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.

Welcome to the Principal’s Office.

March 5, 2010




I remember our conference with the school principal before we started our second shifting; it was all about positive and negative comments; and suggestions.

One of my comments (not so bad, but it would be a big help), was about the school library. I give comments of the unused reading materials in the library.

By the way, let me describe first the mini-library of the school. A ‘Welcome to the Principal’s Office’ and a ‘Please come in’ would be the first sign to greet when you get inside the principal’s office where you will find the school library occupying a small portion of the office. Facing the door of this office are two cabinets where learning resources can be found such as unmovable (pardon of the word) dictionaries, complete volume of encyclopedia, story books and other reading materials. At the center is a round table with chairs.

When I opened this concern to the principal, she told me that the reading materials are just ready and waiting to be used by the students but no one dare to use them. She told me that one teacher conducted her storytelling activity in that library but the session just ended up there.

March 5, 2010, I approached the principal to borrow some reading materials for my lesson on library resources. She agreed. I decided not to use the library anymore for our discussion since it was too small to accommodate large class size. So, I just tour my students as motivation and have them bring complete volumes of encyclopedia and other reading materials for our classroom discussion.

I asked them, how many times they have ever visited the school library. Few answered once and the other said, not at all. And when I asked them why, they relied, “takot kami ki Principal.” I got the point. According to the principal, the reading materials are just waiting to be read by the students, but the mini-library is being affected the entire atmosphere of the Principal’s office which is not accommodating because of her strictness. So, instead of enjoying the freedom to read and have a research, students are afraid that they might be scolded by the principal.

I was embarrassed to see the books well-arranged yet being feasted by dust when we borrowed it at the library. I saw at their eyes how they have the eagerness to touch each of them and read so I told them; we will return the books before lunch so that you can read them during recess time. They were very happy.

When the bell rang, they run fast to get a volume of the books particularly encyclopedia. They were laughing at pictures they saw as they turned the pages and shared with their seatmates or friends. And then, they exchanged their books to the other classmates.

Before lunchtime, we returned the books on its original and depressing position, standing, stable, fixed and dying.

The Poor study habit

March 4, 2010



To learn doesn’t have a space to be occupied. Wow, I was so poetic this time to come up with this quotation.

One thing that drives me to this unconscious organization of thoughts is when I get worried of the poor study habits among students. Nowadays, students misinterpret the essence of learning. They had this thinking that the school is the place for studying, home for family and the community for socialization and economic purposes.

This means that the students only develop his or her learning when he or she is present at school. When he went home, it is all about with his family. And when he went out, it is about playing with his friends. No time for studying anymore.

We all know that teachers give an assignment to further develop or enhance the students learning and also to expand the limitation of the classroom as learning resources.

As a teacher, we can directly notice the students study habit based on the assignment we gave in the previous lesson. You will be shocked when only few had prepared or did their assignments. In the private school, only those students who have tutors and supportive parents perform best in school. It is because there is someone who teaches them. Next, their performance inside the class and the results of the assessment can help us determine their study habit.

In public school, you will not be expecting that each of the students have their tutors or even parents who dare to guide them. When they went home, their parents are bothered by financial problems like what food to eat for the next day and where to get money to pay for the tuition fees of the children. Because of poverty, parents would just make each day a burden. They don’t have time to spend with their kids.

When I had my first shifting, when I give an assignment to my pupils, I always tell them to tell their parents, older sister or brother, “sabihan mo si mama o si tugang mo na ‘sabi raw ni Sir James turuan mo daw po ako sa assignment ko.”

I was surprised when the number of students who always made their assignments rises up. I always appreciate their work. One thing that made me smile when I had just arrived at school, they would approach me and told me that they made their assignments. When I was just teaching Values Education, they would show me their assignments in Math, English or Science. So I will tell them, ‘keep muna, we will use in our Math subject.’

That was how motivated my Grade II pupils are. It was an amazing performance for them because these are the things I never noticed during my observation; but now, they changed. Perhaps, my motivating words had greatly influence them.

When I had my second shifting, it was the contrary. No matter how I told them or reminded them of their assignments, they poorly did it. Only those honor students did their assignments or sometimes they would make a fast drop of ink just to answer them at school.

They couldn’t accomplish even a simple enrichment activity. One time when I gave them an assignment on using dictionary to find the meaning of the unfamiliar words which will be used for the next lesson, the results appeared to be embarrassing.

We can not blame ourselves since we did our part and they should also be responsible for their own learning. We don’t just feed them; we should teach them how to get their own food.

The Final Judgment

March 3, 2010


I remember the time when I had my On-campus practice teaching at Naga College Foundation where I was too busy and serious with my work. Sometimes I did not attend the weekly meeting with our supervisor since I was always having my straight teaching. I did not want to waste hours; instead, you will find me totally sprained in making my instructional materials very creative.

My sister always got upset every time she saw me still awake that wee hours of the night. She would asked me, “if only I know what tough job a teacher do, perhaps, I was one of those people who will oppose your decision of becoming a teacher.”

Hush! To tell you, I have this realization that being a teacher is not easy. It requires commitment or else you will be a teacher of no choice. Am I right?

Some said, “feel na feel ko na raw ang pagiging teacher”.

Like what I had quoted on my first journal, “if you fail to prepare, you are preparing yourself to fail.” Because of this maxim, I am guided on a right path for what are expected to a teacher-to-be like me.

I remember the final observation for the On-campus teaching, I was able to get a high grade during the evaluation. Actually, I wasn’t expecting for such gratifying grade. I was not aware of for that day as the final observation for student teacher. All I know, as I saw Dr. Artuz. I decided to grab the opportunity to have my final demonstration. Anyway, I was prepared not because it was the final day of observation but for the reason that I am always prepared. Deep inside, I deserved it.

I don’t want to have it in mind to be like those teachers who made their lesson more effective and efficient just because a supervisor or a principal will observe them. I want it to be a ‘habit’. It was just a flashback. Actually, my focus this time is about the final judgment of our Off-campus practice teaching. I just couldn’t stay away from thinking my wonderful teaching during my On-campus practicum.

Three days before our supervisor announced the scheduled day for final demonstration, my heart couldn’t stop from being uneasy. Now that I have more days to prepare for it, this was the time were I felt nervous. I don’t know why.

Here we go. It was near 11:00 am when I started my teaching demonstration. The topic was about figurative languages such as simile, metaphor and personification. Perhaps, the complexity of the subject matter became the reason why I felt this nervousness inside. I thought it would be very hard for them to understand the topic. Because of this, I have to be very creative to make it accurate in their level of understanding.

Finally, I was able to breathe thoroughly. I lose my anxiety after the teaching demo. Thanks God.

The result was quite good. On my On-campus, I got 4.84; but now, 4.76. It’s okay. Our supervisor said I had lost my energy and my oral communication appeared that I lack self-confidence.

I lost my energy. Perhaps, it was because of too much fatigue. When it comes to oral communication, I really don’t know whether my voice is loud enough or not. This was because I had a swollen left ear two days before. This made me unable to hear a little bit louder.

