Truly Rich and Blessed

3 Simple Ways to Support Your Child’s Dreams

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your child's dreams

Are you a parent like me, who wants to do whatever it takes to support my children’s dreams and hopes for the future? If your answer is “yes,” here are a few tips for doing just that:

1. Tell your child you believe in him or her.

Some of us may think this comes naturally to every parent but in the midst of everyday routines and the busyness of our lives, we sometimes forget to do this — affirm our kids of their abilities, and tell them that we believe in them.

This is probably one of the most important things you can do to support your child’s dreams. Children feel empowered knowing they have people around them who believe they can accomplish their dreams.

2. Help your child discover what he or she is good at.

No one can be good at everything, so it’s important for us to help our kids discover what they are good at. We can do this by exposing them to different activities — they don’t have to be good or great at all of them, but they should be encouraged to do their best.

To cite a concrete example, recently, some parents enrolled their children in EducAsian Learning’s Kids WriteShop*, because their kids dream of becoming authors. They invested time and treasure in giving their kids the training they needed, plus the opportunity to have a whole publishing experience through the writeshop.

your child's dreams your child's dreams

The “fruit” of their investment? Their children participated in a “Publishing Party” last May 28, complete with read-aloud presentations wherein they launched their first published books, a compilation of their written outputs from previous sessions composed of poems, letters, short stories and other works. They even had their own ribbon-cutting ceremonies!

your child's dreams

your child's dreams

These young authors’ families were there to support them, and the parents and grandparents present had mixed emotions, feeling happy and teary-eyed at the same time, but most of all feeling proud of their kids. What an awesome way to support your child’s dreams, don’t you think?

3. Pray for your child — including your child’s dreams.

A parent’s prayer is powerful, so we must never fail to pray for our kids. Pray for their good health in mind, body and spirit; pray for the company they keep; pray for their dreams and hopes — pray for every aspect of their lives!

Now, I want to hear from YOU! In addition to what has already been discussed, what do you think we can do support our children’s dreams? Let’s talk in the comments!

P.S. If you’re interested in having your child join the next module of the Kids’ WriteShop, enrollment is still ongoing. 🙂 Just e-mail for more information. Below is the schedule for the remaining modules:

June-July 2016

June 11

Introduction to Reading and Writing for new enrollees / Next Level: Reading and Writing for continuing enrollees

 June 25

Opinion Writing

July 9

Persuasive Writing

July 23

Publishing Party

3RD MODULE

August-October 2016

August 27

Introduction to Reading and Writing for new enrollees / Next Level: Reading and Writing for continuing enrollees

September 10

Journal Writing

September 24

Informational Writing / Cultural Writing

October 8

Publishing Party

4TH MODULE

October-December 2016

October 22

Introduction to Reading and Writing for new enrollees / Next Level: Reading and Writing for continuing enrollees

November 12

Math Literature

November 26

Science Literature

December 3

Publishing Party

5TH MODULE

December-February 2017

December 17

Introduction to Reading and Writing for new enrollees / Next Level: Reading and Writing for continuing enrollees

2017

January 7

Procedural Writing

January 21

Book Making/Shaping Literature

February 4

Publishing Party

SPECIAL MODULE

February-April 2017

February 18

Patricia Pollaco and Maurice Sendak Author Study

March 4

Holiday Celebrations Around the World Literature

March 18

Additional Genre/ Bonus Genre Lesson

April 1

Publishing Party/ Culmination

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

You Can Do This: An Open Letter to the Parent Who Works Strange Hours

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parent who works strange hours

Earlier this week, I was privileged to give a talk on “Effective Parenting” to a small group of parents who work at a call center. It was the first “corporate” talk I gave after birthing Titus, and — by God’s grace — I was able to speak while wearing/carrying/breastfeeding him at the same time!

During my talk, I asked the parents present to share some of their challenges when it comes to raising their kids. The majority of them said it was time — how to balance everything and give quality time to their kids even if their work schedules are so erratic and “strange.” I was reminded of how hard it must be to be a parent who works strange hours.

When most of your fellow parents are asleep, you’re working, doing your best to provide for your kids. When you come home from work, all you want to do is rest and sleep, but you can’t because you have your children to think of and spend time with. What a tough life it must be indeed!

So that’s why I’m writing this: whether you work at a call center, or a hospital, or a 24/7 convenience store or restaurant, or in the armed forces — whatever the case may be — this one is for YOU, my dear fellow parent who works at strange hours (because we work-at-home moms often work at the strangest hours too)!

Dear parent who works at strange hours,

You may not know me but I just feel called to reach out to you.

I know you must be tired right now. I know you must be wishing that you could have more rest, have more time for your kid (or kids, if you have more than one), and have more time for your self. 

