A Different Christmas

Ahh, I’ve waited for Christmas. For Christmas is the main event in my life, in our life. But now, already four days before Christmas, I haven’t even put up my Christmas tree. I haven’t mailed the Christmas cards I bought a month ago. I haven’t bought Christmas presents either. All I was able to accomplish was to give small Christmas candies to my children in the centre. Why with all the Christmas trimmings around and the Christmas carols I hear, I still am not in the mood for Christmas? Has Christmas lose its lustre and glow on my case?

I am not negative. Don’t think that way please. I just am thinking that Christmas is getting too commercial everywhere I go. Yeah, I know it is the birthday of Jesus. We have to celebrate. We have to be jolly. But then, how can we be jolly when somewhere there in that part of the Philippines, Albay in particular, many people are sad and grieving as caused by that calamity, that thypoon called Reming?

That should not affect my personal celebration of course. I still should celebrate Christmas with much joy and thankfulness. At the same time, I should respect how other people see and celebrate Christmas. I should honour the Christmas tradition that I was born to. Yes, the trimmings, the festive activities are just externals, an added glow to the festive mood. What’s more important is the feeling deep inside, that our Saviour was born on Christmas Day.

But this Christmas, I just want it to be different. I just want to feel the glory of God in His creations. And one of those is this…
















With this view, I really see the greatness of God. How nice it is to feel that His birthday is about serenity and love. How I wish the feeling of calmness will remain in me throughout.

So dear folks, however you see Christmas, whatever we believe about Christmas, let us celebrate and always remember the great love of God.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYBODY!!!!

The Splendour of The Lord

As usual, we attended Sunday mass at St Anthony’s Church in Woodlands. And it was a very inspiring mass again with the homily about The Splendour of the Lord. Though the men in charge were late on cue, it was still nice watching the slide presentation of the simple wonders around us which we at times take for granted.

Yeah, when we are down and feeling blue, those wonders are difficult to feel and see. It is because it is only when “we are pure and blameless” that we really see and feel that unexplained but prominent feeling of awe and serenity on all those simple things that God provided for us.

Though it is just natural to feel sad at times, we should always see the bright side of things. For when we see the bright side, we feel happy. That is why I always seek God’s guidance for me to feel joyful with the simple things I got.

And I want to share here some simple photos I photographed that made me feel and see the splendour of the Lord.

We also see the splendour of God in people around us. As for me, I see God's wonders in my own family especially my grandkids.

As an early childhood educator, I always see and feel God's wonders in all the children in the centre. For whatever they are doing and or they are saying and in whatever moods they are in, God's love for humanity is always prominent.

Just look at him.

At her.

And at them.

Can you feel an unexplained joy seeing these young kids? (note: these kids were sponsored by my daughter's company to visit Sentosa)

Now if you are in the early childhood setting, but you feel irritable, impatient and angry most of the times, please, please leave this profession. You don't belong here. For those like me who love children will always want to see the splendour of the Lord through the children. Please don't make our beloved profession as lowly as you. Don't stain it with much hatred. Can you? Will you?

Tired

I am supposed to be sitting not in front of the computer but over there in that air conditioned room where I should listen and need to learn more about developmentally appropriate curriculum. I was not able to attend that course for the simple reason that it suddenly just hit me that I was so tired those thirty minutes ago. Yeah, I suddenly felt so tired. Imagine that, I was able to condition my mind that I was tired to attend my lesson. Hmmm, what’s happening to me?

Well, as much as I like to attend my course, I suddenly could not bring myself to get out of the house after an hour rest from full day work. There are many things on my mind that bother me. Surely, I would not be able to concentrate with the lesson if I pushed myself to attend.

So what is the purpose of my post? Ahhh, I just want to remind myself that I should not ever open the book I closed years ago. And if ever those people happen to read this post of mine, I’d like to say this: “sorry guys, but you are just part of my bad dream, gone forever in my consciousness!!”

Acch, I’m tired! But surely, this tiredness is just for a fleeting moment. I know that my stamina to face my life is still there. For I know that God gave me those strength to face my life with much courage. I know I know…..

