Teacher Techie says

Protect Your Kids from Violence

2013-05-06T07:09:00.003-07:00

In the August 2010 fact sheet of World Health Organization on child abuse, there are 20% of women and 5 - 10% of men were sexually abused as children and 25 - 50% had experienced physical abuse. Unfortunately, child abuse of any form leads to impaired lifelong physical and mental growth affecting as well community and the nation as a whole.

However, child abuse or maltreatment can be prevented by parents, teachers, and the community of multi - sectoral aggregated efforts are made.

When kids are abused, they are most likely inclined to be victims of the following (verbatimly copied from the April 2010 WHO fact sheet):

perpetrating or being a victim of violence
depression
smoking
obesity
high - risk sexual behaviours
unintended pregnancy
alcohol and drug misuse

In the report of National Child Abuse of America, around 6 million children are subjected to abuse and about 5 kids die everyday due to neglect and child abuse.

On the other hand, global statistics shows that 40 million kids were abused and that suicide is the third leading cause of deaths among adolescents. And, 3 million girls experience genital mutilation every year.

As parents, we can prevent child maltreatment from happening. Experts suggest the following tips:

By having a loving and healthy family relationship at home, kids can foster such positive attitude too to others.
Limit / monitor exposure of kids to TV, music, and other media that show scenes of violence.
Teach your kids to express their fears, experiences especially of violent ones. Be watchful of change in behavior.
Gadgets like pepper gun and / or self - defense skills can help too.
Having child - friendly community should be regularly enforced. Police visibility should be constantly present for immediate action to child abuse reports. Child abuse centers that house rehabilitation and assistance to abused kids should be well supported and accessible to anyone who seek help.

When kids are abused may it be in the form of neglect, sexual abuse, physical abuse, psychological maltreatment, medical neglect can be prevented. So, as parents and concerned citizens, let us keep the young ones protected. We report incidents of child maltreatment and we foster a child - friendly environment too.

References:

Child Abuse Statistics - US and International

Child Abuse in America

Child Maltreatment

Help Protect Your Children from violence

Domestic Violence: Protecting Yourself and Your Children

How To Vote Wisely

2013-05-06T06:25:00.000-07:00

The Philippine history shall be re – shaped again as we hold another national election to seat 12 new senators and local executives this May 13, 2013.

While we instituted the PCOS machine that shall automate our election, still, our procedure is without doubt as issues about election come affront one after another.

The COMELEC has guidelines installed, so, politicians shall campaign modestly and we are consciously warned against ballot buying which may include forms like cash, rice, clothing, among others. We have to be educated with the background of these candidates and assess their track record. So, we are most vigilant with politicians who don't follow laws / ordinances.

election campaigns at http://www.interaksyon.com/article/52805/less-epal--rules-of-fair-elections-act-cut-airtime-for-campaign-ads---comelec-chair

While political dynasty may be good, this, however shows that people cling to power at all cost and that would mean extending / conferring authority to spouses / children / siblings for continuity. Only the constituents can decide for the progress or disillusion of their locality, and, so, if they continuously sit politicians who value most their personal gains, then, disillusionment shall continue.

So, before election day, join debates of local / national candidates, review past articles / news about these candidates, check their backgrounds and performances and if they give you wrong signals, then, discard their names from your list.

Remember, we can only have change if we place the right people to serve us.

STI College of GenSan Goes Bukidnon

2013-05-06T06:07:00.000-07:00

fun day at RR Family Spring Resort, Maramag, Bukidnon

It has been an annual summer tradition that STI College of General Santos City goes out for a two - day summer outing. Two years ago, I joined the group when they headed for Samal Islands, Davao.

