Great Educational Tools for Teachers

One of the most fundamental building blocks for human development is Education. I believe that when majority of the people is Educated, there will be a poverty reduction. From Preschool, Primary, Secondary, College to University, these are ladder to success and are important. In Preschool years, children are taught the alphabet, counting, recognize the shapes as well as the colors and these activities are designed for basic learning. While the Primary, Middle Schools and High School are the formal and structured education.

Children are expected to read with comprehension, write and be able to use mathematical skills not only in school but, daily living. These days, technology is highly considered as the influential factor in education. In fact, computers are used to develop new ways of learning. Technology is a powerful learning tool. It demands new skills. As I noticed, children prefer the virtual learning environment because they are susceptible to learn fast. 

When children research online, wide range of information is easily accessed. Learning is very effective using the technology. Speaking of technology, it is also very effective to use as instruction to students. The use of technologies such as PowerPoint and interactive whiteboard captures the attention of students in the classroom. If you are a teacher, I bet you already mastered the strategies for teaching.

I taught first grade for twelve years and my strategy for teaching vary each class in each year. Having the right tool would help the teacher accomplish the objective for the class.

The products from mentoringminds.com such as Motivation Math, Standards and Strategies Flip Charts, Vocabulary Adventure and more are great Educational tools for teachers. According to Mitzi McAfee, the Principal of Jackson-Roosevelt Elementary, Motivational Math helps the teacher's job done easy and the students are more successful.

Educational Tools like this truly aide the teaching strategy of teachers and the students yielded a positive outcome. If you are a teacher, check out this Website today.

Reminiscing my Time as a Classroom Teacher

Yesterday, I was viewing some of the pictures that I was tagged by some of my friends in Facebook. As I was looking at their classroom pictures, seeing the happy faces of children on their Nutrition Month celebration, and having the good time sharing their food, it just dawned on me that I miss my job as a classroom teacher.

The day before Recognition Day, I migrate to the US. I was at the airport when my co-teacher called the names of the honor students of my class. Some active parents knew that I was leaving for good and some were caught by surprise.

My decision to quit my job and find a new career was a relief for me. I had to wake up at 4 AM and start commuting at 5 AM from my home to my workplace. I go home late finishing my lesson plan, clean the room, and setting my class for the next day. Sometimes, one of my co-teachers, who died last year of cancer, had to sit in my room and wait for me. We go home at dusk time. I arrived home between 7-8 in the evening sooo tired from school and traffic. Sometimes, I sleep without dinner and waking up at 4 AM the next day ... oh, and most of the time; I skip breakfast (mom nagged me all the time for that) ... such a tiring routine for 12 years huh?

I made a request for transfer to a nearby school in the uptown where I live. My application was piled on the back seat. I love my work. I love my 60 students and I had no complains with all my supportive parents at school and the community. I enjoyed the company of my co-teachers and though I was not the favorite of one of the principals in my school, I had no grudge with anyone.

I am not a healthy person I should say. I had migraines almost every week (slight smell of gasoline and scorching heat would get me sick) but, I was always present at school. In one year, I probably had 1 or 2 absences. I am so proud of my students. They are well behaved especially when I had migraine attack. When I had migraine, I would throw up in the bathroom while they are doing their seatwork. They are such beautiful children.

I was the tiniest teacher in my school and I was living the farthest too commuting 6 times in a day. I told myself, 12 years is enough. I should think about my health, my life and my family so; I filed a resignation. I am happy right now. I just miss my classroom and everything in it. Most of all, I miss my students. The last batch is in fifth grades now. I just wish them good luck :-).

Chalk Holiday

When I was teaching for years, I can't remember that I was given a budget for blackboards or chairs. In fact, my students are using an old material that goes back in the 80's. When I needed these kind of materials for the students, I make it as a PTA project or from my own pocket. Luckily for me, the parents were very supportive and the classroom projects were always successful. All the projects stayed in my classroom when I left. What I am hoping for is that the teacher who took over my room takes care of the property that I left behind.

The classroom projects that we have includes: TV monitor, DVD player, new customized tables, a new blackboard, cabinet with 50 divisions and old flash animation cartoons. I was hoping that the audio-visual materials that I left behind are still intact so that the next generation of learners can use it.

Teachers have another concern with regards to chalk allowance. The yearly chalk allowance budget per teacher is actually not enough. I remember that when I run out of chalk, I buy from my own pocket. I believe that most of the teachers are doing that too. They deserve a break! It is high time to add the budget! Voice out through chalk holiday!

The Faces and the Places

I visited Samal Island, Davao a few years back. I brag about it to my friend but when she went last month and sent me these pictures, can't help but share it with you guys (with permission). Filipinos are famous for it's warmth hospitality, family oriented culture and deep appreciation of bonding with friends and loves the nature at its best. The lighter side of the Philippines with 7,107 islands to enjoy is the richness of it's amazing beaches, beautiful mountain and friendly people. Language is not a problem when you come to visit Philippines, 98% of the population can communicate English.

Pictures of my friends...they are enjoying the meals at Jollibee Fast Food....see the Friendly Smiles of Filipinos, it can launched a thousand meaning ....FRIENDSHIP.

My friend enjoying the beach at Samal Island, Davao. From this point to the adjacent island, boat ride costs 15 pesos (less than a dollar)...when I went there the last time I guess it's only P10. Anyways, they are teachers in a Private School and having a Teacher's Day Out, all expenses paid by a book company. That is the advantage of being in a private school, exploring the places.

On the way to Paradise Island, the entrace fee is more or less $2.20 ...it is P100.00. I remember that I enjoyed that ride.

The beutiful teachers in their Smiling Faces....CLICK!

The beach has complete amenities like booths , pool, bed and breakfast, animal sanctuary too.

Just a peek of the Faces while posing with the mountainside as the background.
A religious and sacred place.... a real sanctuary in Davao.
That is all folks...i am in a hurry...hehehe..see yah later. That is my friend too.