How if.....

I really enjoyed watching Amazing Race. The time it was announced that there would be Amazing Race Asia, I jokingly asked my hubby if we could join. And you know what, he laughed and laughed. He added that may be we would be the first one to be eliminated, as we would argue non stop on which route to take and every small details we would surely discuss in length before we agreed on one thing. Ay naman!!! Why he could not believe me, that when it comes to games or contest, I'll surely be his follower.

But how if I really convinced him to join, would we be considered? That's impossible to happen...
Kaya eto, the moment I saw this in Suntec City, I instantly asked to be photographed. Kahit man lang sa photo, nasa Amazing Race ako. Saya di ba??

How Time Flies

How time flies, my baby! It seems that it was only days ago when I carried you in my arms. How I missed those days, my baby!!

I know those days will never come again. But knowing that you are already a mother, a good mother at that, makes me happy.

Happy birthday Krizelle!! May you have the best of everything. We love you!!!

An Afternoon in Orchard

This afternoon we met my cousin and his wife in Orchard Road. They came for a 2 days package tour of Singapore flying with Cebu Pacific.

Since it was 2 weeks ago when my husband and I went to Orchard, we were so pleased with the new Holiday ambience there. I like the new designs for Christmas. Crystals really amazed me. And speaking of Orchard during Holiday season, it is always the best place for me.

Don't Shut Fathers Out

Yesterday, Saturday, was my last day for the Module on Family Involvement under Dr. Christine Chen. She handed us an article from Early Childhood Education Journal titled Don't Shut Fathers Out by Eugenia Hepworth Berger. As Dr Chen discussed the article, the three prominent fathers I know came to my mind: my own father, my husband, and my SIL. Their faces flashed on my mind what more when Dr. Chen quoted, “Let fathers enjoy what they’re doing best.” And yeah, why would we not allow fathers to do their best especially for the family, the children in particular?

I remember my own father (Bless his soul!) Oh, I was not privileged to be close to him. For all my life how I ached that he’d show me the love and care I wanted to feel. I learnt in the process the fact that he did love me in his own way.

I could not comprehend then why a former municipal mayor would opt to stay at home and just cook for his wife and younger children when he can do something more. As I mature, I learnt to appreciate him. And Dr Chen just reminded me how wonderful my father was. For how many fathers around during those times, especially a highest official in his own town, would opt to be a house husband and tend to his children?

My own husband is also a great father, I can say. During our early years, whenever around, he would do household chores and help with feeding and bathing our kids. He also tutored our kids. Now that my children are grown ups, he still help in household chores. Sometimes, I wonder why a man like him, a manager in his own right, would still cook or clean the house. How lucky I am.

My son-in-law is also the same. After his work, he would also help my daughter in cleaning the house and in taking care of their 3 kids. What was so heartwarming when I stayed with them for a while was that it was my SIL who checked every hour the twin’s and the baby’s diapers and saw to it that diapers are changed every 2 to 3 hours.

I can say that I am what I am now for having a father like my own father. My daughters grew up to be good persons and successful professionals because of my husband’s personal touch. I am sure my three grand kids will grow up to be good persons too because they have the privelege to have a nurturing father. In addition, I am sure that my father enjoyed what he did, the same as my husband and SIL are also enjoying what they are doing up to now.

Therefore, as an educator of young children, I must encourage fathers to get involved with their own children so they will recognize their importance. I have to provide opportunities for fathers to be involved with their children’s activities. I can even provide fathers with information on child development. It is now a well known fact that fathers who are positively involved with their children, enhance their children's emotional and intellectual skills to the fullest. Just look at me, (ahem!) and look at my daughters (more ahem!!) Kidding aside, we must not shut fathers out. They have unique contribution to young children's development in all aspects. I guarrantee you that!

Happy Birthday Double

HAPPY 3rd BIRTHDAY KYLLENE & DARRIELLE!

WE LOVE YOU VERY MUCH!!

Prayer

My husband forwarded an email he received from his colleague. I find it relevant, what with me being too busy at work and with my course including the requirements that go with it. Please read and pray.