This year, we went to Bukidnon for a change of scenery. The trip was however long on board only on Toyota HiAce. Unlike our typical route of General Santos City - Bukidnon via Davao City, we took the faster route of Tacurong through Kabacan road to head to Bukidnon.

at Lake Pinamaloy, Don Carlos, Bukidnon

With 6 - 8 hours of traveling depending on number of pit stops, the sight to Bukidnon can be quite rich and one must not fail to try the different delicacies and specialty of areas like Polomolok for pineapple, Tupi for other fruits, Koronadal for Halo - Halo, Kabacan for watermelon and Bukidnon for other stuffs.

at RR Spring Family Resort Dormitory Cottage

The facilities of RR Family Spring Resort was remarkable and ideal for family and office events including walk - in guests. With function halls of various sizes including cottages with fine pureflex teflon hose and catering services among others, the resort is one tourist destination worth visiting.

With only a night of stay at RR Family Spring Resort, STI College simply maximized the day with some fellowship games and meals along with prayer of worship.

We didn't waste our stay at the resort as we made use of the time to explore the area and enjoy the cool flowing spring from the different pool sizes.

The trip back to General Santos City was one fun although draining day. But, true enough, it is with fellowship events like a summer outing can be materialized to foster teamwork and goodwill among employees and supervisors.

Why Barefoot Running Can Be Good For You

2013-05-06T04:34:00.001-07:00

with barefoot running enthusiasts

I have been running since 2008 on shoes and as I compete for longer distances including the recently concluded Davao Phoenix Marathon and last year's 60 km - ultra marathon to Koronadal City, I had to endure patches of blisters one after another along with the ankle sprain that kept me from running for 3 weeks.

My first try of barefoot on a rubberized turf consumed my mid - sole with red hot spots that started all my blisters for a month as I shifted to mid - foot running. True enough, midfoot running made me run more efficiently and much faster too (not to mention the 3 - week calf pain from this feat).

So, I stopped my barefoot nightmare and simply stick with midfoot running. However, when I get too tired from long run, I often go back to my bending - from - the - waist run and heel strikes.

Running may be less expensive compared to other sports, but, buying running shoes as often as 2 - 3 times a week can be too much for someone who is tight in budget.

So, with my on - and - off ankle sprain from marathon and my restricted budget, I was compelled to explore my barefoot running again. And, surprisingly, after running bare for a month, my ankle sprain has never complained again plus I could keep my new running shoes from constant use and I don't have to buy frequently new running socks that can be quite pricey too.

photo source: http://chicagotonight.wttw.com/2013/02/21/barefoot-running

Barefoot running advocates say that when we run with shoes, we have this natural tendency to land on our heels causing that unwanted brake (which could slow us down) and hurting our foot, ankle, knee and other weak areas.

With barefoot running, we are forced to land on our mid – sole or forefront and to run in a springy motion causing less impact on the ground. Plus, we get to improve our cadence (ideally, 180 steps per minute could make you about 5 minutes / km pace) should we need to run faster.

Separate convictions are present for pro and cons of barefoot running but as big number of runners get injured (including) every year, I say, that you try barefoot running too. It may take a while to master its mechanics but having a support group that advocates barefoot running and personal motivation against injury – free running, barefoot running can be worth a try.

Teachers: Zumba Craze is On

2013-04-14T01:34:00.003-07:00

with fellow zumba fanatics @ a Zumba Marathon

From fun runs, the city of General Santos along with the neighboring towns like Koronadal and Davao City are into the fast groove of Zumba and with loud beats from cheap harbinger ha60 pa system

with all the fancy music to sweat us out, we could only love Zumba and ask for more.

This April 17 at Robinson's Mall, General Santos City shall be one Zumba Marathon for everyone including students and teachers as an international Zumba instructor shall be in the house.

But, wait! How much calories do we actually burn from Zumba? The answer is dependent on your weight, the duration and intensity of the dance.

For my weight of 53 kg doing a 1 - hour zumba of high intensity, I could burn around 473 calories. To compute your own calories burned, check out this zumba calorie calculator.

