Teaching Po at Opo!

Buwan ng Wika Celebration 2011

The problem with us Cebuanos are our often misunderstood tone of voice. People who are not used of our tone thinks that we are angry, always angry. Unlike the Ilonggos whose dialect are sweet sounding.


In this archipelago, where many dialects exist and when its people are divided by mountains and the waters, a common language is very important. That comes in the significance of celebrating Buwan ng Wika in our beloved country.


One thing good about our Pambansang Wika(National Language) - Filipino is its uniquely innate tone of respect. The "po" and "opo" for example, give me other language or dialect which has a term that will show respect especially for the elders. I cant think of one as of this writing. The use of "po" and "opo" should be continually practiced by the Filipinos by teaching its young through example.


Teach by example they said, if you practiced what you preach, it becomes more believable and consistent, thus the younger generation would surely follow. In the early talking stage of your children, make sure to incorporate the use of "po" and "opo" in talking to them. Once they get the hang of it, it would come out naturally for them. Every time you call out to them, the reply should either be "po" or "ano po yun?". If they fail to include "po" or "opo" in their reply, you should let them repeat their sentence until they include the words to their replies. Repetition is an effective way in habit formation.


It is also good to expose our children to different dialects aside from the Mother Tongue for them to grasp easily the school lessons by the time they go to school. This does not mean pressuring our children to speak in English for it would make them more "sosyal" or would make them sound "genius". Its commendable if our children can speak english during there early years, but let us keep in mind that communication skills is way better when our children will be understood and can understand clearly.

School Bluez: 1st Prelim & Periodical Exam

What are your usual reactions when examination week is approaching? Stomach churn, hands sweaty, constant paranoia, yes, I know, i get it, we tend to get nervous.

So how will you take the fact that your preschooler will be taking their very first examinations? Excited? Maybe. Apprehensive? Probably. Clueless? Right. Whatever your reaction maybe, make sure not to pass on the negative vibe you are having to your child. Do not put on the pressure to your preschooler on ACING the exams. Remember they are still children, more learnings to encounter and more knowledge to store. 

The next move you probably take is to conduct study sessions with your little ones. Problem. She is too preoccupied with her favorite cartoon network shows or her toys. Well, here is some list of the lessons we learned as Hayley took her first written examinations:

1. Before examinations, we only checked her bags for assignments, minding not her other lessons. Now, we know that we should review everyday all her lessons for the day, for familiarization and memory retention. This will also help develop an excellent study habit at an early age.

2. Practice writing often. Practice. PRACTICE. Practice.

3. Play teacher to your preschooler. Patience is a MUST.

4. Have a conducive room for study time. Make sure your child will not be destructed either by noise or any activities by other members of the family. Invest a right-sized study table and a small whiteboard. They are also big factors for a good study habit.

5. Make studying a FUN activity. Do not pressure your child. Avoid scolding and punishing.

6. Practice a REWARD SYSTEM everytime she gets a good score!

some Hayley's exam results

Those are only few of our personal takes on studying with Hayley. As a result here are her scores:

SUBJECT                                      Prelim Score                                              Periodical Score
LANGUAGE                                      20/20                                                          18/20
READING                                          14/20                                                          18/20
FILIPINO                                           18/20                                                          20/20
MATH                                                16/20                                                          30/30
SCIENCE                                           13/15                                                          11/20
VALUES                                             20/20                                                          20/20

Keep it up Hayley Girl!

SCHOOL BLUEZ: WHAT TYPE OF PRESCHOOLER ARE YOU?

Being in the same room with Hayley for almost a week as she experience her first week of Back-to-School days, I  learned that there are different types of preschoolers that working parents might have missed out, since they they left the role of watching for their children to babysitters. 


 Here are few of my observations using Hayley's class:

THE ACTIVE
They can be easily pointed among the crowd. These are those kids who participate every action songs, follow teachers' instructions swiftly or loves to do coloring and writing tasks. They also love to play with their classmates, and starts to form little ones clique. They are the easy-to-handle group. Also fond of calling the teacher's attention and seeks constant approval. More often than not the teacher's pet comes from this group.

THE SHY
One of the clingy to the mother/father/guardian/nanny kinds. They are those who needs constant companion. May it be inside the classroom or when being called to write something on the board. Likened to a turtle for their timidity and slowness. Opposite to the active type, they do not like to draw attention to themselves. If they cannot avoid the attention, they transform into a turtle trying to hide their face in any way they can, wanting to get inside their shell and be invisible for the meantime.


THE HYPER
Expect that having them inside a class of 20 will always be in mayhem. Count 10 active types rolled into one and you will get the hyper kind. they are bound to destroy and distract. they easily gets bored that they tend to make a show to get everyone's attention. A teacher's needs a special skill and a bagful of patience on handling their type. A louder room than usual means presence of their type is among the herd. They usually instigate trouble among the other students which is one of the grueling tasks any early childhood teachers might encounter.