Anyway, I had passed over this challenge. I maintained good grades. Do you remember my journal on our On-campus where I had written about my worst interview? I ended it with a challenging thought, if I couldn’t make it that time due to difficulty in hearing; I will strive harder in my teaching to prove how I can make a difference. And now, this is it!

The Incompetent Teacher

March 2, 2010


When I was having my observation, I already perceived that she do not possess competence that is very important for a teacher. The way she stands in front of the class and even the way she carry out the lesson, she is not confident. She only relies on what the book tells her how to teach the subject matter. As we all know, teachers is the source of information. So, if the teacher’s mind is obsolete and lack of information; perhaps, the children will be confused.

She is teaching both Science and Mathematics in Grade V. We know that Science and Mathematics are tool subjects; hence, it is really required for the teacher to be skilled, competent and creative to make each learning experience meaningful.

Aside from this, she lacks classroom management. One time, the school principal roamed around the school campus and found her class disorder. Then the principal interrupted the class discussion just to make the classroom organized.

One time, in her afternoon class for Mathematics subject, her subject matter was about plane figures particularly on polygons. As a review, she refreshed the knowledge of the students on the past lesson on angles. She let the students find the missing measure of an angle. She drawn different angles divided into two or three parts unequally. She let the student find out what was the measurement of missing angles using the given angles as clue.

Of course, it is only a matter of common sense. However, I never thought that the review lesson will go wrong. She asked the students who among them brought their protractor but only one have a protractor. Because of this, she let each student measures the angles one by one. The class hour was only consumed for measuring the angles using protractor. I don’t know what to do. I decided to correct her after the class but the discussion and even the answers of the students were getting worse than before. There is nothing wrong if she drawn the angles correctly making students also answer the problems correctly. But it was only a matter of marks and lines. So, it needed a mathematic formula not a protractor.

Instead of letting them measure the angles one by one, it is as easy as subtracting the given parts to the whole to find out the measure of the missing angle.

I went outside and took a deep breath.

When I went back, I asked permission to add some information about the topic being reviewed. (Yes, it was just a review but then, everything went wrong.) I discussed the mathematical concept of answering the problems on measuring angles. They were all amazed. Even the teacher was astonished how I presented the easy-way concept. The students said, “aahhh, arog lang palan eyan kayan.” We can solve the problem even without using protractor. Then I replied, “Yes!” Everybody clapped and shouted. Thinking that it might insult Ma’am Tanaw-tanaw, I ordered them to stop.

She said, “Major in Math palan si Sir.” I replied, “No, Ma’am. I am not majoring Mathematics. I only know the concept of this particular subject.” Perhaps, I don’t want to tell her that Mathematics is my favorite subject since elementary and high school.

The Ghost teacher

March 1, 2010



If kidnapping is a serious threat faced by journalist, well, my students were calling for their justice to the missing teacher who does not go to the class and teach.

We all know that the teacher is the pilot of the class. Like the political advertisement of Presidential bet Gibo Teodoro, a teacher is the one who will guide the student at the right path.

What if the pilot is sleepy or missing? What will happen to the airplane? It will surely crash out, leaving the children without knowledge to learn.

Hush! I hate this teacher. While encoding this journal, she suddenly appears. What a coincidence!

Here we go. During my first shifting, other student-teacher especially those in primary grades had informed me of their problem regarding the lacks of teaching due to those ‘ghost’ teacher.

They were correct. I have observed it.

Every afternoon, there is no teacher. They became a ghost. When I rang the bell as a sign of the next subject, no one ever come to teach. When I told one of my students to look for her, he would say that she was at the Principal’s office.

Since it was a week for observation, I kept on observing the behavior of my students and teachers. Even though I wanted to volunteer to teach, I don’t know the subject matter since she never visited the class.

One time, a student of her in Grade VI came to the room and told me that Ma’am Gases will not be able to come to class. Instead, she would just leave the book to be copied by the students.

When they were about to copy, they said that it was already copied last time. So, when I returned the book. I found her watering the plants in front of the Principal’s Office. Because of this, the students can not have a proper lesson in MSEPP. How come? She was at school yet she does not teach the class. One thing that make so hilarious was why she needs to water the plants by herself; in fact, she can let students do it. Am I right?

Instead of wasting the time for worthless works, why not spend the teaching hours to what totally a teacher should do, to teach.

The National Achievement is fast approaching. How can the students answer the test if they haven’t taught of the subject matters? Would it be a guessing game in the air?

One time, when a student again went to our room to leave for a reference book to be copied by the students, I told him to go back and tell his teacher that the book itself can not teach the children. The following day, the teacher handled the class.

I thought, she will already teach the class until the end of the school. I was wrong. Gone are the days that she never taught the class. We will just know that she had asked permission from the principal that she has an urgent appointment to set off. Thus, she would not be able to teach the class again.

One thing I can say, the missing teacher missed out a wonderful chance in his/her life to make a difference.

Being a substitute teacher

February 25, 2010



For a time that your cooperating teacher is not around, absent or has an (urgent) appointment, you have to handle the class. You must be very creative.

During my In-campus practice teaching when my cooperating teachers were very busy, I was the one who handled the class. In my first shifting for the Off-campus, my teacher was there but I was the one who handled the class even though those days were only allotted for pure observation. It’s okay. For me, I enjoyed teaching my Grade-II pupils. Some said, I was a substitute for my cooperating teacher.

This time around, I can give a good “Yes” that I was a substitute teacher.

Due to vehicular accident, Ma’’am Claro was on-leave for a week. Her feet were swollen and some scratches on her arms made her unable to handle the class. So, the Principal went to the room and told me to handle the class since my cooperating will be on-leave for a week. She looked for the lesson plans so that I may have a guide. I should only teach one subject per day, but since Ma’am Claro was not around; it was like a straight teaching. I was very thankful since I had already prepared my lesson plans and visual aids for a weeklong teaching. So, my preparation for one week teaching of 1 subject per day was only spent for one day. I thought I will be relaxed when I went home since I have nothing to worry about lesson plans and instructional materials. When I went home, I found myself almost busy again for my next teaching.

One thing that challenged me most was when Ma’am Claro sent me a text message if I have time to teach Science 6 in Grade VI-O. Of course I can’t say no, I accepted it. I asked for the subject matter from Joy, since she was also teaching Grade VI. It was about the Origin of the Universe.

Since it was all about the theories of the origin of the universe, I thought it would be very difficult for them to understand the concept. So, when I when home at night, I walked around to look for balloons. Like a bee, I flew from a store to another until I found a small sari-sari store at the far way down the road. However, I have to play first a lottery. I have to pray first that a miracle would help me choose the right number for the balloons. At first, I failed. Then, I have got one; play again until I got three (3) small balloons. I looked for a crunchy cracker and marbles.

I was not worrying that they might be unruly and disorder when I teach because I know that they are afraid of me. That is one thing that makes me laugh. Yes, I am strict. My Grade II pupils love the chemistry of being strict and humble. But then, other grade levels were afraid of me, according to them, I was like a terror teacher.