UNICEF: Protecting the Children

2013-04-14T00:52:00.000-07:00

While I was thinking how I could run across Mindanao to raise proceeds for charitable institutions, I managed to see UNICEF Philippines asking for mall goers to donate to help children in distress, national disaster, and ones who are out from school.

a little girl sells goodies to other kids after a soccer game

Kids are the ones who suffer most from natural disaster, poverty or abuse. And, with little or no strength at all to withstand the abuse of the society, they could only endure in silence. So, oftentimes you would see kids not in school but rather in streets working for the family, or simply have run away from home to escape from any harsh reality.

I am not a philanthropist. In fact, I work as a part - time teacher with a meager salary with a family background of humble economic state. But, whenever I see kids or elderly on the streets working instead of staying in school or in their respective home, I could only be disillusioned and wish that I could help.

Joining fun runs has allowed me to support various advocacy including the ones of nurturing the kids, the elderly, the women, and the environment. So, I commend everyone else who care for others and glad that I see UNICEF in our very own local mall.

with UNICEF Philippines volunteer at Gaisano Mall, Gensan

We have ways to help the unfortunate and there are legitimate groups who really make a difference, and I appeal that even in our humble ways we can pitch in to helping others especially the kids.

With the new school year approaching, I wish that there are no more kids on streets working or otherwise. But, this would mean aggregated resources from all stakeholders including the ordinary civilians.

So, if you like to realize this goal, I pray that you can help UNICEF. For your donations and / or other queries of their services, you can check out their official website.

Make Summer Cool for Kids

2013-04-13T06:24:00.000-07:00

Now that summer is officially on here in the Philippines with a temperature ranging from 30 - 38 degree Celsius, one can only think of ways to cool down.

We don't want our kids to spend their two months doing nothing except playing with their laptops, tablets or WII.

My kid @ Subic Ocean Park on summer vacation

It would be fun to use summer break as an opportunity for long vacation; a trip to a new place or simply heading to your hometown and reunion with family.

running and skates form part of family exercise

Depending on your kids' interest, you may want bring to a local park or let him join a group of kids his age for some sports events.

My kid and his cousin on a summer swimming lesson

You can also enroll your kid to summer training programs like swimming, basketball, softball, martial arts and alike.

Depending on your place, the weather may not permit for some outdoor activities. But, thanks to some gadgets like electric pool heaters at Pool Supply Unlimited, your kid can do swim works at any summer time.

My kid on his soccer training

Remember though that you have to consider your kid's feedback on summer activities otherwise any summer activity can be dragging or burdensome instead of fun.

Teaching Vocational Skills

2013-04-13T06:01:00.000-07:00

One of the sustaining programs of the national government that I commend is the strengthening of skill training of individuals who lack collegiate formal education.

Through Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, high school graduates can avail of various scholarship training at minimal or zero expense at all.

TESDA Director General Joel Villanueva says "I know the idea of a college or university education is always appealing. But TVET is more affordable, hands-on, and the path to a good job is shorter. . . "TVET is a system that churns out skilled workers who are the backbone of the Philippine's thriving economy."

In the year end report of TESDA, enrollment in various TESDA programs had totaled to 1.7 million compared to 2011's data of 1.5 million. Of which, around 800,000 students had passed the assessment skills.

With the demand of the industry to concentrate on hiring applicants with usable skills, letting students go through short - term - skill - oriented education becomes more pleasing. With the increased number of students, teachers for vocational program are highly demanded too.

If you simply look around your city, you can actually find schools that do provide TESDA scholarships. One instance is the notice I found on Facebook.

References:

There's always the tech-voc option, Villanueva tells graduates

Benefits of Barefoot Running

2013-04-10T18:46:00.001-07:00

Manong Maning from Davao City who ran the 50 mile / 80km ultramarathon on bare feet
photo source: Facebook from a fellow runner

Running has become my passion but as I worked on my speed and distance and joined several races, I oftentimes had to endure the blister even at the early start of the race. While the cause of the blister could have been my non - running socks, or my beaten shoes, I simply had to find a way to prevent my feet from incurring blisters and address my recently incurred ankle pains.

with fellow barefoot runners around school campus

So, I joined a barefoot runner in his passion for natural running, and, I am quite amazed as I completed my 4th day with bare feet running the pavements of the city.