THE CRYBABY
Almost like the Shy Type, the Cry baby are the clingy ones as well. They are sensitive in almost everything. They need to be handled with care if you do not want a bucketful of tears and whining distract the class. On the first week of classes, Cry Babies are everywhere, this is usually because of the Separation anxiety preschoolers normally experience. As days go by, the number of the criers also decreases especially when their type are being assured that they will be taken care of and if they develop friendship with their classmates. PATIENCE is still the key for the Cry babies to improved and level up to be with the Active Type.


Now, what type of preschooler your child is?

School Bluez: NEW UNIFORM

As school year 2011-2012 opens, our little girl Hayley will again go to school and this time as a Kindergarten. Good thing that we enrolled her last year in a public day care and she got a taste of what schooling is like. We will no longer have the separation anxiety blues with her. She now knows how to interact with other kids and she somehow know a bit of the basics.


Excited that we are, right after enrolling her, we went to check for a uniform. Way back, we usually have our uniform sewn by our dressmaker neighbor. Gone are the days when in a neighborhood you will find ten dressmakers in a population of fifty people. The sewers grew old became incapable then went on. You cannot find young generation of sewers/dressmakers in the neighborhood anymore. Now, we are having a hard time looking for a cheap yet good dressmaker to make Hayley's new uniform. Good thing, we found someone from the other village who makes quality uniforms for a reasonable price.


For some schools, they sell ready made uniforms for the transferee and freshies. You can either go to the nearest Malls for they might have the uniform you are looking for; or if you have all the money sources in the world, you can go to a high-end designer's boutique and have your uniform sewn there. 


If you are thinking of bulk orders of uniform, you may contact a dress shop who
can handle your order professionally or you can go check online, like for your
Nursing Scrub needs you may check this link: http://www.blueskyscrubs.com/categories/Scrubs/Scrubs-for-Women/

School Bluez: FIELD TRIP

Learning experience is not only confined in a Four-walled classroom. As adults always say, Experience is the greatest Teacher. So off for a Field Trip Hayley's class go!


It was a week before they end their classes that Teacher Meriam organized a field trip for these actively playful pre-schoolers. Parents and guardians shared the very same excitement the kids have. They went to four interesting places in one day.


First stop: LOCAL FIRE STATION
Getting to meet the people who plays essential roles to their community would help the children understand that the place they live are made up of different types of people with different roles to play. It is also good to note that at early age they can identify different professions and the simple description of their jobs. Let them know that they can call a FIREMAN is there is a FIRE incident, a POLICEMAN if someone is in grave danger, a TRAFFIC ENFORCER if they want assistance on the road, etc...

Next. YUSEPENG ANIMAL FARM.
Most children loves animals, household pets commonly. If children grows up in an Urban Community, the only animals they probably know and see are cats, dogs or fish inside an aquarium. The only introduction with farm animals may have been through books or during your road trips, when you point to your kids some animals you pass by like cow, horse, goat and other farm animals.


So, it is worth commending if the education provider you chosed, arranged a trip to a zoo or an animal farm for the kids. This may be their first time chance of seeing at close animals that we do not see anywhere. Crocodiles, Snakes, rare species of birds and the likes would surely make children interested. Aside from getting to know and see different kinds of animals, take the chance by letting the children know how to take care of these animals.

THIRD STOP. COCA-COLA BOTTLERS.

This, I do not understand. Why should children be brought to the place where a drink they should avoid drinking is mixed and bottled up. I just dont get it. Plus, they will be offered unlimited bottles of cola but you should finished it inside the establishment. 

Schools should think of where to take their pupils on a Field Trip. There are more places to take these children that is enjoyable and educational at the same time. 

Note to the Local Government: They should invest on museums, parks and library for the young Generals. Or if this suggestion is far from happening for now, they should at least look into the present situation of the Local Library or is it a Library? 

School Bluez: Moving Up Ceremony

March 21, 2011 – Moving-Up Ceremony of Hayley’s Day Care took place at the Social Development Center one afternoon. This is a sort-of graduation/culmination ceremony after ten months of attending Day Care. What makes it different from the Graduation rights is the casual approach of this program compared to the serious and usually stiff program flow you get during graduation.

Messy and noisy yet funny! That is how I will describe the Moving-Up Ceremony. Given that it started an hour late, the children became giddy and restless even producing tantrums for some of them. Add up a hot venue, expect an almost riot situation. Well lets give it to them, kids will be kids. 


Excited and supportive that we are for our Little Hayley, we came before the Call Time with all the props ready at hand. We made sure that the camera(s) got enough memory and sufficient battery, her uniform and costumes were delicately pressed and the kids make-up kit is readily available.