PRAY

Pray when you don't feel like praying
Pray when you're weary & worn...
Pray when the burden grows lighter
Pray when it cannot be borne ~
Pray when things seem impossible
Pray 'til the answer breaks through...
Pray if it seems an eternity since God moved His hand for you ~
Pray when the sun is shining
Pray when the storms appear...
Pray when the Lord seems distant
Pray when He seems very near ~
Pray in the congregation
Pray in your closet there...
Pray with a heart of thanksgiving
Pray when there seems no prayer ~
Pray in and out of season
Pray on your knees or stand...
Pray when you're heavy~hearted
Pray when you're feeling grand ~
PRAY for God promised to answer
PRAY 'til the answer He sends...
PRAY in the name of JESUS FOR GOD'S WORD IS YEA & AMEN !

By Mary Carter Mizrany November 7, 2005 This writing may be used in its entirety, with credits in tact, for non-profit ministering purposes.

Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer. O ye sons of men, how long will ye turn my glory into shame? how long will ye love vanity, and seek after leasing? Selah. But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him. ( Psalm 4:1-3 )

Here's my thought for the day.
When you don't know what to do, praying is the answer.

I agree with my husband's colleague. Prayer is the answer.

Into the Silent land

I spent most of my afternoon yesterday in reading the book I borrowed from the library. My husband asked me if I was reading it in relation to my work and study or for just the pleasure of reading. Up to now he could not comprehend yet why the woman he married finds pleasure in reading fiction books. For him TV documentaries are more pleasing to his senses.

Before going to sleep on our bed, I announced to him that I already finished reading that book titled Into the Silent Land by Paul Broks, a Senior Clinical Lecturer and Honorary Consultant in Neuropsychology. I explained to him that it is not actually a fiction book but real stories of the author’s patients and his experiences as a doctor. “Neuropsychology? What has it got to do with an engineer like me?” he asked. I answered that it has a lot to do with anybody. I went on lengths to explain and I quoted from the book:

neuropsychology: noun(mass noun) the study of the relationship between behaviour, emotion and cognition on the one hand, and brain function on the other.

mind noun 1 the element of a person that enables them to be aware of the world and their experiences, to think and to feel; the faculty of consciousness and thought….

brain noun1 an organ of soft nervous tissue contained in the skull of vertebrates, functioning in the coordinating centre of sensation and intellectual and nervous activity….

self noun (pl selves) a person’s essential being that distinguishes them from others, especially considered as the object of introspection….

To convinced him more about my point I told him one story in the book that of Robert who was a loving husband, a good father with satisfactory job but one day in the foothills of middle age, he took a long look at himself and decided that life was running out and he was going nowhere and so there must be a change. Robert left his family in an impulse following several episodes of uncharacteristically eccentric behaviour. He had seizures and was taken to hospital, had head scans and a large mass in the orbitofrontal region of the brain was found. He had tumour in his frontal lobes that recalibrated his personality.
“A meningioma like Robert’s can take years to develop, eventually becoming a stable feature of the intracranial landsape. The brain can up to a point, accommodate a slow growing mass without betraying major clinical signs or symptoms. It depends on the rate of growth and where it’s located. Some people grow old and die never knowing that for half their life or more they were harbouring a benign brain tumour .Perhaps they never know who they might have been.” That is why Robert was so depressed that he transformed from Jekyll to Hyde. After three attempts, he finally succeeded in killing himself.

My husband then answered, “Mommy, I also learnt about depression. I watched the documentary on TV.” He explained that with depression, the good bacteria in our body system would be overpowered by the bad bacteria and resulted in many diseases. So the best thing he said is to be always positive. Very easy, he added.

Wahhh, why could my husband not understand that there are behaviours that are unconsciously manifested and are or caused by damage to the frontal lobes of the brain?
And that depression and eccentric behaviour are a few of the manifestations? My point is we should always understand why people behave in such a way because we really don’t know the reason or even medical reason behind the behaviour manifestation.

