Back to this networld.

I am back and trying to give this blog site a new life to breath. It's been two years ago where my life became so busy that even blogging was out of my mind.

My past blog posts were about my life as education student. The next posts that I will be blogging here is more on my experiences as Public School Teacher.

To the people in the Philippines and abroad who keep on viewing my blog. Thanks. More blogs are coming.

Making a difference at SJES

I could hardly describe my feelings when we were about to leave San Jose Elementary School after almost two months of Off-Campus Practice Teaching. I remember that middle of January when we ‘got out of the box’ after having our On-Campus at Naga College Foundation, we started face the actual world of teaching particularly in a public school.

Going out of the box is the most challenging part for practicum students. Not just we carry the name of our school but because it is the critical application of all those principles and theories of teaching we have learned in our undergraduate years. We have with us different images of a teacher which we built for almost four years of training to become a globally competitive teacher.

Let me share with you some of the learning, enjoyment and fun we had experienced at SJES.

First, we able to recognize the educational system of a public school for having larger class size and twin engines of political support and economic revenue to cope with better school facilities. Hence, we become aware of the real scenario of teaching life.

We were guided by our respective cooperating teacher during our first and second shifting which help us to develop our teaching strategies and approaches.

In our two months here, we built much intimate relationship with our students and teachers. We also discover how to learn to love other students who made their effort to know each of us. That is the very reason why we find it hard to shall away our heart to our students.

When you look at the eyes of your students and find there deep joyfulness, that would be the most rewarding part for a teacher. Sometimes I realize that we don’t only motivate our students in every teaching-learning activity. In return, they themselves motivate us to do our utmost endeavor in daily teaching preparation and become an instrument of change.

If you would ask anyone of us what are the things we will miss at SJES aside from our teaching experience and congenial students and teachers, perhaps he or she would tell you a long story of his or her involvements in the school activities.

I remember the crying moments of students when we were about to leave them (for our second shifting and for the last time). Because of this, we could not definitely say goodbye, instead, thank you.

In behalf of my co-practicum students (Ma’am Fe, Ma’am Joy, Ma’am Menchie, Ma’am Fennie and Sir Elvis), we would like to express our sincerest gratitude to the teachers and most especially to the students of San Jose Elementary School. Now I know how to describe our wonderful practice teaching experience in this school. We were made parts of it. And we able to prove that student-teachers can also make a difference.

The Good Pilot

Mrs. Arlene C. Claro






Ma’am Arlene C. Claro is a graduate of University of Nueva Caceres. She took her method of teaching at Naga College Foundation to become an elementary teacher.

From being an ordinary teacher, due to her determination and effectiveness as a teacher, she was abruptly promoted as Master Teacher without passing to the stages of becoming a Teacher 1, 2 or 3. She was blessed with a supportive husband and five children.

One of her children is a special child. He was Nicol, a special child with Down’s syndrome. He was supposed to be 17 years of age. Having a child like Nicol was never a hindrance for her to become a loving mother to him. She decided to mainstream his child in the public school (after enrolling him in Special Education) instead of just letting him stop schooling. At least, he experiences how it feels to have classmates.

Ma’am Arlene is a very competent teacher. She is the Filipino coordinator in Milaor-Gainza disctrict.

One thing I can describe her, she is a teacher who always guides me in making my lesson plans more effective and efficient.

If any people would ask me what word I can associate to Ma’am Arlene, it would be “Pilot”. She’s is fond of comparing a teacher to a pilot who has a great responsibility for the lives of her students. She is a pilot who makes way to bring her students into the world of enlightenment.

Thank You instead of Goodbye

March 12, 2010


Since I had my second shifting where I was assigned to Grade V, I could not shall away my cherished heart to my Grade II pupils. When I saw them as they visited me in my room and shouted, “Sir James” and waved their hands, I did not know how to describe my feelings.

That is the very reason why it was too hard to give my heart to Grade V pupils. I thought they were just too humble at me because I was their teacher. I was not expecting that they would treasure me like what my Grade II pupils did.

Because of this, it was easy for me to say Goodbye to the Grade V pupils; while I never know what words to utter just to tell my Grade II that I would be leaving.

Going back to the culminating we had yesterday, here is how my Grade V pupils became so emotional.

They never know that the culminating activity was our last day at San Jose Elementary School. They were at the HE room during our informal program. However, after the video presentation I had made for every class where the ending slide has a written last thought of “Thank you for the inspirations…goodbye.” I have noticed that my Grade V pupils have gone.