Advocates say that barefoot running improves foot biomechanics and reduces chances of injury. While of course, non - advocates would claim otherwise.

While various contentions are present about running, I could only claim that we have our own passion and advocacy to address to. Like while others would prefer unorthodox running with shoes on, others would rather prefer bare or when others prefer fine commercial cigars for smoking, others go for blunt cigars.

Barefoot running supporters claim that barefoot running would allow the following benefits:

It promotes natural form of running, thereby, improving running economy, so, you spend less energy than most traditional runners;
Comparing to heel strikers, barefoot running requires that you land on midfoot / forestrike that you reduce impact on your ankles and other injuries like calf pulls and Achillies tendinitis.
It improves balance;
You get more conscious of your running form.

While there can be risk with barefoot running, the idea is to do the transition gradually, avoid overstriding and brace yourself with how the general public would see you on bare feet.

References:

Barefoot Running - The Pros and Cons of Going Shoeless

Is Barefoot Running Worth the Risks?

Enjoy Hot Summer with Beach Yoga Camp

2013-04-09T18:24:00.002-07:00

Joining fellow bloggers in a Power Core Yoga for stronger core

Yoga has been around more than 5,000 years ago and experts have studies and evidences supporting that indeed Yoga can help improve stamina, flexibility, balance, good posture, breathing, and better mood. In fact, it is even an effective weight loss program for everyone.

with legitimate Yoga instructors, Yoga can make you achieve flexibility and inner peace

While Yoga is not without risk, we are quite advised to secure first medical clearance especially for ones who have health problems as Yoga can't be a substitute for proper medical health care. Further, self - taught yoga can be quite dangerous as strains and / or injury may be incurred from wrong postures, thereby, inflicting pains on our neck, shoulders, spine, knees or ankles.

General Santos City and neighboring towns are however lucky that Marichi Yoga House has recently opened on Aparente Street, GenSan and with everyday sessions both in the morning and early evening, you get to enjoy the benefits of yoga with specialized sessions for endurance, digestion, athlete core and stamina and the basics.

But, what I am excited about is the fact that Yoga attendees can enjoy summer with the pristine sand of Gumasa beaches along with the tranquil and beautiful clear waters of Sarangani Bay.

Beach Yoga Camp at World Boxing Champ Pacquiao's Resort, Gumasa, Glan

So, come May 25 - 26, Marichi Yoga House goes outdoor! For details, you may check the notes copied verbatim from Helen Prieto, Marichi Yoga House yoga instructress:

Registration fee: P1800 limited to 20 people

Bring your own tent for P400 off the fee, and additional P300 discount if you have your own ride.

It's a very good price considering it's inclusive of healthy meals and snacks plus we're bringing in instructors Connie Baynosa from Surya Nanda Yoga and Jang Samson from Shanti Shala Yoga and the soon to open Yoga Love studio in Cebu.

Activities include: Meditation and centering by the beach, Partner Yoga, Intensive core Yoga and a workshop for poses that each attendee would want to focus on. It will end by introducing Yin Inspired restorative yoga.

There will be 3 two-hour sessions May25 5:30pm, May 26: 5:30am and 5:30pm there rest of the time may be spent exploring and enjoying the beach.

This is not an extreme dieting camp. Balanced diet in proper portions will be served. Snacks will also be served.

Location: Pacquia's beach property in Gumasa, Glan

There are 9 slots still open as of today. Reservations have to be fully paid on or before April 30.

For those who are staying nearby, they may join the sessions without having to stay at the camp for a fee of P200/session. Reservation still required since headcount is of much importance to make sure the instructors can give more time and attention to each attendee.

Things to bring at the camp:

Roll-up mattress/ thick blanket, pillow to sleep on

Utensils. Bring your own Plate, tumbler/drinking glass, spoon and fork

Off lotion just in case it will be needed

and usual personal stuff.