But I am glad my husband mentioned about thinking positive. Yes we should think positive. For according to Paul Broks as he ended his book “it’s just the one lifetime. Better make the most of it.”

And as he quoted from Christina Rosetti, “Remember”

Remember me when I am gone away,
Gone far away into the silent land;
When you can no more hold me by the hand,
Nor I half turn to go yet turning stay.

And yeah, I should understand the reason behind people’s behaviour and to add, I must think positive for this is only one lifetime. So the unimportant episode I wrote before this post is really nothing. I understand the inconsistency of it all.

Who's irresponsible?

Who's irresponsible, tell me?

Am I irresponsible for writing about what you asked and discussed about a sensitive issue? Am I irresponsible for having the courage to question your thinking about this issue, not on your face but on my own forum?

Or is it you who's irresponsible for discussing things that's not related to what you're assigned to relay?

Am I that irresponsible to be given that assessment by you? Or is it you who's irresponsible for being subjective?

Well, I believe that if a student greets a former teacher in a setting outside of the classroom setting, it just proves that the teacher is well loved, positive or is an interesting person. But if that student refuses to recognize that teacher just proves that something happened in the relationship and or that teacher is not that stimulating in the classroom.

It is still clear on my memory how such a former student of yours never ever gave a minute of her time in being with you or even smile at you when we came for a visit. And that made me conclude negatively about you.

And now that you did this to me and my friends, it gives justice to what we thought about you.

So sad, so sad.....

TFC's Sojourn

Months ago, I sent photos to TFC's Sojourn. I wanted to experience the feeling of seeing our photos on the screen, though I was doubtful that our photos would be chosen. To my surprise, they featured our photos titled Kyllenne and Darrielle( they misspelled my grandkids names, but it is okay with us.) We first saw the feature last Sunday evening and we were so excited in seeing our photos.

And now as I was watching TFC, they showed our photos again. What a nice feeling!!

Above are 5 of the 7 photos in Sojourn.

Thank you TFC!

John Grisham's New Book

I received an email days ago. I was informed that on 10 October, a new book of one of my favourite author, John Grisham, will be release. Hooray!!! Surely, I'll do my very best to have my own copy of the book, The Innocent Man.

The book is a nonfiction novel of John Grisham. As it is based on a true story, for sure it'll be a nice read same as his fiction novels like The Pelican Brief or The Summons to name a few. I am optimistic that this new novel of his will captivate me more than his last novel A Painted House.

********
THE INNOCENT MAN—About the Book

In the major league draft of 1971, the first player chosen from the State of Oklahoma was Ron Williamson. When he signed with the Oakland A's, he said goodbye to his hometown of Ada and left to pursue his dreams of big league glory.

Six years later he was back, his dreams broken by a bad arm and bad habits—drinking, drugs, and women. He began to show signs of mental illness. Unable to keep a job, he moved in with his mother and slept twenty hours a day on her sofa.

In 1982, a 21-year-old cocktail waitress in Ada named Debra Sue Carter was raped and murdered, and for five years the police could not solve the crime. For reasons that were never clear, they suspected Ron Williamson and his friend Dennis Fritz. The two were finally arrested in 1987 and charged with capital murder.

With no physical evidence, the prosecution's case was built on junk science and the testimony of jailhouse snitches and convicts. Dennis Fritz was found guilty and given a life sentence. Ron Williamson was sent to death row. If you believe that in America you are innocent until proven guilty, this book will shock you.

If you believe in the death penalty, this book will disturb you. If you believe the criminal justice system is fair, this book will infuriate you.

Visit the official website at: www.jgrisham.com.

Are all children educable?

With the many EI( Early Intervention) approaches educators can avail or make use of to educate children especially those with special needs, I came upon this question in one of my readings; "Why bother with children who fail to make meaningful progress?"

And why should we? Why should I?

Ahh, with my personal and family commitments, why would I personally do my best to see a relevant manifested progress in a child and especially if he/she may be a special needs child?

The answer may vary but one thing is for sure it is passion or love for children.