Here we go. I used all of them as I taught the theories on the origin of the universe. When I let them demonstrate how was the Big Bang, Big Crunch, Steady State and Dust Cloud Theory. They were all amazed and they were able to understand the concept since they have an experienced to remember as a representation of those theories. What a wonderful day!

I remember the text message she had sent to me: “Thank you Sir James, you will be the pilot of my class until Friday.

Here is an excerpt from Ma’am Claro’s message: “ VI-O tbi james mga behave un kc mga honors un tank u ur d pilot of my clas til fri. kya mo un d principal obserb u dat ur the best ST congrats 4 dat!”

It is so nakakatabang puso. I just replied, “ngek, grve man po. I only enjoy and love my work.”

Deep in my heart, it’s the warmest message I have ever received from a cooperating teacher. Thanks you!

Conference with the Principal

Before we were assigned for the second shifting, we were called first at the Principal’s office for a conference.

We had our conference with Ma’am Arlene Mabeza, the Principal of San Jose Elementary School. The conference was about comments (positive and negative), learning, and suggestions.

I appreciate her because she really cares for the welfare and development of the curricular performance of the school. During my In-campus teaching, the Elementary Academic Coordinator has never done it throughout our stay at Naga College Foundation. We just leave the elementary department by ourselves, without even knowing how we find the teaching experience in private school, specifically at Naga College Foundation.

It is a good effort. At least she may know the strengths and weaknesses of the students, of the teaching staff and of the school as a whole. Through the strengths, she would probably develop it. And for the weaknesses, it is one way to make a move to pave the way.

We almost spent the lunchtime hour for the said conference. The bell rang. It was the time for us to come back at 1:30 pm to know our grade level for the second shifting. My students told me to hide or not to go to the Principal Office so that I may not be transferred anymore to other Grade level. But I have to so I went back at the office. I was assigned, in Grade V under the advisory of Mrs. Arlene Claro.

After few weeks on our second shifting, the faculty has their conference with the Principal.

The following day, we were alarmed by bad comments about our conference with the principal. Some teachers said we destroyed their dignity as teachers. Because of this, we don’t know what to do. Shall we blame ourselves?

In the karenderia where we took our lunch, we had some serious meeting. We did nothing but to tell the truth. And perhaps, we just give our stands.

After several weeks, I tried to talk with Ma’am Arlene, my cooperating teacher in second shifting. She told me what the principal had told them about our comments, suggestions and reactions during our conference. It was a shocking moment to find out that we appeared to be destructive forces for the teachers. The principal said like this, and this and this which never came out our mouth. My positive comments were diverted into negative reactions. So, I discussed those matters to my cooperating teachers. Those negative comments to teachers were not addressed during their conference, why? The said teachers are her very close friend.

Now, who shall be blame? I am close with the principal, she trusted me most; but because of this, I can’t say but…tsk, tsk, tsk!

Unexpected trouble

February 23, 2010








It is really a teacher’s responsibility to take good care of his pupils especially when they are inside the school premises. However, there are instances wherein troubles may happen beyond your limitation. Here is how I felt it this afternoon.

The bell rang. It was almost 1:30 pm, a sign of start for the afternoon class. When I was walking at the corridor going to my room, a student of mine run towards me and told me, “Sir, Judy Ann was stroke.”

I thought, it was a heart attack especially when the boy told me that the little girl couldn’t move his body. So, I run fast.

When I entered the room, everyone was bothered by the incident. With her fingers in her hands and feet strongly crossed together, paralleled and hard arms, and unbendable body; she was crying when I entered the room. She couldn’t move but she can still talk. I don’t know what to do since it was the very first time to encounter such kind of incident.

When I asked her what happen, she told me that she got upset with Christian, her classmate, for insulting her as ‘pokpok’. When I asked Christian and he depended himself. She hasn’t told me whether Christian hurt her. She kept on telling me, “He always get me angry.”

More minutes had passed yet she couldn’t still move her hands. I found out that she couldn’t totally move her body. Being worried about her condition, I looked for Sir Denido to ask for help. We massaged her body thinking that she had experienced such body stroke because of too much anger. But then, nothing got better.

So, we carried her and ride in a padyak to go to the Municipal Health Clinic. For so many padyakers who must come across our way, we found an old man. So, I was gone pushing the vehicle just for the vehicle to move faster; or else, we’re like lovers walking in a blue moon.

When we were across the street, Judy Ann called out, “Papa, papa…” pointing her father with her two paralleled hands. Imagine a zombie. It was quite comical, since I was laughing that time. I don’t know her father. She was pointing her two hands at the group of people near the store. Hence, I couldn’t be able to distinguish who was her father among those men.

We parked for a while. Of course, only the father would approach his daughter. After finding him, he rode together making me a kargador pushing two sacks of rice.

Moving forward, we were then at the Milaor Municipal Clinic. The health workers assisted us. They said that it is because of too much anger that made Judy Ann’s heart stopped pumping blood. One of the nurses find out that her diaphragm had contracted and it became harder when she continued crying. They pampered her. After drinking water, she was laid upside down. Finally, she can slowly move her hands.


I was seating at the visitor’s area. After a while, many sexy girls came in and seated beside me making me totally surrounded with angels. Hehehe. One thing I had noticed was the short clothes they wore and their dark make-up. Everybody was chasing me. Later, I found out that they were prostitutes required to have a check-up if they have already AIDS.

When Sir Denido got outside, he saw me with those Magdalenas. Then, he told me that we have to leave and go back to school. He was laughing not only because of the striking incident but also to the girls I had seated with at the Clinic.

When I went back to school, everybody intrigued me with what happened to us, especially to Judy Ann, at the clinic.

The following day, a mother was looking for the Grade VI-A class adviser. Since Ma’am Claro was still on-leave, I was the one who talked with Judy Ann’s mom.

Then, I found out that we were wrong, even those nurses at the Clinic. We thought it was from too much tense and anger that made her paralyzed. It was because Judy Ann never told us the real reason. Christian scolded her by calling her ‘pokpok’ that forced her to beat him. Afterward, he hit back by striking her abdomen. This made her paralyzed.

Because of this, I immediately told Sir Denido about this. As we have decided, we asked him to tell his mother to come to school. However, his mother or even his grandmother never went to school for a conference. Hence, Ma’am Claro told him that she will give his report card only if his mother will come to school.

In the middle of March, no family member had ever come to school and has a conference with Ma’am Claro.

What I have learned this time is that we can not make sure that the room may be a safe place for the children, violence may occur and that, we have to deal and be ready for this circumstance.

The First Seat

February 15-19, 2010








When I entered in Grade V and introduced myself as their student-teacher, I still have my heart to my Grade II pupils. It is like a break-up with your partner and it is very difficult to move on and love again. Hush! This is how a teacher finds it hard to leave his very loving pupils.

I know, I would be very careful with how to portray myself to them as a teacher. I was thinking that each of them has already a pair of horns and ready to create a hell of class.

But I was wrong. Really, you will be dealing with misbehaviors all the time but if you already put your heart to them and they started knowing you, you will know how to control them.