I looked over the faces of the students but I haven’t recognized a student of mine. Then, a student told me to go to the Grade V room. Since I was busy and taking my rest, I wasn’t able to go to our room.

After few minutes, another student told me to be there since his classmates were waiting for me. I walked in the middle of the drenching rain and when I got there, I found my pupils crying.

They had written a big GOODBYE SIR JAMES at the chalkboard together with their names. I wasn’t touched by what they did. As I have written, I was not expecting that they would feel that way as they would know that I will leave them. All I know, it would be okay for them not to see me anymore.

To fight my emotions brought by the loud weeping cries especially from girls, I just made a joke for them to laugh. And when I gave my personal thoughts about our memories, I couldn’t control myself and I felt the tears wanted to get out of my eyes. But the boys made me laugh, so instead of crying, I ended up laughing. I gave each of them a comfort hug. When I hugged them one by one, I have noticed that the sob get louder.

Some of them gave me gifts like wallets, bracelet and bundles of heart-shaped candies together with their message.

When I get back to the principal office, they followed me so other students laughed at their reddish and swollen eyes. I kept on asking myself what I did that made Sir James a teacher to be cherished by his pupils.

They were always telling me to visit them from time to time. Some of them suggested to have an outing or swimming but I just told them e don’t have time. Anyway, I can still visit them at SJES so I don’t want yet to say Goodbye, instead… just a thank you.

The Finale at its BEST and WORST part

March 11, 2010






We can never put blame over the inevitable forces of nature.

Few days before this ‘special-to-be’ program, we were worried of looking for a good venue. The school doesn’t have its Pavilion which can be a venue in all school occasion. We thought that El Niño phenomenon might affects the activity. First, we will have a video presentation; hence, we need a venue which is not much lighted. Or else, the pupils may not be able to see the presentation. Next, playing the outdoor games might burn their skin. The population of students can not be accommodated in a classroom only.

We’re not carpenters to start building a shield made up of bamboo and trapal just to protect us from too much exposure to the sun. To solve this problem, we decided to make an adjustment on time schedules wherein we can withstand at fine weather condition.

Yesterday, when I was on my way home, I felt the drizzles that get through the window of the bus. It made me smile and said, “Thanks God. It’s a blessing.” I was only thinking those cracked rice fields, drought farms and thirsty plants and animals. I never thought of rain that might affect our culminating activity for this day.

The rain did not stop and I started worrying of tomorrow’s activity.

When I woke up early in the morning, I was bothered by the bad weather. During our preparation, we were worrying of the hot season; but this time, it was all about the rain I get upset with.

When I was already at school, the rain was quite fine but the cloud threatened us that it will going to pour out heavy rains. The principal was annoyed when she asked us if we will still going to continue the program or not. It was almost nine. I know that she’s perfectionist. She wanted that everything we had planned must be followed.

I understand her. However, we can not blame the inevitable occurrence of nature. We did out part to prepare. As a matter of fact, our culminating activity was supposed to be on Monday.

In just one game, the rain started to pour making us like ants looking for a shelter. We have tried to continue the game but then, the weather did not hear our prayer. Because of this, we decided to use the said time for Storytelling (Primary) and Film-Viewing (Intermediate).

I conducted a storytelling activity for Grade II-J, Grade II-M, Grade III-A, and Grade III-M. We do not have white linen to be used for the projection of the PowerPoint presentation so we pasted bond paper (the back side of the test paper). Unexpectedly, it was meaningfully realized. The pupils enjoyed it.

By the way, my story was about Reyna Kuneho: ang Lider. Before I started my storytelling activity, I presented first the Presidential bets for the upcoming election. The pupils were very much aware of those people seeking for a prestigious national position particularly their commercial songs, advertisement and banners.

The story I had presented was all about awareness on election and about leadership. They were able to learn that gender is not the basis of being a good leader. Anyone can be a leader if you strive to do your part for the sake of your fellows. They also learned that even though they were too young and do not vote yet, they must be aware of the election because the new set of leaders will serve them, the youth.

What a wonderful storytelling activity. I know that my Grade II pupils had already missed my stories so it was one way of standing in front of them again to bring the magical world of literature through storytelling. Out of puppetry or using big book, I had this storytelling in a form of animation. They loved it since it was like watching their favorite cartoon movie. Thanks God for this another gift of talent.