Well, I've read this book, Exceptional Children by William L. Heward. Through this book, I've read about Don Baer, a professor of human development at the University of Kansas and a pioneer in the development of effective teaching methods for persons with severe disabilities. He offers this perspective on educability:

Some of us have ignored both the thesis that all persons are educable and the thesis that some persons are ineducable, and instead have experimented with ways to teach some previously unteachable people. Over a few centuries, those experiments have steadily reduced the size of apparently ineducable group relative to the obviously educable group. Clearly, we have not finished that adventure. Why predict its outcome, when we could simply pursue it, and just as well without a prediction? Why not pursue it to see if there comes a day when there is such a small class of apparently ineducable persons left that it consists of one elderly person who is put forward as ineducable. If that day comes, it will be a very nice day. And the next day will be even better.

What a meaningful perspective to contemplate on.

On Dave Batista

My family is fond of watching sports events on cable. Name it and my husband and daughters can discuss in lengths facts about those sports personalities. And so naturally, I was also encouraged to watch those sports events from basketball to wrestling and learnt to recognize those personalities.

It is heartwarming that my eldest daughter’s husband is also fond of sports. That is why he is also glued on TV watching sports events.

One time, we were all gathered in the family room watching wrestling. I saw Dave Batista on the screen. Based on his physical looks and the way he moves I observed something Filipino in him. So I blurted out loud, “Batista is a Filipino!”

My son-in-law David looked at me jokingly and asked “Mom, why everyone who is well known is Filipino for you?”

I just realized that my SIL was already irritated of me whenever I see on TV, personalities like Rob Schneider and or Vanessa Minnillo and was highlighting almost non stop that they are Filipinos.

Eh naku, patatalo ba naman ako sa kanya! So I answered that it was because Filipinos are talented and that they are everywhere. My SIL just shrugged his shoulders, accepting the fact that he just needs to bear with me.

The good thing is, Dave Batista went to the Philippines. He admitted that he is a Filipino and even showed his tattoo of the Philippine flag. Please read http://www.batistaweb.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=301

So, to my SIL David, it is confirmed Batista is a Filipino. Panalo ako!!!

Note: I wish to highlight that my SIL is very Filipino too. He’s trying so hard to speak Tagalog and bought books on how to learn to speak the dialect.

***************************
I believe that a child's wish can come true. That is why I am joining the rest as initiated by the famous blogger CaT to be advocates in helping Pyro realized his wish in seeing Batista in person.

Remembering 911

Let us always remember the heroes of September 11, 2001.

This is a nice read: http://www.lifescript.com/articles/374.asp?BID=27200&SID=6366685&EID=C189073B-FA69-43D5-B38A-5E827B1F1144/">

Botanic Garden

Wow!!! My Mom would definitely be breathless with delight. Though, she already visited the Singapore Botanic Garden, surely she'll be ecstatic to see the orchids again.

This is the pond in the Botanical Garden. How nice it is to see such a pond and garden in the middle of the city.

Hmmm.. this caught my eye, so white and pure....

red and yellow orchids, what a delight!!!

Oh, I think this is not the Miss Vanda Joaquim for the real one is more beautiful.

So folks, how do you like the orchids?? Go and visit the Botanic Garden now.....

Let us free our creative spirit....

My daughter forwarded to me an email she received from her friend since tertiary days. And I particularly took noticed of this photo, a work of a graphic artist done when she was that bored. How nice it is to see a peeled orange transformed into a form of a frog. How creative that person is!!. Kainggit.

Now we may ask ourselves; "why I am not that creative? Am I creative? "

I just finished reading the book Free Your Creative Spirit by Vivianne and Christopher Crowley. According to them which I fully agree, we are all creative but most of us are unaware of it. To discover your creativity, you must begin with what is inside you. We have to believe that we can do it.

The authors pointed out some things to remember to free your creative spirit that I would like to share here.

Negative thinking is: only special people are creative, I am not a special person. I am not creative. Forget this.

Positive thinking is: humans are an extraordinary species with extraordinary talents. Humans are creative, therefore I am creative. Remember this.