Routine for meals, water intake and practice will be imposed.

For more inquiries, please contact, Ms Helen Prieto on Facebook or through these numbers, +639173047212.

Teacher's Marathon Prep

2013-03-08T17:20:00.001-08:00

In few hours, my husband and I along with fellow runners shall embark on a travel to Davao City for the gruesome 42 kilometers of running.

We have prepared the stuffs we need including our running apparel and gears and some first aid just in case the race can cause any injury to anyone of us. I am just however hoping that we will reach the finish line without any serious discomfort.

I could only hope that we could find a place to stay with cool Whitecraft wicker patio furniture from homeandpatiodecorcenter.com to wave off stress and to elicit relaxation.

Running a marathon can be a tough and we could only train for it harder and pray that our runs shall be injury free.

So, as an amateur running teacher, I could only pray for miracle. Wish me good luck!

GenSan Kwaknit Runners

2013-03-08T17:13:00.000-08:00

the Kwaknits

The Kwaknits are the night runners around General Santos City. It had began last year and to date, we have been keeping it in a weekly basis. Only a hard rain can postpone a night run.

Kwaknit is a Visayan term for bats and it aims to invite other running enthusiasts to cover either 5km or 10km route.

We have regular and newbie runners and the number may vary but still the kwaknits shall thrive. So, join us now to stay fit through running, you can search on us on Facebook.

Why Stress is Dangerous to Your Health

2013-03-08T17:04:00.002-08:00

Stress can be attributed to a lot of factors; these may include pressure from work or lack of it, family and friend pressure, personality problems among others. It is then important that we know what causes our stress and address it appropriately, so, we won't experience any stress - related illnesses.

According to 2010 American Psychological Association's "Stress in America," stress' effects lead to

Headache
Muscle tension or pain
Chest pain
Fatigue
Change in sex drive
Stomach upset
Sleep problems
Anxiety
Restlessness
Lack of motivation or focus
Irritability or anger
Sadness or depression
Overeating or undereating
Angry outbursts
Drug or alcohol abuse
Tobacco use
Social withdrawal

So, it is then important that we find ways to extinguish stress and these can be any of the following:

indoor activities like playing bingo, chess, card games among others
outdoor activities like swimming, skiing, basketball, running, horseback riding with horseback riding apparel
dancing
Yoga
massage
novel readinghttp://www.mayoclinic.com/health/stress-symptoms/SR00008_D
spa
sauna
and any other activity that would clear your mind and help you relax

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), stress is considered as a hazard of a workplace and the American industry costs $300 billion annually for facilities and treatment.

So, address your stress well and live a healthy and longer life.

References:

The Effects of Stress on Your Body

Stress symptoms: Effects on your body, feelings and behavior

Teachers on Yoga

2013-03-08T16:36:00.002-08:00

As part of my cross training for running, I decided to take Yoga for needed stamina, focus, regulated breathing, and stress - relief.

Yoga is a slow - impact activity that can be a better option for ones who don't find running or dancing and other fast or heavy activities for exercise.

Any job can be tough and having a recreational activity, yoga or otherwise, can be a good alternative to wave off stress and to stay healthy.

If you too wants Yoga or any physical activity, check out your local areas, convince a friend or loved one to join you and your exercise time can be fun and healthy time!

Teachers: Be Healthy

2013-02-17T15:09:00.001-08:00

Having teaching for a job is no easy feat. In fact, it is one of the underpaid and heavily - loaded work. So, no wonder that most teachers end up single, without retirement benefits or stricken with illnesses.

Zumba attendees of all ages from the 1st Zumba Kapamilya

with fellow runners joining others in Zumba Marathon

However, becoming healthy is not exclusive to teachers. It is called upon everyone that we eat healthy, exercise regularly, and lead a stress - free life.

It is then important that we are vigilant of what we eat or drink, and choose any recreational activity that can be sustained which may include basketball, badminton, swimming, running or for some, dancing like aerobics or the latest craze, Zumba.

