Truly Rich and Blessed

The Learning Library: Making Filipino Lessons for Kids Fun and Enjoyable

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filipino lessons for kids

Here at Truly Rich and Blessed (and even before, when this space was still called “Truly Rich Mom”), I sometimes make what I call “true confessions.” It is not my intention for people to think that I live a “perfect life” nor that I can “do it all.” Because I don’t and I can’t. Thus, my penchant for writing “keeping-it-real” or confession posts.

I fail and falter at many things actually — and when it comes to being a homeschooling mom, I count teaching Filipino to my kids as one of my “failures.”

Like many other parents, I guess I thought that it would be easy for our kids to learn how to speak, read and write (even just basic sentences) in Filipino. After all, I grew up in Brunei, without any formal education in Filipino, but I can still converse in Tagalog — more than enough to survive college life at the University of the Philippines!

I also had similar sentiments to those of my fellow homeschool mom May of Fully Housewifed, specifically about teaching kids Tagalog — my husband and I started our family as Catholic lay missionaries in Timor Leste, and English sort of became our “default” language when speaking to our kids. When we finally returned to Manila, it had already become a habit — one that we have been trying hard to break for some time now, because we realized the importance of teaching our kids to speak and understand Filipino (for starters, at least).

filipino lessons for kids

Throwback to 2010 in Timor Leste! (Sorry for the low-res photo!)

Fast forward to the present time… I have finally admitted to myself (and now, to the whole world!) that giving Filipino lessons to kids is not one of my strengths. So imagine my delight (and relief!) when my friends at The Learning Library agreed to help me out!

filipino lessons for kids

The Learning Library: Making Reading and Filipino Fun for Kids

Here’s a bit of info about The Learning Library, quoted from their website:

THE LEARNING LIBRARY offers English and Filipino programs that help improve comprehension and make learning enjoyable. By developing fundamental skills through enjoyable and accessible literature, we advance independent learning critical to long-term academic success.

– Literature-based, highly interactive programs anchored on a collection of over 4,000 of the best children’s books

– Close alignment with your child’s school curriculum to enhance academic performance

– Detailed pre- and post-assessment of your child’s comprehension and communication skills

– Excellent, experienced and passionate teachers helping your children be the best learners they can be

 

TLL Logo

Our two older kids had their assessment at The Learning Library branch nearest to us and have already started attending classes. Truth to tell, I was a bit ashamed of myself after hearing the teacher’s feedback about their Filipino skills (or lack thereof)! To be fair to my kids, I won’t share what their assessment results are here. Still, as my wise friends from The Learning Basket told me, at least we’re starting somewhere!

filipino lessons for kids

Our not-so-baby girl “reading” while waiting for her siblings’ assessment to be done

As previously mentioned, The Learning Library doesn’t just offer Filipino lessons for kids — they also have different programs related to reading, writing and even speaking. Check out their Summer Workshops below (or here, on their website):

filipino lessons for kids filipino lessons for kids

How The Learning Library makes Filipino lessons for kids fun

What’s great about The Learning Library is that they offer programs even beyond summer — so if your kids need further lessons and enrichment, they are a great option! I’m hoping and praying that the kids can still have Filipino lessons after this summer, specifically under the Wika’y Galing program. Watch the video below and see how this program helps make Filipino lessons for kids fun and enjoyable:

Of course, my husband and I are also committed to helping our kids be more fluent in Filipino (specifically Tagalog, since that’s the dialect we speak) — by reading more books in Filipino, watching videos like the ones here, and singing Filipino songs, among other things. (I’m also hoping and praying we can get DVDs of the Tagalog version of Superbook, plus other values-based Filipino/Tagalog shows somehow!) Pray for us, please?

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Special thanks again to The Learning Library for coming to my rescue! If you want to learn more about The Learning Library and its programs, check out their website: www.learninglibraries.com, get their updates on  or .