In this first week of being with them, I was starting to know my students individually and like other students in my previous practice teaching, they are very intriguing. In my On-campus, my students would always ask me about my wonderful life experience as if I also came from a rich family. They would ask me what movies I have watched, which of them I liked most. What gadgets I have at home? Do I have PSP, personal computer, ipod or iphone? Thanks to my laptop, I have one gadget to show them. They would always notice my clothes so like an actor, I avoid repeating my clothes when I had my On-campus at NCF.

In my Off-campus first shifting, my students would let me share some of my experience which they can relate like going to the field every weekends when I was a child, being bitten by a dog, seeing supernatural being like ghost, tiyanak or aswang), and even how our house look like was being intrigued by some of my students. They would ask me whether our roof was made of nipa and do I sleep in soft bed, or on the floor?

Now, my students would always ask me if who among my co-practicum students was my girlfriend. How many girls I had relationship with? How many times I was broke up? Did I ever experience to run away home? Everything I really enjoyed sharing with them and they were also sharing their own life experiences.

One thing I can never forget is when I answered them; I don’t have a girlfriend at this moment. They were looking for girls I can court with. (Hahaha.) The following day, I will receive a lot of text messages from girls I don’t know yet telling me that my students told her to be my gf. But of course, I don’t take them seriously.

They wanted me to tell a story at vacant time. We will then group together and they will tell me a topic I can share with them. Boys would ask me about how painful circumcision is. Girls would let me share how I can tell whether it is a true love or not. I ended up being a storyteller again, but somewhat the same with being guidance councilor.

The Passionate Teacher

Mrs. Josephine V. Antonio

I realized that once you embrace the teaching life, you would not go on thinking how to lose it.

This is what Ma’am Phine wanted to prove. She is now in her retiring stage as a public school teacher. However, it is not yet the time for her to leave the worth fulfilling repertoire of teaching. She still wants to teach. As if there is not retirement stage in teaching profession, she would go on teaching for the rest of her life. For her, retirement would make her weak since there are no more things that would make her busy in life.

Perhaps, teaching will not make you grow older (only if you make teaching as a wonderful not a stressful profession). This is another perspective I had seen on her. At the age of 64, she still looks so young at her age.

Ma’am Phine is a graduate of Universidad de Sta. Isabel. Before, she dreamt of becoming a nurse or to take any health services related courses. But because of financial inadequacy and she was the eldest in the family, her father decided to let her took education course. She never thought that she would be contented of having it up to this time that she spent more than 30 years in teaching career.

Ma’am Phine (like Ma’am Yen, my cooperating teacher during my In-campus) always give snacks. She is fond of sharing me some nuggets, bread and ham; and native crackers like puto and pili. Because of this, I think that USI graduates were very humble and passionate.

As I have noticed, one thing that makes her younger amidst of the stressful career life of teacher is her love for children. Thanks for the good influence and opportunities to meet her across my practice teaching life.

Smile in the Heart

February 11, 2010













Yesterday, I told the class to bring anything that can be given to someone like flowers with candy (sold for one peso). It is for the reason that this morning, we had our simple valentine party.

It is as simple as drawing a smile to each of us for that special day. Even though they were young, it is important for them to experience how it feels during a season of love.

It is simple in the sense that I had prepared hearts divided into two. Everyone had picked a part of the hearts and looked for someone which matched it to form a whole heart. As they formed and pasted the hearts on the board, each of them expresses their Valentine thoughts like saying ‘Happy Valentine Day’. It created kilig to the bone especially when a boy and a girl matched the heart.

The activity was somewhat related to our topic in Mathematics which is about fraction. I taught them how to name the fractional parts of the figure or group of objects. I was happy since they easily learn the concept through simple yet meaningful activity.

When I taught Makabayan subject, it was another kind of cooperative learning activity. When I told them, “I will group you into…” it caught up their attention and they become very interested to be group again. The topic was about “Natatanging Kakayahan”.

Based on the result of the Interest Inventory I had conducted at the start of my teaching, it appeared that the class has three major skills which are singing, dancing and drawing. Because of this, I group them into three groups based on their skills.

It is a wonderful activity since they are very cooperative to each other. Before the presentation of their output, each group gave a so-called intermission number based on their skills. The dancing group grooved in the tune of tune of Nobody. The singing group sang the political jingle of Manny Villar, while the drawing the skills presented their caricature. It was full of fun and learning.

It is very useful to have an Interest Inventory. Not just because I know what kind of learners I have, but also I know how to use it in facilitating my teaching instruction.

A farewell that never say goodbye

February 15, 2010


It marks the final day of my first shifting. I have to say goodbye to my students who don’t want me to leave. I have noticed how their faces portray sad emotions since Ma’am Phine had told them last week that I will be leaving them. When I attend the meeting for student teachers every Tuesday afternoon, they thought it was the time for me to leave. So, I always gave them an assurance that I will come back soon, tomorrow or the other day.

If I can only request not to be transferred in other grade level, I would probably do. I make this day as ordinary in such the way that I will be leaving this class. We had our cooperative learning in a form of experiment-making a rainbow out of food colors, waters and sugar.

Last night, I was worried since I always failed in making a trial and error just to make sure that our activity will surely create a good output. So, I prayed for the success of our activity. Thanks GOD. All groups have done a excellent output of a rainbow. They enjoyed the activity.

We had our conference with Ma’am Arlene Mabeza, the Principal of San Jose Elementary School. The conference was about comments (positive and negative), learning, and suggestions.

I appreciate her because she really cares for the welfare and development of the curricular performance of the school. During my In-campus teaching, the Elementary Academic Coordinator has never done it throughout our stay at Naga College Foundation. We just leave the elementary department by ourselves, without even knowing how we find the teaching experience in private school, specifically at Naga College Foundation.

It is a good effort. At least she may know the strengths and weaknesses of the students, of the teaching staff and of the school as a whole. Through the strengths, she would probably develop it. And for the weaknesses, it is one way to make a move to pave the way.

We almost spent the lunchtime hour for the said conference. The bell rang. It was the time for us to come back at 1:30 pm to know our grade level for the second shifting. My students told me to hide or not to go to the Principal Office so that I may not be transferred anymore to other Grade level. But I have to so I went back at the office. I was assigned, in Grade V under the advisory of Mrs. Arlene Claro.

After this, when I came back to my room, I don’t know how to tell my students that we were already assigned to other grade level for our second shifting. Then, I told Ma’am Phine and she was the one who told the class. Some started to cry. It made me laugh since I was never expecting that they would become emotional for that day. I never felt this when I had my In-campus teaching. My strictness became a gap for me and my students. Here, even though I am strict, they still like me to be their teacher since they know that the way I discipline them is for a common good. Perhaps, they found a teacher who makes learning fun and interesting. I admit that I was about to cry that time but I just kept it.

I left in the room of sad faces. I was amazed when they all came to my room to visit me. Some of them told me that I should always visit them. Some were telling me that they will not attend the class or they will get absent most of the time since I am not anymore their teacher. Some were telling me that school life get bored since there are no more activities, action songs and a jolly teacher.