Your inner child holds the key to your creative self; don’t be afraid to play. Once you allow your creative self to play, you will find that you are far more creative than you had imagined.

Give yourself positive experiences of creativity and they will rid you of the memory of the bad ones.

So come on people. Let us explore our own creativity in our daily living….

HAPPY TEACHER'S DAY

Tomorrow is a non-working holiday for us teachers and so the centre is closed as here in Singapore, Teacher’s Day is celebrated every 1st of September. So, I have a whole day rest from work and from my studies.

So to all teachers out there, Happy Teacher’s Day!!!


It is quite interesting to play both the role of an educator and a student at the same time. At least at this time I relearn how it feels to be a student. Do I like my lecturers too, the same as my children may like me? Well, with young children, if they express that they like me, it is the truth. For according to Angela Ashwin, children often get things right. They often see the goodness in things because they have not learned to be cynical. Now, do I see my lecturers with a heart and a thinking of a child? Oh…..

It was months ago when I read about the complaints of students from NUS. If I understand it right, they were complaining about their foreign lecturers who could not pronounce English words properly. My initial reaction then was of indifference to those university students. How could they just not be thankful for those foreigners who had their doctorate in first class overseas universities who had Singapore as their choice to impart their knowledge? But surely, you could not just judge people unless you are on their shoes.

Imagine me now, with a lecturer who has a doctorate from USA who pronounce child as “chai”. God, I wanna die. Forgive me, forgive me. I know I am not perfect and others are not perfect too. But hearing “chai” every time, I am thankful it is Teacher’s Day tomorrow.

Maybe next year..

It is sad that you'll not be with us this early. Maybe next year. I hope. I hope......

Thinking Patterns and Quotations

I just finished reading Dr. Dawna Markova’s book titled How Your Child is Smart. It was a nice read for I gained a lot of information on how to identify a child’s thinking pattern. I believe that it is of key importance to know a child’s thinking and learning pattern for it will help parents and teachers alike on how to help a child learn according to how his mind works and to the best of his abilities.

According to Dr. Markova, there are six thinking patterns. They are:

“The Leaders of the Pack”. They are natural powerhouses who learn by teaching others. They tend to have difficulty learning how to read and write though they have extensive speaking vocabularies.

“Movers and Groovers”. They use their bodies in order to learn. They are athletes and are labeled to be hyperactive. Reading and writing may be so difficult for them.

Show and Tellers”. They learn best through reading and light up when telling stories. They are natural persuaders, good students but shy away from sports.

“Seer/Feelers”. They prefer working in groups. They are empathetic children who learn best by doing what they are shown and asking endless questions.

“Verbal Gymnasts”. They love facts, history and idea of all kinds who have to talk in order to understand. They are effective and articulate communicators whose words pour out in logical order. But sports may be difficult for them.

“Wandering Wonderers”. They learn best in solitude and are so called quiet Einsteins. They can learn physical tasks easily without verbal instruction. They can also become overwhelmed by listening.

Based on the above patterns, which one best describe your child or even you?

Aside from knowing those thinking patterns, I also like the book because of the quotations in every chapter. Here are some quotations I like.

“We are all so different largely because we all have different combinations of intelligences. If we recognize this, I think we will have at least a better chance of dealing appropriately with the many problems that we face in the world.” By Howard Gardner.

“Treat people as if they were what they ought to be and you help them to become what they’re capable of doing.” By Goethe.

“The real teacher, in fact, lets nothing else be learned than- learning.” By Martin Heidegger.

“Education is not filling a vessel, but lighting a fire.” By Carl Jung.

Intervene before it's too late....

Just last Monday, I finished doing my developmental profile, a written assignment for my module. As I observed my subject with much interest, I told myself that I had to come up to a recommendation best fitted for him. So, I quoted some of the principles and findings of Stanton E. Samenow, Ph.D from his book Before It’s Too Late for my recommendation on how to help my subject further.