How to Help Kids Be Storytellers

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“Every child is a storyteller,” or at least has the potential to be one. Thus is the belief of the people behind “The Kids WriteShop*,” an “integrated balanced literacy program” spearheaded by EducAsian Learning, Inc. in cooperation with Ayala Museum’s Filipinas Heritage Library.

Ms. Rodita Lemon Salonga, the main mentor for “The Kids WriteShop,” is an international school educator and reading expert and specialist. She says:

I believe children are natural storytellers. Children’s natural curiosity and imagination help them in their storytelling. At their young age they value memorable experiences by sharing them with others – these can be both happy events and events that caused them to be sad.

For the benefit of our readers who are involved in the education of children – parents, teachers, etc. – Ms. Salonga shares the following tips on how to help kids be storytellers:

1. Support their imagination.

How many times does a child come to us asking us to play teatime with them, or pretend to be superheroes. These scenarios are evidence of great imaginations. Help them create these “imaginary worlds” — provide them with the props to use, the setting to create or the vocabulary in their dialogues.

2. Ask questions not to always correct them, but to clarify.

If children ask a lot of questions we adults should too. But we should try to make sure that our questions are meant to clarify what they are trying to express, not to always correct what they are thinking.

Ms. Salonga conducting a session with attendees to the Kids WriteShop Orientation Session

Ms. Salonga conducting a session with attendees to the Kids WriteShop Orientation Session

As adults, we can tell if children are expressing stories based on their imagination or based on something real. By asking questions for clarification, we help them create a complete story. We always want them to stick to the events of their story, and come up with a simple beginning, middle and end. A reaction from the reader is always a gauge of a good story.

3. Share your own stories.

Children love to hear stories from people they love and adore. They like to make that connection that their parents were once their age. It is fascinating for some children to hear stories from their own parents, or even grandparents about the games they played or even the times they got in trouble. I have a lot of experiences in class where my students love to retell their parents’ stories – they serve as motivation to tell their own stories.

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*More information about The Kids WriteShop

The Kids WriteShop is “an integrated, balanced and progressive literacy program” that improves children’s reading, writing, speaking and listening skills by engaging them in language and literature-rich activities in combination with explicit teaching of comprehension strategies. It’s a great way for kids to learn how to be good storytellers, and even write their own books!

Through the WriteShop, kids will not only learn the art of storytelling, they’ll be reaping the following benefits too:

  • Better performance in academics, especially in Math and English
  • Advanced comprehension of word nuances, metaphors and abstractions
  • Excellent problem solving skills; able to think outside the box
  • Above average speed in recognizing and interpreting nonverbal cues; able to draw inferences
  • Motivation to seek information for its own sake as much as for its usefulness
  • A high level of engagement with reading, inquiry and writing tasks

Kids as Authors

Authorship does not choose a certain age. Even the youngest of children can publish their very own books. After the third workshop, the children will have the opportunity to author their own books.

Publishing Parties are a celebration the works of children. Kids have so much to tell the world. Let us give them the chance to share their works.

Kids who complete the 24-session program will be given the chance to be inducted into the prestigious, Young Writer’s Society.

Kids WriteShop Calendar:

24 Sessions from April 16, 2016 to April 1, 2017

4 Sessions per Module / 6 Modules in a year / 2 Saturdays a month

Php 8,000 plus VAT per module

Php 45,000 special discounted package for all those who will enroll in all modules by April 16, 2016.

Here is what one parent had to say after attending the Orientation Session for the Kids WriteShop last March 19, 2016:

We were not able to see what they presented last March 19 because they said the intro was for the kids but we did get feedback from it after. My daughter enjoyed the session and we will be enrolling for the first module.

They talked about different genres of books, and were asked to think about what kind of writer they would like to become.

We really liked what the facilitator Ms. Rodita had to say and share with us and we hope that she can help to develop our daughter’s story writing skills.”

— Aly Bondoc

For more information on The Kids WriteShop, please download the relevant event files here, or visit their . You can also follow on Facebook for updates.

*This post is brought to you by EducAsian Learning, Inc.