So I told them that at least once a week, we will have an activity- an experiment, new action songs and cooperative learning activity. I also told them that they can still sing the songs I had taught them even though I am not anymore their teacher.

It is so emotional. As I am encoding this journal while reflecting my teaching experiences with them, I could not avoid getting my eyes watered with tears of joy, remembrance, and enjoyment that I choose to be an elementary teacher.

I will miss Grade II-J pupils and Ma’am Phine. I will miss them so much.

Little King and Queen of Hearts 2010

February 12, 2010















It was supposed to be the final day of our first shifting. My cooperating teacher was expecting that I was going to give my farewell words for my students this day. My students would always give me many alternatives so that I may not leave them. Some were suggesting that I should decide to be transferred again before the end of the school year. They don’t know that I will only be assigned to other grade level, but they can still see me at school. Some were telling me to hide at the comfort room so that when the Principal came, she would not see me and so, would not transfer me anymore. Of course, I did not do it. I’m not playing a hide-and-seek with the Principal, and it is a requirement that we have to be shifted to other grade level. No matter how I informed them about it, they can’t still accept it for they really want me to be their teacher. I don’t know why it happens. I am not yet a teacher. Some were telling me that I have made a great part of touching the lives of my students when I handle their class.

When I told them that I will group them again, they were very interested. Like what I have said, they really like cooperative learning. But one thing that made them smile was when I told them that we will have an activity on Monday. They said, “Yehhey, yaon pa palan si Sir sa lunes, (Yehhey, Sir James will still be here on Monday) I just laugh. And told them, “Of course, I am still here” just to cheer them up instead of worrying of my shifting.

In the morning, we were all busy structuring the stage for the event.

After all those days rehearsing our doxology presentation, the time has come. After the parade, we were at the backstage, feeling the nervousness for our interpretative dance. Then, the music has started to sing. We were in the culture of praising the Lord through our doxology.

I was a wonderful experience. Aside from being a dance trainer and stage designer during our In-campus and Off-campus teaching, I never thought that we would see our self doing the great part.

I thought that I would not do this kind of dance again. My last time to dance for cultural presentation was during my high school years. Perhaps, add on it those classroom dance presentation I hated most not knowing that it’s for our sake. We were trained to be exposed in this kind of scenario.

The Cooperative Learning Activity

February 10, 2010









This day was over-filled with fun, learning and enjoyment. We had another team-building activity. Last time, my students were like architect who build the strongest and tallest tower in the class. This time around, they were engineers who will measure a lot. It has something to do with cooperation. It found out which of them are cooperative and has creative mind who can decide a strategy on how they are going to tear the sheet of papers to accommodate a large area of land.

The extraordinary experience here was that we get out of the room to let them realize that learning is not confined inside the classroom, that there are many resources beyond the four walls of the classroom.

When I taught English subject, I experienced a difficult task to teach them the concept of making inferences. I made too much effort for them to get the extract of the lesson. I supported the discussion through creative visual aids yet it was not so efficient since the students are poor in English.

Here we go. I taught the new concept in Math which is the fraction. Since I know that they are good in drawing and that they love art, I make the activity fun in th part of the students by letting them color the part which show the fractional parts of a given figure or group of objects. Because of this, I never find it hard to let them know how to identify and name fractional parts.

When I taught Filipino, the subject matter was about ‘pangunahing diwa’. I employed the strategy I had used during my In-campus teaching for identifying main idea. I had proven that the teaching strategy was very efficient and effective. It incorporates cooperative learning. The discussion flow smoothly and the students easily grasp the lesson being taught.

I am very proud because of this strategy I originally conceptualized. Instead of presenting a paragraph to students to discuss identifying main idea, I used inductive method by presenting series of pictures, words, sentences and paragraph until they had already know what to do or how to identify the main idea or what does the words, phrases, sentences or paragraphs tell about. I will treasure this most effective and efficient lesson plan I have ever had.

I almost lost my energy for this day but it is okay. I felt satisfied because it shows that my effectiveness had not waste out my energy and effort.

The Team-Building Activity

February 8, 2010












There was a parents-teachers conference to talk about the incoming graduation and recognition day. The meeting was held in Grade II-J room, so we transferred to the other room.

It was a room for Grade VI students, elevated with high concrete floor, well-lighted by the rays of the sun and well-ventilated by the air which passed through the windows. Perhaps, you would think that the room was a very conducive learning environment. To tell you, the combination of the well-lighted and well-ventilated environment creates boredom making students sleepy, as if they were in there mother’s womb or they are going back to bed in smooth pillows of sleepiness.

Even me, I can easily feel the tiredness and the boredom. It affects my entire mood. Thanks to the team building activity I had prepared. It suits to the environment. Since the topic was ‘Bayanihan’, I used the activity I had introduced to my students during my In-campus teaching, Tower Building Activity. Instead of getting bored, they enjoyed the activity. During the discussion, they were able to grasp the essence of the activity because they were made part of it.

However, when I taught Mathematics subject, it was very difficult to get back those excitement again. Action songs can not relieve the boredom and even the loud voice to awaken the drowsiness of mind and body. It seems that we were in a field of struggling against the suppress boredom and tiredness. I could not resist getting my eyes wet by tears of sleepiness and my mouth widely napping to fight against this classroom monster.

So, what I did was I made myself filled with energy again. I thought, the fighting force must start from me. If I let myself get tired and sleepy, perhaps, my students would do the same. They would probably catch the negative energy.

The topic was division, how boring in the part of children who were nearly called truants. The first thing I did, I got a stick then beat it on the table making a blast of noise to catch the attention of the students. It was effective especially when I walked around and beat every armchair on my way, as if I was chanting to let the ghost of tiredness get out of their bodies.

In the afternoon, we went back to our room. What a funny experience in that classroom. I was really challenged to become the Senate President inside the classroom just to catch the attention of the students.

This is what I admired most to my students. They were very open to accept challenge and new experience because they know that they would learn a lot in this new information to be incorporate to their past knowledge. It helped them realize that learning can not only be achieved by them alone. It is a meaningful learning experience if they try to socialize to the other learners where they share their varied experiences, views and thought regarding a particular thing. This helps them understand the culture of other people around them

Children love storytelling activity

February 1, 2010









In my first day of observation, I tried to know whether this group of learners loves storytelling activity. I asked them, “Do you want to have a storytelling activity?” Everybody loudly said, “Yes!” Because of this, I include storytelling activity in our class routine.

Before I go home, I would visit first the Elementary Library of NCF just to borrow children’s book. I was very fortunate because the staff of the said Library allowed me to borrow books more than the maximum allowance for borrowing books. They never get me paid for the delayed books I returned. They really know it’s for a common good. Thanks.

Word of thanks is not enough. Here we go. I always borrow children’s book where they can relate to the stories. I choose what books are best for them. Most of the lessons are more on health, proper nutrition, sanitation and good values.

Before, I made the routine at end of the day before the bell rang for the flag retreat. But now, I made it part of my motivating force to let them come to school every Friday. Morning is allotted for storytelling while film-viewing is done in the afternoon.