Of course, it will not be realized without the assistance of Ma’am Phine, my cooperating teacher in Grade II, and Ma’am Marietta, adviser of Grade III-M during the storytelling session.

The weather was like a trick on us as it was going to rain and shine; and then, shine and rain. The children were already bathed of the rain. We can not continue the game so we let them watched another film, “Little Big Deeds”. Everything was like teaching. We tend to be flexible, dynamic and very creative in deciding for fillers just for them not to get bored.

Actually, rain or shine doesn’t matter for the student. They love the experience outside the box. They wore caps, bring umbrellas or put handkerchief on their head just to enjoy the day’s activity. I can see on their eyes the enjoyment and fun.

In the afternoon, we were hopeless to continue the activity. Although the sky started to clear out and some dark clouds have gone away, we thought of possibilities that it might still shower rain.

We talked to the Principal to decide whether to postpone or cancel the activity. We decided to cancel the said activity. It is not just of the weather but also because many teachers would not be able to attend the closing program. They will be attending COMELEC seminar on automated election for Teachers.

We found out that a memorandum from the district office was sent to the Principal that yesterday afternoon. However, we were not informed about it. As a matter of fact, we were just in her office preparing for the said activity. Who shall be blamed?

Since the culminating activity was cancelled due to unfavorable weather condition and COMELEC Seminar, we chose to bring the food at school and ate it together with other teachers who were present that afternoon.

However, when there were still students who came to school that afternoon hoping for the continuation of the culminating activity, we planned to have a simple informal program at the HE room.

It was not big enough to accommodate the large number of students yet we were very optimistic that we can do it. While it was raining heavily outside, we were all perspired by the hot atmosphere of crowded smiles, laughter and enjoyment inside the HE room. We still have games and the video presentation of each class.

Everybody went home with a wonderful culminating activity. I just pray to God for them not to get sick. This day has a BEST and WORST day I have ever had in my Practice Teaching. When I saw the pupils happy, it would be a wonderful day for me.

Making a Difference: A Teacher’s Way

February 26, 2010

This day was marked as the day for student-teachers’ conference for a common cause. Graduating education students from different universities, colleges and schools in the Bicol Region flocked at the Regent Hotel for this significant gathering.

As I glanced at the crowd composed by student-teachers wearing their practice teaching uniforms, teachers and guests, I came to realize that there are still a lot of students who follow the calling for teaching profession.

I was very fortunate that I have attended this conference. It is not just I would go home with a certificate that will add to my plus factors for job application (that is the reason for some people who attended seminars), but because I have met another person who would add up to my list of inspiration.

The first speaker who stood in front of the noble crowd was Dr. Josette Biyo. Look at her and you will find the simplicity of her repertoire as a teacher. She looks like ordinary and you wouldn’t think how this ordinary teacher made an extraordinary achievement in the field of teaching. She started from being a simple yet intact with power which is ready to detonate and make a difference.

With so many dedications to teaching profession, she came up deciding to stand above the globe and represent our country for the prestigious recognition for outstanding teacher. Of course, a teacher who teaches her students to develop social and environmental awareness leads the list.

She is not alone in celebrating her utmost achievement but the whole nation was overwhelmed by this recognition bringing the name of our country on top in the global arena. Now, a newly discovered minor planet between the boundaries of planet Earth and Mars was named Planet Biyo in recognition to a Filipino teacher. I am very proud to become a Filipino.

The story I liked most was the way she narrated her experiences during her presentation in front of judges for the prestigious competition. Although she was not technologically-advantaged, she had done her best to show off how a Filipino teacher stands for life.

The next stages are all about getting bored. We were divided into subject areas. Elementary student-teachers choose their preferred subject matter.

Here is the downfall. I choose to be with Science majors when I heard about demonstration. What comes on my mind is science demonstration which I can use in teaching. So, I seated near the resource speaker. I was wrong. It was all about lecture and she tackled a very complicated topic in science which is getting the acidity of a solution. Because of this, no matter how I listen to her, I never appreciate it since I was expecting for something I can use in my elementary teaching.

I transferred at the Mathematics majors. If the resource speaker in Science discussed complicated subject matter, then the resource speaker in Mathematics also got a very complex discussion for an elementary teacher. It is very hard to teach calculus or probability to elementary pupils. I was upset with it. We were not given an appropriate lecture.

When I passed at the English majors’ session, I appreciate little things. They can also be applied to elementary grade. However, the topic had been used already in teaching like that of story pyramid.

