Mrs. Rosanna Isidro and followed by an Opening Prayer by Mr. Jeffry Reovoca.

Our Head Teacher-In-Charge, Mrs. Rona Reyes, in her welcome remarks, stressed the importance of disaster survival skills, particularly in preparing meals that are still nutritious despite of scarcity in food resources.

Mrs. Corazon Tanfelix, our former Head Teacher, became very emotional while giving her inspirational message. She already passed the Principal’s Test last summer and she was immediately assigned as an Officer-In-Charge of the Serrano Elementary School. She was teary-eyed when she gave her speech because she used to supervise this program as our former head teacher. As a surprise, we gave her a plaque of appreciation for her empowering leadership and unconditional love and support for the department in the past 18 years.

Our emcees, Danica Gonzales and Christian Sabadisto, two of my brightest students from IV-St. Peter:

Amazing performance from our Nutri-Jingle champion in grade 7 category:

Announcing the contest winners of Nutrition Month 2014:

Photo credits: Chelsea Salva and Diane Salazar (IV-St. Peter)

It feels so great to know that our department worked hand in hand for the success of this event. Truly, cooperation is still the most powerful force for every organization to triumph in its endeavor.

10-Day National K to 12 Writeshop for Development of EPP-ICT Teacher's Guides and Learner's Materials

As part of the implementation of the K to 12 program and in preparation for the S.Y. 2015-2016, the Bureau of Elementary Education, Curriculum Development Division invited writers from different regions of the country to attend the Ten-Day Write-shop on the Development of Grade 4 Learner’s Materials (LMs) and Teacher’s Guides (TGs).

I was so fortunate to be invited as one of the writers on this recently concluded write-shop. This was held last July 14 – 24, 2014 at Oasis Hotel and Resort, Tanza, Cavite.

As soon as we arrived at Oasis Hotel and Resort, an orientation program was held to give preliminary instructions to all the writers about important schedules, requirements and layouts that we should comply for the camera-ready outputs.

The writing table, which became my dear companion
during the 10-day write-shop

After the orientation, we proceeded to concurrent breakout sessions, so that every subject area could further talk about the LMs and TGs format and page requirements. I was assigned to the EPP-ICT 4 team together with my co-writers, Mr. Virgilio Laggui and Mrs. Eden Samadan. Our team is supervised by our consultant, Dr. Mona Sasing, and our team secretary and Education Program Specialist, Mrs. Glenda Granadozin (she was the one who endorsed me to be part of the team... thanks so much madam!).

With Ma'am Glenda, our very dedicated writing team secretary!

This was actually my first write-shop experience. I was kind of very conscious if I am doing my task right. From time to time, I would ask Ma’am Glenda, our team secretary if my write-ups are okay. Dr. Sasing, our consultant, would comment on our work and suggest some revisions to improve our write-ups.  

I was again invited last August 11-16, for the finalization of the LMs and TGs. Once more, we stayed in Oasis Hotel and Resort for final critiquing and content reviewing of our camera-ready outputs.

During the finalization of the LMs and TGs at Mojave Function Room

 

I feel so blessed to be with this group of very inspiring writers
from different parts of the country

To God be the glory!

This was indeed a one of a kind experience I would never forget! I learned a lot from this write-shop. It feels so overwhelming to be part of this endeavor. Being part of LMs and TGs development for the incoming Grade 4 made me realized that as a module writer, my role is very critical in designing instructional strategies that will not only meet the content and learning competencies, but will also guide and support the Filipino learners on their quest for a more meaningful education. 

I Miss This Blogging Thing So Much

Wow! It’s nice to be back in blogging!

It’s been like almost two months ago since I last posted here… And guess what… yeah…  I missed the whole month of August! :O Sorry my dear blog for this long gap, I was just so busy dealing with many personal and professional commitments.

Let me share an overview of different events that happened for the past two months that made me very occupied:

• Nutrition Month Culminating Activity and Awarding Ceremony
• 10-Day National K to 12 Writeshop for Development of EPP-ICT Learners Materials and Teachers Guides
• DepEd Valenzuela Website Materials Preparation
• First Quarter Examination
• 6-Day Finalization of EPP-ICT Learners Materials and Teachers Guides
• Roll out on Results-Based Program Management System
• First Quarter Parent-Teacher Conference

As much as I really wanted to publish a blog post about these important affairs, my frenzied schedule did not really permit me to do so. I don’t know… but I’m sure that I’m not losing my fondness in blogging. I made a pact with the stars in the night sky (darn serious I really did) that I will never stop cultivating this online travelogue of my wonderful journey as an educator until the twilight years of my career.  -_-

Okay… So much for this musing and self-consoling… This is not really an issue that needs a pity-party LOL! At least, for this month I can find a way to update this blog more often, since my schedule will be more relaxed…

For the following days, my plan is to write about these events at least one post at a time.

There is just this one thing that I realized about blogging. I find it very ironic, because when there are a lot of events that I really wanted to share in this blog, it’ so hard to find the time to do it. Well, perhaps it’s because of the plain fact that I am totally engrossed with the current endeavor.    

Is it only me? Or perhaps all bloggers experienced the same way too. 

#BerMonths #September2014 #ComeBackPost