Reading Dr. Samenow's book made me ponder not only as an early childhood educator but on how I did my role as a mother to my children then. I could say that I did my best and is very thankful that at this stage, my children grew up to be successful persons in their own rights. But of course, nobody’s perfect. There may be a lot of things that I overlooked or some things that I should have done. Whatever the case may be, I am sure that life may have been much better for me if I had known some of his findings on how to step in- early and effectively in dealing with my own children’s feelings and behaviour.

Way back in the Philippines in my immediate environment, I had seen many instances where mothers and fathers have been shouted on their faces by their own children. I had heard of those bossy, one-sided, and dictatorial children. And hearing what happened to them now, made me feel sad for those wasted lives. Surely, if those parents had realized that those behaviour manifestations were not “just a phase” but a pattern of “a child headed for trouble”, maybe those children’s lives may be not as trouble some as it is now. May be those demanding children may not turn up to be monsters who bore children with different men or who became mistresses and are proud of it or to say shortly, antisocial or delinquents.

Dr Samenow emphasized that parents of antisocial children must combine with love and caring, stern measures that, at times, are at odds with their own concepts of good parenting. With an institution of a tough-yet loving- approach to assist a particular type of child, the child will develop an enduring sense of self-worth and self-respect.

Though of course, we cannot predict with certainty whether a particular two- year old or a six year old will grow out of being self-centred and demanding for in most boys and girls, childlike egocentric thinking does give way to an awareness of and sensitivity to others, still parents must be observant of children who persist in acting as though other people exist only to gratify their needs. By this, we may have helped a certain child in being on the road to delinquency.

So let us start now to observe our children and be alert to recognize as early as possible the traits of antisocial children. We must learn how to help those kids to accept responsibility for their actions. Let us act now before it’s too late.

Good Times...Good Days...

This birthday card was given to my husband by his company's President & CEO through their AVP. It was given so early for his birthday is days more; on the 16th. I told my husband that he needs to treat them for dinner. Pero kuripot yata talaga.

Pero teka, naunahan pa nila akong bumati ha!

Kaya eto, I am posting this now.

Advanced Happy Birthday to my husband!!

I hope you'll see this post there. (He's in that part of Indonesia visiting the vendor for some parts inspection for the materials in their Power Plant project in Vietnam.) I hope for your safe return tomorrow.

And speaking of the good times, oh, I remember our three years in Hong Kong. Tuen Mun will always be a part of our memorable and happy days together both as a couple and as parents to our children. Just look and reminisce the good old days......

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!

And looking forward to our more good days with our grandchildren............

Project Approach

After our workshop in the centre yesterday, we teachers decided on making a project of changing the decors on our glass panel divider/window. The moment we agreed on the theme Under the Sea, we immediately went to work. We collaborated on choosing the right colours, drawing, cutting and pasting. So in two hours time (and that includes jokes and anecdotes about almost everything from children to parents), we were able to finish our project.

We were so proud of our final product. That was why we took photos. Look at the photos above. Nice, isn’t it? My photos reveal the happiness that radiates from our faces.

Just think. If we adults are proud of something we have done, how much more our children? So to build up your children’s creativity and self esteem encourage them to do project work. And you’ll be amazed of the social skill, language skills, cognitive skills including problem solving and thinking skills that they may surely acquire in the process.

So why not start a project approach with your children now? Take it from us, all early childhood educators!

Happy 41st

We had an early National Day celebration in the centre last Friday. You see, on the 9th of this month, Singapore will celebrate its 41st birthday. And so the children aside from singing the National Anthem and doing the pledge had a great time singing all those National Day songs.

After our mini program, we had our giant jelly making of the national flag. The children are really children for the celebration may not be the best centre celebration I had participated in my whole life as an educator here, still I saw the joys that glowed from the children's eyes. Experiencing the relevance of the national symbols in songs and dances and in cookery lessons,made them more proud as little Singaporeans.

When I went to my course at 6.30 that day, my lecturer asked her captive audience if they are really willing to die for Singapore. Will they emigrate in the future if and if?

I really could not understand some people. Here they have a nice life where the government take good care of the children, the family and the community but some are still unsatisfied. The saying that people are really in constant search for something they do not have is really true.

