Friday, May 21, 2010

CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT AND TEACHING STRATEGIES

Three Memorable Days with Ma'am Ampy

The three RVM schools in Cebu Cluster - SMA Dalaguete, SMA Oslob and IKA Jimalalud - gathered together in our school for an updating on classroom management and teaching strategies. We were with Ma'am Amparo Valdez of the Ateneo Grade School Dept. The experience was well-worth the time we spent away from home especially the teachers from Negros.

Mrs. Amparo Valdez, our faciltator in action.

All ears are to Ma'am Ampy.

The teachers brainstorming on what common classroom problem to put into "rules"

Ma'am Ampy critiquing our work on "Classroom Rules"

Presentation of the output after "Round Table" strategy

FOR DESIRE OF ORDER

Formulating Classroom Procedures

I know I have not been so regular in posting entries. I still love to put into writing my thoughts - mostly my pain. It's just that this year has not been as bad as before. There were still rough roads along the way but not as bad as before. My work as HS principal has even become more difficult, more demanding. However, I am more focused now and do not dwell on the negative vibes. Today, we were done revisiting our classroom procedures. For the desire of order, we have to be very clear of our classroom SOPs. We have to make these clear to the students on the first day of class because we mean business - really!

The HS and GS faculty members joined together today and met for this noble endeavour. We were able to rewrite 15 very important classroom routine procedures that need to be understood by heart among our students. Here are some of them:

ROUTINE PROCEDURE FOR STARTING THE CLASS
1. Stand for the prayer.
2. Greet the teacher; wait for the response.
3. Align the chairs and pick up pieces of trash and then sit down quietly.
4. The class beadle reports the attendance of the day. The teacher acknowledges the report.
5. Listen and participate well in the discussion.
6. Once the discussion has ended, keep all things away and be ready for the prayer.
7. Remain seated and silently wait for the next subject teacher.

PROCEDURE FOR CLEANING THE ROOM AFTER CLASS
1. Once your classmates are out, the RT prepares to clean the room.
2. Erase the writings on the board, wipe the chalk ledge and get rid the back of the board of unnecessary things (books, notebooks, etc).
3. The girls start sweeping from front to back; the boys alternately move the chairs by row.
4. The girls continue sweeping outside as the boys arrange back the chairs.
5. Prepare the board for the next day by wiping it with damp cloth.
6. Empty the garbage bins, clean it, and place it back in the classroom.

PROCEDURE FOR LEAVING THE ROOM TO GO HOME
1. Stand and prepare for the dismissal prayer.
2. The person closest to the door will go out first by row. The first three rows will go out first by the front door; the remaining rows will go out next at the back door.

PROCEDURE FOR FORMATION FOR THE FLAG CEREMONY
1. Once the bell rings, proceed right away to the assigned place for the section.
2. With the cue from the Sgt. at Arms, arrange yourselves alternately into four columns, two for ladies, two for boys.
3. Listen to announcements and wait for the prayer leader to begin.
4. Join the community in praying and then...
5. Sing the National Anthem well. Stand on both feet, and place your right hand over your left chest.
6. During the oath, raise your right hand forming right angle with the body.
7. Refrain from making unnecessary movements and listen to the Gospel of the day.
8. Keep quiet and reflect on the Gospel, placing your hands clasped together in front of your chest.

PROCEDURE FOR GETTING BACK INSIDE THE CLASSROOM
1. After the Gospel reflection, listen to the cue of the teacher manager to go back to the classroom.
2. In single file and with your hands clasped over the epigastrium, bow your heads and start moving back silently to the classroom.
3. Once inside the classroom, remain standing by your seat, wait for the teacher to cue for the prayer.
4. Take your seat quietly after the prayer and the greeting, and prepare yourself for the class.

Monday, May 10, 2010

CAMIGUIN...AN ISLAND BORNE OF FIRE

Summer Perks...Thanks to UbD

You were not in Camiguin until you had been to the White Island, actually a sand bar off Mambajao. We went there early to catch the sun, not to burn under it

In background is Mt. Hibok-hibok as seen from the "Island"

'Can't help but jump with joy

I did not miss to take a dip

My first side trip - Katibawasan Falls in Mambajao, Camiguin

Site of the Panaad, a cross-province Lenten observance

Purportedly this is an underwater graveyard, the Sunken Cemetery

16th Century Church Ruins at Guiob, Bonbon, Catarman

Soda Swimming Pool at Catarman, Camiguin

"Tres Marias" - a cluster of volcanoes in Catarman

Sto. Nino Cold Spring still in Catarman, Camiguin

At Fishpen, a restaurant by the lagoon in Mahinog, Camiguin

RSM Sisters tendered dinner for my last night in Camiguin

Sunday, May 9, 2010

SUMMER PERKS...THANKS TO UBD

A Day inside Del Monte Philippines


The farm has a secondary hospital too.

Pineapple farms stretch as far as the eyes can see.

DMPI Clubhouse...feelin' rich

May golf course pa! Grabe, sarap doon tumira.Para 'kong si Tiger Woods

The bowling lanes...state of the art AMF

It also has a mini gym with complete amenities.

Conifers...yes, in Bukidnon

An eco-village resort...fascinating

Important persons allowed me to get closer to the DMPI packing facility