4 Qualities of a Catholic Progressive Education

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catholic progressive school

Most, if not all, parents know the importance of a good education these days. We go to great lengths to determine what kind of education is the best for our kids, and explore all the options before finally making a choice. For our family, homeschooling is the best choice for us for now.

Having said that though, I know for a fact that not every family is called to homeschool. And not every homeschooling family is called to do it for all grade levels. Just as each family is unique, so is each family’s educational path for each of their kids.

Before discerning and deciding on homeschooling, my husband and I explored the different educational options available these days — one of which was going the “progressive” route, rather than the “traditional” route. We liked the thought of “learner-centered” education, as defined below:

Learning is a collaboration among students, teachers, the school, family and community. Learning aims for deep understanding of subject matter and its applicability. Learning is active and leads to further learning to find answers and  satisfy curious minds. Learning is doing, is playing, is  interacting.  Learning is integral to personal development as well as social justice. The learner is the center of his education where emphasis is placed on his individual and total development. It is age-appropriate, considering the learner’s own pace, his interests, his strengths and challenges, but the learner is aware that his education is also for the good of his society. (Source.)

However, after much prayer and thought, God led us to the homeschool path. Still, if ever we were to place the kids in a brick-and-mortar school, we would still prefer one that provides a solid Catholic progressive education; specifically a school with the following qualities:

1. Emphasis is placed on the importance of prayer.

To cite a real-life example, Child’s Space, a Catholic progressive school located in Pasig City, makes sure that their students begin their day and “circle time” with a prayer. This is in addition to their general prayer. The teachers teach students to use Pope Francis’ 5-Finger Prayer in class starting in the Nursery level.

catholic progressive school

They also pray The Lord’s Prayer consistently, and encourage regular visits to the prayer room located on campus. Preschool students go to the prayer room as a class once a week, while Grade School students each have their own schedules. They are also welcome to go to the prayer room anytime, and the prayer room is also open to parents, caregivers and guests.

The school also holds an annual pilgrimage in honor of Mama Mary in September. Every October, the Grade School students pray the Rosary regularly, and soon will also pray the Angelus daily. Every school event also begins with a prayer.

2. Importance is given to the Sacraments.

catholic progressive school

Most progressive schools (at least here in Manila) are non-sectarian and so do not place much importance on the Sacraments (this is understandable, of course). A Catholic progressive school like Child’s Space though, would be expected to have an active Sacrament-related life.

For example: Hold First Friday Masses in school, and have Confession if a priest is available.  (This is actually what happens at Child’s Space. The whole school is invited, and the students in the morning classes join in. Non-Catholic students may choose to come into school at a later time though, and are not required to join the Masses).

The preparation period for receiving the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist is also important. At Child’s Space, the six month-long preparation period ends with the Recollection for First Communicants (for both students and parents). Students receive First Holy Communion on the Feast of the Baptism of Jesus every January.

3. Children are encouraged to know, love and serve God.

Besides the usual activities like daily prayer, Sacramental preparation, and recollections (not just for First Communicants, but for other grades and for the teachers too), a good Catholic progressive school would also incorporate learning about God within their lessons, especially their Catechism classes.

catholic progressive school

At Child’s Space, this is done via a “Weekly Jesus Discovery” from Nursery to Grade School. The Grade 2 students, in particular, have Catechism for First Communion with Sr. Aline Barde, aci of the Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

The goals of the Jesus Discovery program/ Catechism classes are to help the children realize that:

  • God is our creator: all that we are, all that we see is from God.
  • Jesus is very real today. The Gospel is shared to the children early on – that He became man, suffered and died for us, resurrected and ascended and it is only through Him that we can go to heaven.
  • God loves us so much and cares for us in the here and now.
  • Through our Church, we experience the fullness of life.

Grade School students also learn about the people in the Bible and the saints in a deeper way. The main goal for ALL students though, is a deeper relationship with Jesus.