I know it is hard. Life can be hard. You know that.

But I just want to write this short note to you, in hopes that it will encourage you and bless you.

You can do this. Yes, you can.

This providing for your kid(s). This working at the strangest hours and coming home and being present for your kid(s) — fully present, even if it’s just for 10 minutes. 

This commuting to and from work, dealing with traffic, dealing with work issues, dealing with dirty dishes, dealing with the challenges that come with having children.

You can do this. Yes, you can.

You know why? Because HE can. 

Say this to yourself right now:

“I have the strength for everything through Him who empowers me.”

Let Philippians 4:13 be your battle cry.

You can do this because God can do it for you.

You don’t need to be strong all the time.

Let Him be your Strength.

Let Him be your Guide.

Seek Him. Run to Him. 

Ask Him to be there for your kid(s) when you can’t.

Ask Him to give you rest when you can’t.

Ask Him to help you keep it together, even when you feel like everything’s falling apart.

Ask Him for the grace to just.show.up. Every single day. Because showing up is already winning half the battle.

Ask Him to help your kid(s) understand why you do what you do. 

Ask Him to open doors and windows for you and your kid(s) — maybe even give you another job opportunity, if that’s what He thinks is better for you.

Ask Him to help you be joyful at all times, even in a stressful environment.

Most of all, ask Him to stay in your heart, to fill it to overflowing, so that you may pour out His love to others — especially your kid(s).

You have my prayers (and my respect!).

God bless you and your family!

Are you a parent who works strange hours? Or maybe you know someone who is? Please feel free to share this with them, if you think it will be of help! Let’s pray for one another!

Helping Kids Find Their “Voice” Through Writing

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When I was a kid, I loved to read books and learned to write my own stories. I actually wanted to take up writing as a university/college course, but my parents wanted me to pursue a pre-Med degree (BS in Physical Therapy, which was quite popular at the time). So I thought my dreams of becoming a writer would never come true.

Fast forward to today though, and here I am, working not just as a writer but as an editor too! God really has different plans sometimes! I consider myself blessed to have found my “voice” as a writer, and I hope and pray I can help my own kids find their individual “voices” too, especially if one (or all!) of them wish to pursue writing as a career.

Whether or not this is the case though, I believe in the importance of helping kids find their “voice” through writing. That’s why I think programs such as EducAsian Learning’s Kids WriteShop are quite helpful. The WriteShop, as I wrote before,  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.”

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The WriteShop, which is still accepting participants by the way, is a great opportunity for kids to find their “voice”, especially through writing. Here are what two of the participants have to say about it, after a particular session on letter-writing:

“I superduperduper enjoyed it!” – Michelle, 9

“It was fun! I wish there was more time.” – Chab, 9

During the session, the kids explored the letter-writing genre using a variety of books as their “anchor text.” They learned about the first two steps of the writing process, i.e. pre-writing and drafting. They also learned to use the semantic map mapping strategy to help them focus on what they wanted to write about, and wrote an introduction to the topic for their journal of the week.

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Overall, the kids learned about how to see the “voice” behind a written text — particularly letters — and how it is connected with one’s point of view. (I wish I had learned these things when I was their age!)

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If you are interested in enrolling your child in the Kids WriteShop program, here are more details about the succeeding sessions:

Kids Writeshop Calendar

24 Sessions from March 18, 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 (with special discount of P500 per module)

2016

1ST MODULE

Poetry – May 14

Publishing Party – May 28

2ND MODULE

Introduction to Reading and Writing for new enrollees / Next Level: Reading and Writing for continuing enrollees – June 11

Opinion Writing – June 25

Persuasive Writing – July 9

Publishing Party – July 23

3RD MODULE

Introduction to Reading and Writing for new enrollees / Next Level: Reading and Writing for continuing enrollees – August 27

Journal Writing – September 10

Informational Writing / Cultural Writing – September 24

Publishing Party – October 8

4TH MODULE

Introduction to Reading and Writing for new enrollees / Next Level: Reading and Writing for continuing enrollees – October 22

Math Literature – November 12

Science Literature – November 26

Publishing Party – December 3

5TH MODULE

Introduction to Reading and Writing for new enrollees / Next Level: Reading and Writing for continuing enrollees – December 17

2017

Procedural Writing – January 7

Book Making / Shaping Literature – January 21

Publishing Party – February 4

SPECIAL MODULE

Patricia Pollaco and Maurice Sendak Author Study – February 18

Holiday Celebrations Around the World Literature – March 4

Additional Genre/ Bonus Genre Lesson – March 18

Publishing Party/ Culmination – April 1

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.

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.

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