So, from the marketing on all media including big prints like from the likes of www.zooprinting.com among others had helped a lot in drawing a crowd.

Any job can be quite stressful but with a decisive action to be healthy, that can be quite draw a difference.

So, teachers and everyone else, choose be healthy and the drawback can be very rewarding.

Zumba Kapamilya To Build Schools

2013-02-17T14:52:00.002-08:00

kids and the big ones joined the 1st Zumba Kapamilya

the Zumba Legendz instructors

More than 800 participants had joined the groove of 1st Zumba Kapamilya as Zumba Legends led the fast - beat routine from warm - up, through all - new - beat moves, to cool down.

Two hours of dancing made the participants from all ages sweat in excitement, fun and thrill. And, who could not be more appreciative as the proceeds of this 1st Zumba Kapamilya shall be for the building of schools of heavily dilapidated and all - grade - level classroom in Malungon.

So, well done organizers and to all who have joined, not only that you chose to lead a healthy lifestyle, you also made a difference to the young students who need a conducive classroom for learning.

College Week at School

2013-02-14T18:17:00.000-08:00

It is February time and most schools in the Philippines have set days or week of sports events. In most cases, the Philippine government has the regional and / or national sports events to invite students from all grade or year levels from elementary to college for a get - together sports competition. This aims to foster goodwill, character and sports skills to higher extent.

My school had this week as "College Week" that we have various competitions including beauty pageants, program skill testing, entertainment and more.

The week event is an opportunity as well for teachers to rest and take a break from class teaching and time to unwind. If only we have real estate holden beach nc, then, free time can be pamper time to relax and to recharge from work's toil.

So, may this sports event and school break bring the desired effects to all stakeholders. But, we wish that the entire endeavor shall be fun and safe for everyone.

How to Train for Your First Marathon

2013-02-14T18:01:00.000-08:00

doing my hill training with a pack

Running can be a tough mental and physical ordeal although the rewards are high. But, once you start running, you tend to level up your goal from speed to distance. And, what could be the pinnacle of running other than completing a marathon.

I have run my first ultra - marathon of 63km spanning from General Santos City to Koronadal City with around 11 hours of walking, running and enduring hip pain and blisters.

Training for a marathon is not an easy feat. In fact, it will consume your resources, your time and physical strength. But, with right mindset, proper training, support systems, marathon can be fun and overwhelming.

So, as I conquer my first official marathon in few weeks' time, let me share what I do follow as I prepare for the dreaded 42km.

Build distance gradually. I have been running since 2008 but had seriously joined competitions only in 2011 with 21km as the farthest distance earning it around 2:16 with 2:08 as my best time. I started with the typical walk - run of 3km - 5km - 10km - 16km - 21km route.
Improve running form. We can be more efficient if we mind our running form and that includes running on midfoot, high cadence, more steps in a minute, leaning forward, swinging my arms for faster leg turn. You can see a running form video from Youtube.
Invest on good shoes and running socks. To do away with injury like ankle or knee and blisters, getting the right gears can help a lot to make running or your marathon comfortable.
Acquire the right program. Having a target date for a marathon can be your goal, and acquiring a marathon program around this date can be smart. A beginner's program can cover 18 - 20 weeks of training. Don't overdo nor under train. Incorporate cross training like yoga, swimming or cycling that would provide you with diversion from running.
Improve your speed and level up your distance. With interval and tempo trainings, you get to enhance your speed. However, increase your record gradually as doing the speed trainings more than your heart beat limits can endure can be quite dangerous. So, seek your doctor's help to guide you including breathing and minding your heart. By the book, we only increase our speed or distance by 10%.
Invest on running gadgets like a pedometer and stop watch. Document your runs and the records can be quite motivating.
Get a support system. With a training coach or running group, you can be motivated to train properly and regularly. Having your family to support you with your goal can be quite inspiring. Train harder but you can also have fun in between.
Pamper yourself for a good train. After 5 - 6 days of training, enjoy a day or two of full rest, not only that you let your body heal but this would also break the routine and get you recharged for the next week.
Invest on core conditioning. Running for hours can put a strain on our hips and legs, some numbness too. With right core conditioning like push-ups and planking among others, you improve your endurance and limit yourself from getting the discomfort of running the distance. Do this only under the supervision of a coach.