I had resided and had visited different countries. I gained different perspectives. Maybe that's the reason why I am appreciative of what I have now. Maybe if some people will realize how lucky they are, maybe they'll be more appreciative.

For me, Singapore is still a nice place to live. I may like Hong Kong. I may love America. I surely am proud of the Philippines. I am a Filipino. But Singapore is my home.

Happy 41st birthday Singapore!!

Consolation

When my family was still residing in Woodlands, it was just common for me to be greeted by parents whenever they see me. Of course it made proud for I used it as a gauge on how effective I was as a teacher and in my relationships with the children and with their parents.

My husband’s auntie who spent a month’s vacation with us could not believe that parents would greet me even when we were in a hawker centre or in Causeway Point. Having the perception that Singaporeans are unfriendly people and that they tend to look down on a person of my race for obvious reason that most of the Filipinas here are domestic helpers, she always did ask me if the one who greeted was really a Singaporean. She could not believe that a Singaporean could be so appreciative of me.

Well, my husband’s auntie may have given the reason for others to look down at her too, because she herself had this perception that it was unrealistic for other races to accept us as persons or even as a teacher at that. How could she forget that we, Filipinos are as educated as others?

I accept the truth that at first, parents may be reluctant to accept me as their children’s teacher. That was why I did my part. I showed them that I was not just a teacher from another country but a teacher who has a passion for teaching. In my own ways, I proved to them that teaching and learning is universal.

And so whenever somebody greets me in places, I humbly reason that they were just fruits of my labour. They were just consolation and a joy in my person that no money can buy.

But over here in Yew Tee, I got no parents to greet me. I am now working in another place and of course, nobody knows me here. At times, I really miss Woodlands. For over there, there were smiling faces that made my day easier and happy. How would you react if the hawker would every time give you more but cheaper food because she had known you to be a teacher? Ohh, how I miss Woodlands!

I was thinking that way this early morning when a mother with her son greeted me and said: “You are Ms. Luchie, right?” I looked at her son’s uniform and saw his name Kenneth Kh…”Oh my! You are so big now!” and hugged him.

Imagine that! It was seven years ago and they still remember me. I was so happy, really happy. And I am proud that Kenneth is now studying in a very good school, ACS.

So, I may not be earning that much but I am earning respect, recognition and love from children and parents. That is a consolation that is incomparable. What do you think?

On Cognitive Skills Acquisition

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On movies and Johnny Depp

My family enjoys watching movies together. We like to watch movies in Cathay Cineplex over there in Causeway Point even though we already moved here in Yew Tee.

For the past weeks, we watched Silent Hill http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0384537/, which turned out a good one for me as I was amazed on the special effects/lightings on showing the different life dimensions in the story, and also Superman Returns http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0348150/, which made me a little bit conscious every time Brandon Routh appears in the screen as Superman for my daughter naughtily told me that her colleague told her of Routh’s image being digitally enhanced for the original image turned to show a very big front view of ( his)…Every time he appeared, we tended to giggle which made my husband asked why with irritation. Of course it was a girl’s talk and he was out of it. Anyway, it was a nice movie and I like Orlando Bloom’s girlfriend Kate Bossworth. Though for me, Christopher Reeves is better in his Superman movie. (Bless his soul!)


Last night we watched the Pirates of the Caribbean
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0383574/, again in Cathay Cineplex in Causeway Point. We were so amazed of the turned out of the renovation there. You see for the past weeks, it was a bit of inconvenient watching movies there because of the on going renovation. Now, the renovation is almost complete and with the designs of the food court which will open in the near future, for sure watching movies there is more convenient and exciting.

And speaking of the movie we watched, if I enjoyed the first movie, this one was more exciting and funny. For sure the next sequel is a must for us to see in 2007.

I never ever liked Johnny Depp before. I really did not like him in Edwards Scissor hands or even in Sleepy Hallow though my husband said he liked Johnny Depps’s acting there. But when I watched this movie http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0325980/, I fell in love with him. I love him more in this 2nd sequel of The Pirates of the Caribbean.

And it is nice to have a post card of him.