4. Daily routines include Jesus in everything.

A good Catholic progressive school would ideally be equipped with the following (in each room): the Bible and other stories about Jesus, Mary, and the saints; a crucifix, prayer posters, toys (Noah’s Ark, Creation and other Bible-related toys and felt materials, etc.).  Other materials can also be included depending on the theme. (Such is the case at Child’s Space.)

catholic progressive school

At Child’s Space, too, instead of a “Jesus Discovery area,” they have faith-related materials in all areas and centers of the room. “After all, we want Jesus to be a part of everything,” shares Teacher Cecilia Bautista, the school directress. (And I totally agree with her!)

Teacher Cecilia continues, “As a progressive school, everything is integrated, and hands-on as much as possible. Learning aims for deep understanding but we take in consideration the pace of the child.” (Sounds a bit like homeschooling to me!)

So, if you’re considering exploring a Catholic progressive education for your child at a brick-and-mortar school, do keep the aforementioned qualities in mind. At least you can be assured that your child will be learning what matters most, i.e. that having a strong relationship with Jesus  far outweighs high test scores and academic awards.

*If you want to see a Catholic progressive school with your own two eyes, I encourage you to visit Child’s Space at 304 Yakal Street, F. Agapito Subdivision, Marcos Highway, Santolan, Pasig City. Contact the school administration beforehand via or , or email . You can also visit their website here for more details.

**This post is brought to you by Child’s Space.

Celebrating Saint Therese of the Child Jesus (With Some Suggested Activities and Videos)

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Today is the feast day of one of our family’s favorite saints: Saint Therese of Lisieux. 🙂 We named our second child after her — so today is also our daughter’s “Nameday”! (“What’s a Nameday?,” you may ask… More info here.). We only started celebrating our children’s “Namedays” last year, so I am still getting the hang of it. 😛

To celebrate, we plan to read about Saint Therese, have some cake and, hopefully, visit Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament, just as Saint Therese loved to do. 🙂 We will also watch these videos:

A simple but meaningful (I hope!) celebration. 😉

In case you want to celebrate this special day too, here are some links to great resources:

saint therese

Background of today’s feast (Memorial of Saint Therese of the Child Jesus, virgin and Doctor of the Church) via Catholic Culture​ (includes suggested activities)

Printable Activity Sheets from Shower of Roses plus more ideas

Ideas from Holy Family Classical Academy

For us parents — a good read from CatholicMom.com: Can We Help Our Children to Become Saints?

To end, here’s one of my favorite quotes from the Little Flower of Jesus, taken from my latest article for CatholicMom.com:

saint therese

May we spend this day and beyond with hearts surging, looking towards Heaven, and crying out in recognition of God’s amazing love for us! Saint Therese of Lisieux, pray for us! 🙂

saint therese

Updates + The Scholastic Readers Cup 2015: 4 Important Reminders for Parents and Educators

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It has been quite a while since my last post here, I know.

To tell you the truth, I have had my hands full again with oh so many things (the usual — the kids, chores, WORK, etc.), not to mention events that I have been attending as “media” (though I am still not used to being labelled as such!) and events to which I have been invited as a speaker (Invite me, invite me! Before I give birth, haha!).

HSS talk

I was invited to give a talk lately at the PTA Assembly of Holy Spirit School — I learned a lot from chatting with the teachers and parents! 🙂 Photo from my Instagram feed (yup, I’m finally on IG — , if you want! 😉 )

Then there is also the “laziness” that comes with being pregnant — many days, all I want to do is lie in bed and read a book (or scroll through my social media feeds! Aaarrggghhh!).

On the few occasions when I did get to sit down and attempt to write a blog post, I was dismayed to find out that I couldn’t log in to WordPress! Huhuhu! 🙁 (It’s a loooong story, but let me just say — I need to subscribe to a new internet service provider!)

Anyway… here I am now, at my mom’s place, taking advantage of the fact that I can finally access the back end of this blog. (Thank you for your patience, everyone!)