One time, when I entered in the Principal Office, I found out that there are lots of books in the Library Section (small area of the room with one table, chairs, and shelves. The books are still virgin. It seems that no one else has ever tried to read them or even tried to open them. They were arranged so neatly and properly, totally feast with dirt. During our conference, I opened the concern to the school Principal. She told me that everybody is free to visit the library and read but nobody else does it. One time, there was one teacher who conducts storytelling activity but nothing follows. It ended up there.

Why is it important to develop literary appreciation for children? I can say that storytelling activity doesn’t only draws the interest of the children, but also it develops good values and ability for creative thinking like more than imagination. That is why you will notice that once children heard a story, they will never forget it. It will be imprinted in their mind especially the values that the story integrated. When the story involves animals which act and think like human beings, it fantasized the scenes of the story in their minds.

Because of this routine, when I pretended that I forgot to tell a story for that day, they were shouting, “Story…story… story…” like a rally calling me to have another new and interesting story to tell.

Breaking the ‘No-class-on-Friday’ habit

February 5, 2010















If Monday has a positive energies of new day, new learning, and fresh mind; it is the opposite scenario when Friday comes. You can see children wearing neat and clean cloths, excited after the weekend and sometimes a perfect attendance every Monday. But Friday has a very contradictory view.

Students perceived Friday as part of the weekend- a sister of Saturday and Sunday. They thought that on this day, teachers feel so tired to teach. Hence, the lesson will become boring for them. They thought that it would be time for copying, writing and getting bored. Even parents would tell their children not to go to school anymore since ‘biyernes naman, mayo na ‘yang tultol.’

It affects the attendance and teaching and learning performance. Hence, the teachers get so creative to make decision on how to cope with this scenario. They used to make Friday as the day for giving summative test. So, for the students to have records from the tests given by their subject teachers, they complied on it. However, for those students who really don’t care of their academic performance, those who only go to school to play and enjoy, they would not still attend the class.

My strategy for this problem is something different. Since my students love storytelling, I make it a day for storytelling activity where I bring storybooks and share the story for them. It is also a film-viewing activity for us. I let them watched children movies and short films. So, if you got absent for that day, you will missed a wonderful storytelling and film-viewing experience in your school life. Better go to school on Friday and it’s still a day to enjoy learning.

This became a routine for us. When Friday came, they know already that I may tell a story of let them watch a movie. It’s effective.

The drawbacks

February 2-3, 2010



The English Language Problem

It is very rare to see the development of English language in public. How come that the Philippines became the Third English speaking country next to USA and England? It means that the survey favors the minority. In the real context of public education, it is very hard for them to understand the concept of what is taught when the medium of instruction is English. As their teacher, I really have to translate the sentence in Filipino language just for them to understand the subject matter.

I have realized that we really have to give an affirmation to what research say- a child first taught with his/her lingua franca will have a wider understanding of the second language. It is true, once we teach the child to think independently using his/her native language which s/he used in daily experience and which s/he can understand a particular concept; it will be easier for him/her to understand the second language.

English as medium of instruction is only used in English and Mathematics for Grade II. These two subject areas give them capacity to develop their English language. However, if the teacher always translates the concept into their native language; there is a low tendency to master the second language. My suggestion is that, make effort to talk to your students in English language, even during vacant time.

The Highest Percentage of Non-reader

It is very alarming not just in the part of the teacher but also for the school administration. Almost 50%-70% of the students in my class (take for instance) are non-reader. Higher percentage is allotted for English. It is based on the reading skills assessment done in the start and at the end of the school year. They know how to write (copying) but they don’t know how to read and jot down what they hear.

I decided to have a Remedial Reading Instruction. Due to hectic schedules of practice for mass demo and making instructional preparation and materials, it wasn’t realized. So, what I did, when I let them read orally, I make sure non-reader should follow while they looked at the visual materials. Because of this, I just train them to read by reading together to help them familiarize of how each letter is being read. Up to the time that they will be independent in reading and they will no longer read after me or his/her classmates.

It is really a dilemma in teaching. The trend of the present educational system is to pass the responsibility to the next teacher. This means that a teacher in Grade I will pass the students even though s/he does not know how to read. Because of this, next school year, the Grade II teacher will become problematic to handle this non-reader, instead of focusing to the main subject matters of the present grade level, she will then get back to basic to teach students how to read.

I remember that primary grade level focuses on ‘learning to read’ while intermediate is on ‘reading to learn’. Hence, while the students are in primary grade, teachers should give more emphasis to teach the children for this particular competency before entering in the next Grade level in the beginning of the school year.

Disorderly Seating Arrangement

Every time I conducted a lesson, pupils at the back demand to seat in front (even on the floor) just to listen. That is why when I told them to go back on the seat, I will find them almost seating in front for a few minutes. Then, I got a stick and command them to go back to their seat again. But it happened every time. Later on, when I realize that it was one way of showing that they are very interested to listen, I gave them freedom for it.

Of course, it so annoying to see pupils not on their proper seating arrangement and doesn’t gave me space to walk forward and backward; and back and forth. When I discussed a lesson, especially when there are colorful visual aids, I never see anyone staying at the back. They all insist to be in front of the class and excited to see the next pictures to be posted.

Review for Examination Day

January 25-26, 2010









I thought I can relax and rest my mind in these two consecutive days. At home, I told myself that I will just go to school to stay and I will not be exhausted to teach again. But it was beyond my expectation. I still taught the class and handle the review for the incoming examination day.

When I reviewed them on their English lessons, I was like going back to a new discussion. It was very hard to give focus on the particular subject matter since it may only waste time. The purpose of the lesson is to review not to discuss in an actual teaching.

In the first day of the review, I made it as purely discussion/lecture method. It is because the topics must be reviewed thoroughly to the students.

The following day, I thought lecture method will get my students bored. I have to think of another way. Thanks for the idea when I saw the boards and used them for group games. I made the review lesson in the form of a game where in the students had enjoyed.

As I have observed, the review materials given to me was the same test paper to be used for the examination day. Hence, if the students are really attentive, they have the possibilities to get high scores in the test. It will be an advantage for the slow learners. But, the test will not be reliable to assess the performance of the students.

I remember the time when I was in Elementary. During the review, I listened attentively so that on examination day, I can get a perfect score. I can not imagine how this scenario has never been removed in the system of education today. I hope that when I am already a teacher, it will not happen anymore. But there is a tendency for student teachers to do this, since they were exposed on it and find it as a simple way to make examination an easier part for the students. If any teacher of tomorrow would decide to take away this bad picture of educational system; they can solve the problem by merely making a difference.

Examination Day

January 27, 28, and 29, 2010






It was the examination day. I am not yet on my day to relax. I was like a radio announcer who spent too much saliva for the long hours of talking. Why? The very reason is that I have to read all the questions, guide the students in answering the questions properly and still explain what does the question tells about.

I do it for the sake of the non-reader. According to Ma’am Phine, I have to read the test questions not just because they lack in test papers but also there are students who cannot read and comprehend the questions.