We may have different goals for joining a marathon, this may mean setting a faster time, finishing strong or simply completing the race. Regardless of your goal, bottomline is we enjoy the race and we reach the finish line injury - free.

Les Miserables: Great Historical Drama

2013-01-21T17:49:00.001-08:00

promotional poster

The latest musical rendition of Les Miserables or "The Miserables" has drawn a number of praises although for non - musical viewers would not appreciate this movie at all except for the presence of the A - List Hollywood celebrities.

Les Miserables is a historical French novel by Victor Hugo published in 1862 and has been considered as one of the greatest novels in the 19th century.

From Wikipedia, there are several adaptions to include :

1935, directed by Richard Boleslawski, starring Fredric March and Charles Laughton, the first version of the story nominated for Best Picture Academy Award
The 1937 radio adaptation by Orson Welles
The 1980 musical, by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg
The 1998 film, starring Liam Neeson
The 2000 TV miniseries, starring Gérard Depardieu
The 2012 film, starring Hugh Jackman

While I may be ignorant of original novel, my liking for music and for superb actors and actresses compelled me to watch the movie on the big screen. Good thing though that I finally watched the film and swept off because of its excellent musical scores and dialogues. I bet high - end musical technology including Berg Larsen at wwbw had made the musical drama more effective.

Les Miserable had clearly depicted the drama of the early French revolution and the crisis that crippled the society. Having it clearly rendered through music is a a work of a total genius. This movie along with the works of musical Phantom of the Opera and Mama Mia are magnificent works of art and music.

Now, that I finally know the plot, I shall soon find time to read the entire novel to visualize fully the plot.

How to Motivate Your Teachers

2013-01-21T17:06:00.003-08:00

RewRewTeaching is one noble job just like other professions but one need strong character to be able to sustain this profession for long. But, as a teacher, how can you be personally motivated to give your best shot when your school environment is not providing you a welcoming or trusting atmosphere?

photo source: internet

Teaching in the Philippines is not comparable to teaching abroad should compensation be the prime criterion but dedication can be equal if not at all beyond.

As a school administrator, you can motivate teachers, so, their teaching can be equally effective and learning can be more fun for students.

Education World cited more than 20 tips to motivate teachers but I shall highlight the most important.

Provide a healthy administrators - teachers relationship. If teachers see their boss as a source of pressure, stress or tension because of the frequent negative feedback, over requiring demands or physical / verbal harassment, rest assured that teachers could not last longer in this kind of working environment. Respect as an individual and professional must be adhered and that open and welcoming attitude from the administrators can quite boost the morale of teachers.
Provide just compensations and benefits. While there can be government - required laws on all employees, providing extra perks like incentives for a zero absences or tardiness or birthday cash gifts or freebies like a free - day - on - birthdays, or incentive leaves can quite help.
Provide access to resources. Teaching is quite demanding, so, to enforce effective learning among students, school should however provide needed resources including books, visual aids, and facilities. If these are not budget - provided, then, administrations must find means to provide for these necessities. This may include asking for funding from the government or NGOs.
Provide for professional growth. Trainings and advance education are needed for skill and knowledge upgrade of teachers. Financial assistance or time allowance can be given to teachers, so, they need not to be constrained with budget or with coping absences should they have to attend trainings or graduate schooling.
Reward your teachers for good jobs internally and publicly. A recognition certificate posted in bulletin boards or announcements in public school gatherings can quite boost the self - esteem of teachers.
Encourage good health, healthy lifestyle facilities and / or programs. Some schools provide a free dance session for the school personnel, while others have a special gym should teachers want to relax. As teachers are humans too, they need time to relax and to energize from all the works of teaching.