I am actually expecting for something NEW wherein when I went home and get back to school, I can apply it in my class.Anyway, I enjoyed the seminar. I would only thanks Dr. Biyo for a slice of inspiration.


I was worrying if it might degrade her dignity. She thanked me but I saw that there was something in her eyes I couldn’t read. The students were laughing so I commanded to stop insulting their teachers. I think it was not my fault why it happened. If I would correct her after the class, then the (wrong) concept will be imprint in the minds of the learners.

A student said, “Teacher na talaga si Sir.” But being humble, I told to stop. The words might be insulting in the part of the teacher.

When I seated at the back, she did not continue anymore the lesson. She just let the students copy what she had written on the board. After that, she left with a soft voice, “Thank you, Sir.” She can not look at my eyes, so I responded, “It is okay Ma’am. I must be the one to ask for apologize for what happen.”

The following day, she told me, “Thank you talaga, Sir. I really don’t know what the concept is. It is not in the book.” This means that she only rely on the book. If the book told her ‘blah… blah… blah…’ she has nothing to do but to teach the children according to what the book said.

Because of this, she always told me to help her during her discussion. It was okay for me. It is for the students to learn what is right.

It doesn’t happen only in Mathematics. When she taught Science, she was not confident on how she taught the subject matter as if she doubted her capability. At the end of the lesson, she asked me what additional information I can add. I just gave what I know based on what I have learned from my Science subject during my undergraduate years.

One thing I can conclude out this scenario. Even though we’re not perfect, we should still perceived ourselves as the powerful instrument of change. And, we are equipped with enough skills and knowledge that we will share to our students, the reason why people have to respect as an important person in the community. Let us admit the fact that sometimes we make mistakes; it is the reason why we ought to be a human being.

When we stand in front of the student, one factor of good classroom management depends on the teacher’s personality and professional quality. If the teacher lacks self-confidence and mastery of the subject matter; the students will definitely lose out their positive perception about their teacher.

This might be the worst experience I have ever had during my off-campus practice teaching. But I know that I’m in a right way. Perhaps, it would be the best learning for me as a teacher. If I will not strive hard to be the best what I can be, it will happen to me. A teacher must possess a good personal and professional quality as a key to success.

The Office Work

March 8, 9 and 15, 2010


We were supposed to have our office work last week but we were not given respective task. The principal’s office was close for sometimes so we spent our office work at the guidance office doing our journals and visiting our classes. Because of this, we came back to San Jose Elementary School to have a whole day office work.

March 15, I step back to SJES. My students were shouting at me and telling me to go to their room. I remember before I left them last Friday, I went home with crying memories, gifts and remembrance from my students like bracelets, candies and wallet. I was like celebrating my birthday party. This time was my birthday again, I received another set of gifts like stuff toys, bracelets and necklace. I was very happy.

When I went home, I don’t want to eat the 8 candies they had given to me. I wanted them to be kept. But, I was worrying if it might be spoiled or be feasted by ants. So, I tried to eat one. I never know that each candies has actually letters, when I completed the phrase, it was “I LOVE YOU!” What a surprise!

Because of too much sweetness of the candies, I couldn’t actually eat them all. That is why until now; I have just eaten the letter I.

In terms of remembrance, I am not actually expecting for that. As long as I saw their smiles in our pictures, I am happy that I was able to be with them. It was more than the material things. Of course, I am still happy that they gave their effort for these. But, I have nothing to give to them for I don’t have money to give them one by one. Perhaps, a memory of SIR JAMES will be remembered by my students.

Going back to the office work, since the principal know that I am always conducting a storytelling activity during my first shifting in primary grades and even when I was already assigned to intermediate, she do not required me to conduct a storytelling activity anymore. While my co-practicum students where portraying (?) that they are having storytelling activity, I was busy doing my office work at the Principal’s Office. I was all-bone-down at the computer to create a sample of certificate which can be used by the school for future school activities. They don’t have their logo. According to the principal, they just put a stamp on the document. They don’t have a soft copy of their official logo. Because of this, I took a picture of their official logo from the painted logo hung on the wall. I recreated it into a graphical logo that can be used for printing school documents.

Although I got my eyes up from too much exposure to computer, I enjoyed it. In the afternoon, I had another storytelling activity under the tree (new setting).

It was supposed to be my final day with my students but I had promised to them that I will be with them again on their recognition day.