In the afternoon, since there was a teacher conference; I handled the review class for Grade III pupils. It was a preparation for this coming Division Achievement Test. Most of the topics to be reviewed were those I had discussed in Grade II class. Hence, what I did was I browse on my instructional materials and discussed it for the Grade III pupils. It was a matter of going back to basic. I find it hard to discuss the topics. Even though they had already encountered these during their second grade, they still find it so confusing like identifying cause and effect, inferring and identifying the possible outcome.

While I was reviewing the class, I can not avoid reflecting on my past elementary and secondary years. We were also as busy as if we were in a beehive when Division and National Achievement Test are near. Review here and there. But sometimes, one thing I had noticed to the system before, there is always a leakage during the exam. When the examiners came to school to facilitate the said Achievement Test, we were all armed with Key to Correction which we will pass and share to other classmates. That is during my elementary years because the examination date that time was not simultaneously done for all the schools. Before the examination day, our teacher gave us the answer which they had seen when they facilitated the examination in other schools.

In my secondary years, it also happened. The examination was done simultaneously so there was a low possibility for leakage. However, the examination procedure like what subject should be the first, next and the last were not done at the same time. While the facilitators were having their lunch at the HE Building, our subject teachers (who also facilitating the exam in other schools) came to school. They gave a leakage (again) to one of the students who will be responsible to share it with the class. The results claim us to be the first in NAT.

Achievement Test is one of the assessment test being imposed to all schools to determine whether the students able to master the pre-requisite knowledge, skills and competencies for every subject area.

However, Achievement Test is not reliable. It doesn’t mean that once a school failed to get high scores in this test the teachers they are not competent.

Am I a substitute teacher?

January 21-22, 2010


Few days after the start of my observation, I have been in front of the students handling the class. Yes, sometimes it appeared to be an impromptu teaching. What I am worrying is how it feels to teach the class without even preparing for lesson plan or visual aids. Just for a moment, you will be called to handle the class. The teacher would give you the book and told you where they have been.

It sounds so awful in my part. Some teachers were surprised when they saw me already teaching the class where in fact this week must be allotted for observation. In my case, perhaps, it would be an advantage. I was trained to be teacher in just a click of time, without any preparation. Of course, I can cope up. I can think of the appropriate activity to do for a particular subject matter. Yet, I can not teach effectively without preparation.

If teachers make fallacies that my cooperating teacher was taking advantage of her student teacher, I don’t care. I enjoyed it. Anyway, it’s a matter of review lesson.

Since I have been in an impromptu teaching, I decided to ask for a subject for the next day. So that, even though we only have to teach one subject or two subjects per day, I can teach with prepared visual materials.

The following week, I was supposed to teach only two subjects per day. However, it was always a straight teaching. Ma’am Phine felt a pain in her wrist. She told me that she felt it after washing the clothes last Christmas while their maid was not around. So, I taught the class for the day’s lesson. The next day, her wrist has a Salon-Pass, a pain reliever. So, I taught that day again. Then, the Salon Pass had gone and it was changed into a band-aid (brown). The next, next day, it turned to a new band-aid (white). Hence, I am always in front of the class to teach the student. Just relax Ma’am Phine, I’m an Ncean student teacher. (Palaban!)

The next week, the band-aid and the pain have gone. When she taught the class, I found out that she was really a good teacher. Even though, a fresh graduate or a student teachers may perceived that she was a traditional teacher, she was full of wisdom and ideals in teaching which I admired on her. I learned a lot from her thoughts which is actually needed for a new curriculum graduates. It is not because we will be a product of the New Curriculum for teacher education, we have to shall away from traditional and old thinking regarding education, and it’s not that easy. There are still things needed to be retained and other things to be refined and modified.

Why impromptu teachings happen? First, a cooperating teacher has an emergency meeting or off-school appointment. We can not avoid this circumstance. A student teacher must be flexible on how to handle a class of his/her own. Second, a teacher has unintentional health-related problems which may affect his/her effectiveness like pain in the hand which may affect the way s/he write. Lastly, if none of the above choices mentioned, perhaps, the cooperating is pretty much challenging you to teach that day and s/he have to give you the responsibility to handle the class.

Because of this experience, I was ready to be a teacher.

The First Teaching

January 20, 2010






This week is actually allotted for classroom observation. Since Ma’am Phine felt a pain on her arm, I handle the development or review lessons for the day. It is really difficult to teach when you are not prepared. So, I voluntary asked for subject matter to be taught. Instead of handling the class which appeared to be impromptu teaching, it is better if I have a prepared lesson plan. Not only that, I want to know my students’ level of understanding as soon as possible so that I may know what to be considered in teaching.

Another reason why I decided to teach earlier is that next week will be the examination, so it may affect my teaching schedules. Whatever the purpose is, I’ll take this as an experience.

I taught Character Education in the first day of the class. It was all about time management. Since they love story telling activity, I used a story to present the lesson. It was my original composition, “Si Bebang at ang Orasan”. I was able to apply my skill as the literary editor of the student publication. This time, I don’t just make a story for myself, for my colleagues, and for my school; but for the children. That was the first time I wrote a story for children.

The story was about a girl who never value time. She always ended up a day with worthless tasks: sleeping, eating and playing. Until one night, a fairy gets into her dream in the forms of angry clocks, ready to get revenge against her. Learning the lesson was the end of the story. The girl finally sets time for her studies and homework before playing.

To make the presentation more interesting, I used puppetry. The puppet of a girl, fairy and clocks drew the interests of the students. In the afternoon, I taught Filipino subject. It was all about sequencing events. They appreciated my visual aids. They had learned much from sequencing events. When I was about to post my drawing, they always say “Lupit!” So, I always use my drawing as motivation for them to learn more.

I make this first teaching experience a good image that would be their best first impression. It is not because I only do my best in the first time; but letting them know that through Sir James, learning is fun, interesting and enjoying.

Before we start our lesson, I introduced an action song which is new to them. Ma’am Phine had taught them some action songs so they already build their interest in action song. Whenever I write on the board which sounds as song to sing, it draws their interest. Everyday is always a new song. At vacant hours, I can hear them singing the tune. This means that they are trying to memorize the action song. For so many songs we sing, sometimes they are the one who remind me of those songs. It draws not just a smile for me but also for them. Like what I did in my In-campus teaching, I always collect action songs for children.

“For me, the beginning was never ordinary. And to be a teacher, you have to make each day an extraordinary in the lives of your students.”

The Learning Environment Public VS Private January 19, 2010

When my mindset gets over self-reflection, I cannot avoid comparing the public school to what a private school has.

I am a graduate of public school system. I had experienced studying in a private school yet I had failed to get through not because I did not perform well but due to the high cost of tuition that my family could not afford. As a matter of fact, I took up my college education at Naga College Foundation which is already a private school. Hence, it will be fair-share. I will not be biased with my views.

It is true that Private schools are for advantaged people in the society. Rich parents send their child in private educational institution since they think that quality education can only be achieved in these kinds of schools.

When it comes to facilities, of course, private schools get on top. Their services depend entirely from the stakeholders and from the high tuitions that students paid for; while the public schools depend upon the political support and economic revenue. That is the reason why there is a critical base for improving the school facilities.