Like the rest of her classmates, Hayley got two ribbons for her beaing Neat and Cheerful. She also got a Certificate of Smartness - MUSIC SMART.

The highlight of the ceremony came during the "Munting Pangarap" intermission of the Day Care Pupils. When they have to dress-up and speak on what they want when they grow up. 


A heartwarming scene also came when the pupils gave flowers to their parents.

School Bluez: COLORING 101

purple for an eggplant

Remember Hayley's first coloring task? The Black Cake? From that day up to this very moment, Hayley comes a long way in terms of her coloring skills.

Enrolling her in a Day Care improved Hayley in different ways. She got more socially interactive, she can identify colors and she can color well. This may be not surprising for anyone at the age of three can do more than that, but again, since her first coloring task until this day, her coloring improved pretty much.

On her play time, she sometimes prefers to play with water colors or let her Ate's draw with her. A note to parents: Find time to sit down with your toddlers before you finally retire your tired body at night. Spend time with your kids doing arts and crafts or just simple coloring if you have no talent with the arts and crafts. You can find in the internet ready-to-color images that you may use for this bonding time. Internet is a friend, just google a favorite cartoon character or an animal that your child wants to color that day, and am sure Good ol' Google will give you an image you are looking for.

Problem. If your kids are so much into coloring and prefer to do the stuff on the wall of your house, if your budget allow you, you can buy them a sheet of plywood. You may get an Art Virtuoso out of your child. Let them explore. Buy them materials if their inclinations are really into it.

the infamous black cake

Hayley's Last Days of DECEMBER 2010

Welcome 2011! It may sound cliche' but yes time fly so fast. 2010 was a wonderful year for our dear Hayley. She formally started school. She can somehow communicate well. She graduated from her Potty Training and more! One thing we are looking forward for her 2011 is her saying goodbye to her bottles and gaining (a lot) weight.

So before we fill you up with things to do on this year of the rabbit, let us take a look on how she spent her December.


It was a busy December for Hayley so I'll give you some bits and pieces on how her December went. 


Starting off with her school's Christmas Party. The Party place is at Jollibee Highway, where else?. Ask any Pinoy kid which fast food they love best and they will tell you easily its JOLLIBEE! Hayley had fun with the parlor games they played. She proved that she can now follow simple directions and can be competitive in a good way. You can now bring Hayley to any children's party and expect her to be socializing. 


A party held at Jollibee would not be complete without the appearance of the dancing BEE of course - JOLLIBEE! If that bee is around, expect Hayley to be also on his heel.


By the way, this is Hayley's first Christmas Party, at least we got this recorded for future reference.

I tagged Hayley as I attended the 11th General Santos City Youth Achievers' Awarding at the City Hall. I was one of the adjudicator this year and just would not miss the Awarding. Bringing Hayley in this kind of event has its UPS and DOWNS. With BIG people around her, she becomes shy and timid at first. She would never give a chance of losing you from her side. That explains the picture below. But I am proud of Hayley that day, for she seem to know that where we are is a serious event and she never gave me TANTRUMS, despite the fact that she is sleepy. She did sleep in the middle of the program by the way.

I brought her to that event with the thought in my mind that one day, Hayley will be among the Young Achievers of the city.

Hayley's 3rd Christmas Eve Celebration. It was a busy day for the whole family. Last minute shopping, gift wrapping and cooking should have tire her out but the little girl in pink on a Christmas eve was super active. She attended Mass, played with her cousin, danced, sang and waited for the exchanging and opening of gifts. It was a very merry Christmas for Hayley and the rest of the family.

Still cannot get over with the party hours before, Hayley and mama woke up early and distributed toys and candies to the kids in the neighborhood. It is good that in early age, children are taught the goodness of sharing. Let them discover the happiness of doing good to others which they would surely remember as they grow old.

Another party for Hayley was during Mama's Christmas Party with her group. Hayley and the rest of the family did not miss the chance of going upon learning that the venue is at the ABCD Stars Convention Center. The exclusivity of the pool area is what we love most. They have a stand by LIFEGUARD which most of the local resorts in the city do not have. They have this small round pool for toddlers (just the right size for Hayley) and a large pool with 9 feet as the deepest part. The pool area is best for parties with an expected guest of not more than one hundred. ABCD Stars will be featured on my other blog.

New year's eve for Hayley was unlike her Christmas Eve. Straight from the mass Little Hayley fell asleep. And she only woke up just in time for the much awaited Fireworks from the neighborhood. Turotot was also her constant companion that time. The weather was not that friendly as the Philippines welcome the year of the rabbit, so Hayley was not her giddy usual self. 

 As already mentioned, we hope for a heavier and healthier Hayley this 2011! 

Have a 

BLESSED 2011 

Dear Readers!