Teachers can be more motivated if they are motivated intrinsically, so, as a last note, a positive relationship with school and good employee compensation / benefit package can do a lot of motivation to keeping your teachers happy.

For more tips, check out the article of Education World.

Teacher in Koronadal Fun Run

2013-01-09T04:28:00.000-08:00

on my u - turn to complete 21km

with the rest of GenSan / Team Matutum runners

We started the new year of 2013 right as we joined more than hundreds of other running enthusiasts from schools and other agencies from private and public sector in Koronadal Fun Run 2013 held January 5, 2013.

The route was great and there were a good number of willing marshals to assist the runners, however, the water stations fell short as 21km had to endure the last 8 km without hydration. Good thing though that I have my own hydration pack as a new gift of my hubby.

More importantly, the new hydration utility pack made me all bring my energy bar, cellphone and paper bill for emergencies.

Buying best personalized water bottles can be quite easy and comfy when you do it from local and / or online stores.

So, it is another reminder that even if runners join officially organized fun runs, personal hydration and energy boost is a personal responsibility for safety and convenience.

Classes Are Back

2013-01-09T03:49:00.001-08:00

Now that the holiday season is over, where else would the students and school personnel go but to head back to school and resume with the academic year.

In spite of the long vacation, it is simply natural to miss some student who prefer to extend their vacation, however, teachers could only comply with the mandate to continue teaching regardless of the attendance.

For some schools though, January is a new month for a new term or quarter, so, we would be expecting a major exam very soon. May this 2013 however bring us good fortune and much of productivity.

Happy new year dear students and teachers.

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Great Money Savings From Trash - Made Christmas Decors

2012-12-26T01:03:00.000-08:00

Christmas Tree from dried leaves @ Tree Top Adventure, Subic

When we had the chance to visit Olangapo City for Subic's pride: Ocean Adventure, Zoobic Safari, and Tree Top, one of the things that caught my attention was the presence of a tall Christmas tree made from dry leaves. And, as environment advocate, I could only appreciate the efforts of the management to make the holidays felt but more so, to contribute to earth preservation.

With the increasing urbanization of most places, finding a safe and eco - centered haven is a scarce thing. We can find portable hepa filters for a continued fresh air but if we want economy - wise and more sustainable solution, we can resort to helping mother Earth. And, we can do this through 3R's: Recycle, Reuse, Reduce.

photo source: all2pics

So, for your holiday decors, why not try creating Christmas trees from empty bottles as the structure, with fancy colorful cups as decors and soda straws for garlands and stars among others like the picture above from Portugal.

Other Christmas decors could be painted burnt out lights as tree ornaments, Snowman from socks and bottles, cut - out gift bags from glossy magazine pages, ribbons from plastic bags.

The list can go on and with a little help from all of us, we can make our Earth less hurt everyday.

References:

Recycled Christmas Crafts for Kids

18 Clever Christmas Trees Created With Recycled Materials

Schools Enjoy Holiday Vacation

2012-12-26T00:31:00.002-08:00

With classes officially off from Christmas holidays, students and school personnel could only enjoy and savor the long weeks with paper works and daily attendance.

photo source: qualtrics.com

While these weeks are without projects and impending exams, still, the daily wakings without assignments or exams to prepare for can only be welcoming.

So, with classes to resume come January 3, 2013 as the soonest, other schools shall resume on January 7, let us all have fun and enjoy vacation. Happy holidays, everyone!

Having Fun at School Holiday Parties

2012-12-13T05:59:00.002-08:00

Christmas parties are simply typical among a lot of private and public entities and schools are no excused from these strings of parties.

So, to commence classes before a long holiday vacation kicks in, schools prepare their students and personnel with Holiday parties.

Make your holiday big day fun as you highlight the day with your well - picked apparel, appropriate make - up and accessories, some fun dancing and music escapade with alto saxophone among others.

While it is fun to groove in party, remember to party responsibly. Never drive when you are drunk and while anything can happen during a party, just remember the possible consequences that actions may bring you.