First thing on my bloggy agenda is to share important reminders about reading and problem-solving, and learning in general — based on lessons that I learned from attending the Scholastic Readers Cup 2015 last month.

scholastic readers cup 2015

I was most inspired by the talk given by Dr. Duriya Aziz, Vice President of Scholastic Asia — she sounded a lot like some of my former teachers in Brunei, actually! 🙂

I won’t go into the nitty-gritty of the event though, because:

(a) I already wrote about it for Philstar.com;

(b) it’s 4.30 a.m. and I should be sleeping (so says every person who discovers that I am awake and online at hours like these! “You should be resting; growing your baby requires enough sleep; etc.!”); and

(c) the toddler might wake up to nurse and I won’t be able to finish this post because I’ll end up falling asleep beside her! 😛

So… please forgive me but I’ll just go straight to the point of why I found the Scholastic Readers Cup 2015 truly educational and insightful, especially as a parent and an educator-of-sorts (since we homeschool and all 🙂 ). Here are my four main takeaways, which, I believe, serve as important reminders for all educators and parents, since we parents are considered the primary educators of our children:

1. We need to teach children how to learn and how to use what they learn.

scholastic readers cup 2015

As a parent, one of my goals is to raise independent learners who know how to learn, meaning, how to get information on anything and everything they want to. I think this goal would apply whether or not we homeschool.

At the Scholastic Readers Cup 2015 though, I was reminded that, in today’s society, it’s not just what you know that matters; it’s what you can do with that knowledge that is most important. This is something that both parents and teachers should remember when teaching kids. We need to teach them about the “usefulness” of what they learn; after all, learning should be purposeful, right? 🙂

2. We need to encourage children to read beyond what is “required” of them.

scholastic readers cup 2015

This is something I have been personally struggling with working on with my kids. They LOVE it when I read aloud to them, but are not yet very big on independent reading beyond what is required of their curriculum. So, we’re working on improving the culture of reading that we currently have, by hoarding getting books which the kids find interesting (many of which are actually from Scholastic!).

I also plan to use charts to help us achieve our goals, which will help the kids track the number of books that they read. Of course, since our Kindergartener/beginning reader doesn’t read so fluently yet, her book “requirements” will be simpler, and limited to the phonics readers we are currently using.

3. We need to encourage and teach children to be problem-solvers.

scholastic readers cup 2015

Based on the slide pictured above, plus Dr. Aziz’s talk, we must remember that both reading and problem-solving (related to proficiency in mathematics) are important. I personally was both a language and math “nerd” when I was still a student, but admittedly loved language more (hence, my current “job description” as writer/editor/communicator!).

As a parent (and a teacher), I hope for my kids to love (or at least like) both too — reading and math. I know that I need to encourage and inspire them to actually have that “love” though, and it is definitely challenging! Time to make concrete plans for the new school year! 😉

Schoolteachers would also do well to encourage their students to be proficient in both math and reading, as this would mean better opportunities for the children later on in life.

4. We need to assess children to help them prepare for the future.

scholastic readers cup 2015

Personally, as a recently self-declared “,” I am not very fond of assessment tools like tests and exams. I actually don’t give my kids regular quizzes, tests and exams. But after attending the Scholastic Readers Cup this year, I was encouraged to look at tests and exams in a different light — more as a “teaching tool,” rather than a way to see what grades my kids are capable of getting. (I know, I know — my bad for thinking of them as such!)

Assessment is not a bad thing — it helps us parents and teachers determine a child’s certain level in a specific subject, so that we can identify areas that need improvement. Something I need to constantly keep in mind! 🙂

In hindsight, I can say that I am really glad that I was invited to the Scholastic Readers Cup 2015. I learned a lot, and am even more inspired to be my children’s “first and best teacher,” as my friends from The Learning Basket always say! 🙂

Scholastic is the world’s largest publisher and distributor of over 600 original titles every year. The Readers Cup is an event that recognizes the exemplary efforts of educators — from teachers and librarians, to principals and schools. At this year’s Readers Cup, Scholastic also launched its new programs, namely Literacy Pro, Literacy Pro Library, and PR1ME Mathematics.

For more information on Scholastic, and its products and programs, email or contact (02) 944READ (7323). You can find also them online via their website: http://scholastic.asia/en and on Facebook: .

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