Children's Month Celebration goes FREAK SHOW

October for Day Care Centers mean Children's Month! As practiced, on the third week of the month of October, its culmination is celebrated in different ways. Here in General Santos City, the Day Care Centers under the supervision of the City Social Welfare and Development Office done a series of competition among different Day Cares. Quiz bee, Draw and Tell, Folk Dance among others are the competition held.

As their culminating activity, they usually encourage their pupils to join the sort-of Beauty Pageant( i do not know what they call it). There is nothing competitive about it cause all you have to do is register your child by paying a certain amount and wait if your child's name has been luckily chosen by means of draw lots. In short it is a GAME OF LUCK. 

Now comes the Coronation Day, where you have to dress you kids up like GROWN-UPS! Making them wear those itchy and tight gowns and overdoing their make-up. Add up a disorganized program and the boiling hot weather, expect the kids' TEMPER GO WILD till they end up on your arms, sleeping. Good thing, Hayley decided to wear a comfortable dress to use for the event going away from the norm and we got this HAPPY PICTURE.

contentment

papa's girl

tired baby

retouch

Let them enjoy their 

childhood nice and slowly 

or you'll end up saying: 

WHY DID YOU GROW UP SO FAST?

School Bluez: Hayley's Nutrition Month Culmination

Last July 29, 2010, Hayley's Day Care had a culminating program for the Nutrition Month. The first ever activity for our school girl, she was her usual hyper self and indeed very ecstatic.


Her class performed the infamous "MAKULAY ANG BUHAY"( I'm not sure with the title), with different kinds of healthy foods as their head pieces.


Meanwhile, the parents had a simple food preparation contest and we are proud that our group won.


More school activities to come!

School Bluez: Hayley's 1st STAR

On her Second week in school, Hayley received her very first STAR! A star for having a PERFECT ATTENDANCE for the first two weeks of classes. She may be tardy but she never missed a class.

For years, prep-schools, day cares and early childhood education uses REWARD in reinforcing effective learning among their pupils. The infamous STAR is the most over used reward among kids. Getting a STAR is a big deal that is why they work harder. 


For parents, REWARDING means getting a little bit EXPENSIVE. Reward connotes to materials gifts for their children. Some may look at it as SPOILING but as study says REWARDS are generally considered more effective than punishment in enforcing positive behavior.

In popular use, positive reinforcement is often used as a synonym for reward, with people (not behavior) thus being "reinforced," but this is contrary to the term's consistent technical usage, as it is a dimension of behavior, and not the person, which is strengthened. Negative reinforcement is often used by laypeople and even social scientists outside psychology as a synonym for punishment. This is contrary to modern technical use, but it was B. F. Skinner who first used it this way in his 1938 book. By 1953, however, he followed others in thus employing the word punishment, and he re-cast negative reinforcement for the removal of aversive stimuli.

                                                                           -wikipedia-

Furthermore, REWARDS induce learning, approach behavior and feelings of positive emotions. So do not get frugal with rewarding your kids. 


Go HAYLEY. Go AIM for more STARS!

Back to School Madness- Day 1

First day of classes - Exciting for those bored with a bummer summer. Tiring for those who cannot get enough of the school break. People have different say about the first day of school but for those who will be attending classes for the very first time has another story.


At this year and age when children are being exposed to the learning world as early as Terrible Twos, parents send their precious babies to expensive Nursery Schools. For those with tight budget a Public Day Care is a way to go.


Hayley had a taste of day care last year but she only lasted for a day or two. (click this for related post)


Just turned 3, we thought its high time for her to attend school seriously. We were apprehensive at first, for Hayley cannot speak that well yet in short, she still baby talk, that is why we enrolled her, last minute. 


Now came the official back to school day. Hayley woke an our late, so obviously when she reached her school the First Day Class is over. That did not left the little girl dismayed it even started her ignition aside from the school supplies we bought for her. 


Came the second day. Good thing, she was just in time for the flag ceremony. Let the pictures tell you what transpired.

learning the National Anthem

morning exercises as part of the morning ritual

"ako ay may ulo na aking ginagalaw..."

carpet time: Roll Call

Did I tell you that we enrolled Hayley the last minute? Ah yes. The drawback of enrolling your children late most often than not, is, their names wont be called during roll call. So Hayley, waiting for her name to be mentioned for the longest time get her teacher's attention and finally got called.

First Coloring Task

When asked to color a cake guess what color did Hayley first choose? BLACK. The logic - she often see and eat Chocolate Cake. 

It was exhilarating, seeing Hayley embraced her official first day with such vigor. She was attentive and active. She listens to her teacher and follow instructions.  Tantrum that day was not on her list. Aside from fighting with a boy classmate over a red colored chair, Hayley was very good that day thus making us proud.

Catch more of Hayley's school world in the next days.