Hence, private school institutions are more updated and technology-based. While public remains traditional yet standard. When you refer to my documentation during my In-campus teaching, it seems that private school has empty walls. Be thankful if there is one bulletin board standing. Now, try to look at the public school, the walls were decorated in an organized colors and frames. Above the chalk boards are numbers and letters of alphabet. Include those pictures of saints, angels, heroes, flags, cartoon characters and even the standards for oral and silent reading.

Just at the right of the teacher’s table are the instructional materials, book and references. At the right side of the classroom are bulletin board for every learning areas, Philippines National Anthem, Panunumpa sa Watawat and picture of the present President of the country. Opposite these is a cabinet for new (but un-used) books and the frames of Healthy Habits, Go, Grow and Glow foods, and Mga Katutubong Laro ng ating Bansa.

There are a lot of things you can find. Aside from the Data Bulletin where list of class honors, daily cleaners, homeroom and classroom officers, class norms, class work plan, monthly celebration and glimpses (pictures) lied.

There is also a board standing for “Our Best Work” and for instructional materials like flip charts and posters. They are not enough. There is also a supervisory corner, proverbs, and pictures of historical landmarks, Philippine Map, Philippine Presidents, Philippine National symbols and nursery rhymes. There is a personality corner where in students have their own comb and mirror.

Since there is no janitor, the class has the full responsibility in maintaining the cleanliness of the classroom including the comfort room. Hence, we train the children to become responsible. You might think that I am just getting myself tired of enumerating those things I saw inside of a typical classroom.

Which is really more conducive to learning? Try to figure it out. The well-structured classroom can already motivate child to learn. Which is more motivating?

When it comes to class size, private school has few students which lead to giving more attention to each student. While in public, the number of students ranges from 30-40. Hence, the teacher’s discipline power will be trained more.

There are so much more to be considered. It depends on your perspective. Anyway, to be teacher is not of where and who are your learners; but how you touch their lives.

Learning the Cursive January 18, 2010

While I was observing the way Ma’am Phine taught, I kept on training myself to write legibly in a cursive form. It seems that I went back learning the basic. While I was copying the class norms, enrollment list, daily cleaners, class program, etc.; I put so much effort to write it in cursive.

I remember the time when I was an elementary pupil. I was always the secretary of the class whose tough job is to write on the board. Having a good handwriting since then, my classmates would always elect me to be the class secretary.

I had these hands which work like a Xerox copy machine. Since we lack of books, I have to copy whatever is on the reference book, writing them on the board. Since I was not so tall enough to reach the upper portion of the board, I have to stand on the chair, bend my knees when I was already in the middle, and knelt down to write. Then, back to standing again at the next board. It’s really a tough job, going back and forth until it has consumed the class hours. Not only this, I also have to copy from my classmates note since I needed it as my reference.

If there is an award for this job, I have bagged medals every end of the school year. Perhaps, being a consistent ‘Best in Penmanship’ awardee is already a gratifying reward.

However, I don’t blame my teachers although it seems that they were really lazy. Indeed, I am thankful for their training. I was really trained to write legibly and develop my skills in lettering.

When I stepped in high school, I was not anymore the kind of Xerox copy machine. I had simple business like accepting lettering service which gave me extra allowance.

Now that I am already a student teacher, I have to get back from cursive writing. When I had my In-campus teaching in Grade II, they don’t have a writing subject. Hence, I never thought that Grade II pupils already had their cursive writing when I had my Off-campus. However, it’s quite easy to move on since I just have to retrain myself.

During vacant time, I kept on writing cursive like my profile and anything about me just to have something to write.

After all those refreshment, I finally get through. Now, I realized that it is really nice to be a teacher. It seems that my daily teaching experiences are the journals of my past. When I looked at the classroom, at the teachers and at the children, I was like driving back to my youngster.

In my observation, the students in public school are trained to have a good handwriting. I observed it in some of my students. They are good in cursive writing.

The Time has come. January 15, 2010

It was Friday. After all those weeks that we failed to meet her due to her busy appointment, Dr. Rosalina Pila, the Principal of Milaor Central School and, at the same time, the District Office-OIC, finally gave us the first sign of good start.

We were given our designated grade level according to alphabetical order; so, I was assigned again in Grade II under the advisory of Mrs. Claro. When she tried to know our home address, she found out that most of us came from remote municipalities or towns. She commented that we should not be assigned in one school only. Instead, we should be given a privileged where we want to take our off-campus teaching. Probably, it’s an advantage for us to teach in the school where we live. I get the point but it doesn’t matter. The point here is that we were trained to be assigned in a far flung area which actually happened in the real-life scenario of a teacher. We are the one who choose where we teach and with what kind of people, we move through the places where a competent teacher is in need even if you have to cross a mountain or sea just to get there, it’s about commitment.

In a moment, she decided to transfer us in San Jose Elementary School. After a phone call, Dr. Arlene Mabeza came to her office and accompanied us in our new field of teaching experience. Later on, we were introduced to our designated cooperating teacher. I was then assigned to Mrs. Josephine V. Antonio.

Then, I found myself standing in front of the Grade II-J pupils, introducing myself and building another picture of Sir James in the class of almost twice as I had in my In-campus Practice Teaching at Naga College Foundation.

I don’t know what kind of teacher I would portray to my new pupils. I don’t have any clue yet since I don’t know yet these children. When Ma’am Phine had given me chance to handle the class for a while, I took the first step to know the names of my pupils. We had getting-to-know-you activity. After introducing myself and told them some of my experiences like In-campus teaching and some elementary school life, it followed by letting them introduce and say something about them.

I had noticed that once Friday comes, it is a habit for them not to go to school. Very few come to school. It seems that ‘no-class-on-Friday habit’.

In the afternoon, I introduced an action song and chants which I and my previous students enjoyed most. I was trying to find out whether action song and chants will work out for this group of learners.

As a nature of children, they’d loved it. Hence, I always use it to motivate them. I have tried to find out whether storytelling will be affective for my pupils. I remember the tie when I had my In-Campus Teaching, my students really hate story telling activity even at vacant hours. Instead of listening to story read or original composed, they would just play. The next day I never use to ask them if they want something worth listening for, like children story; for I know I would just waste my time and effort.

When I stand in front of the class, trying to be confident, I asked them “Do you want me to tell a simple story?” I was amazed how they response, having their eyes up and shout “Yes!” I saw how they were so excited to listen to a story.

The story I had told to them is ‘Ayan na si Bolet Bolate’. It is about physical hygiene especially washing one’s hand with soap before eating to avoid having a big ‘BOLET BOLATE’ in the stomach.

Since it was an impromptu storytelling activity, I drew pictures on the board to enrich my presentation. The pupils said, I’m good in drawing’. After the activity, they’d loved it. However, they still want more. Since I have nothing to tell, I just share my life experiences where they can get lessons like valuing time, study habit, etc.

As the literary editor of the school publication and as a writer, I want to a teacher who teaches children to appreciate literature.