TEACHING

Field Trips: Do Students (Really) Need Them?

2/23/2017 11:54:00 AM

The tragic accident of Bestlink College students on their way to an NSTP camping has caused a stir-up in the social media and is also a local topic in schools. The debate on whether schools should require/organize out of town field trips are again in question.

My mom has always been against field trips. So when I was in college I tried to avoid classes that would make field trip a requirement. Hello, in college how can you avoid that? I can only remember 3-5 trips. A hike to Taal Crater, a Binondo tour, a trip to BFAD in Taguig and a 2 day community immersion in Laguna. I guess what scares my mother is that when accident happens a large group will be involved. Knowing that most field trips utilizes bus to transport students from one place to another. What's more scary is if it's long distance and would require a travel in waters.


CHED and DepEd reminds schools that field trips are not mandatory. That means organizing such is just a discretion of schools. So would it still be wise for schools to organize theses kinds of events? Are we really risking lives of our children when we allow them to participate to these kinds of activity?

  • For an experiential learner like me, field trip can be helpful to re-enforce the things we learn in school. We see application of what we learn at home. But it still different when you learn these things in another context.
  • Another thing is field trips provides a break from routine for the kids (and for the faculty) as well. Let's admit it, classroom setting can be stressful.
  • There is actually a research revealing field trips create a positive attitude towards a subject. Either by creating interest, engagement and a recall to topics taught. 
  • Field trips adds happy memories to our memory banks, read: FUN.

In conclusion, field trips are beneficial to students. It can be costly and requires some effort to make it possible. What we need is to make sure that the trips are well coordinated and all necessary safety protocols are observed. That will translate to choosing a reputable travel agency, renting out a well-conditioned mode of transportation, a trusted driver. In addition to that, we need prayers to cover the trip.

If you want to read about the CHED and DepEd guidelines about field trips, read here:


#fieldtrips #bestlink  #tragedy



ROAD TO DEPED

English Proficiency Test 2017: Frustrations and Celebrations

2/20/2017 08:32:00 AM

English Proficiency Test or EPT is an examination conducted by Dep Ed Bureau of Assessment Examinations (BEA). For K-junior applicants, this exam makes up 15% of the overall assessment score to qualify for RQA. 5% for  Senior High School applicants. It is a 90-minute exam on written grammar, error identification and reading comprehension.

2 years ago, I took the same exam. By that time, the system is first come, first served. That means, who ever comes early to the testing center will of course, take the exam early. I was happy to know that this year, Dep Ed Isabela School Divisions Office have created room assignments. The document was released a day before the exam. The release was late, yes I know. In addition to that, the schedule of exam was changed too. Instead of having a 2-day schedule for the exam, it was reduced to 1. Possible reasons: fear of leakage, large number of applicants who retained their EPT score from last year, some backed out, other applicants were not on the list.


My exam schedule is Feb 18 and probably after lunch because I'm grouped with the 4th batch. Thank you, surname. Our team decided to go early to the test venue just in case there are other changes on the arrangement. True enough. Co-applicants from our district called and informed us that the exam will be first-com-first-served basis again. It is an advantage for me because I don't have to waste the whole day waiting for my turn.  

Each room would only accommodate 30 examinees. For easier control and documentation. When we arrived, first batch is already set to begin. We chose a room to take the exam, made an unofficial list to create a reservation. Little did we know, next to the room where we chose to take the exam is a reserved testing room. It's a room that houses applicants from the first batch who were not accommodated because test booklets are insufficient. Frustration#2. Learning about the "reserved testing room" heated the situation.

Oh, don't chose a room closest to the entrance of the venue. It will surely be crowded. Chances of getting in is slimmer.

What now? Our group formed a line near the room entrance. On our faces a determination to enter the room even to the point of breaking rules. Na, just keeping. Though, it's kind of frustrating that we have to fight for our position. I'm on the 25th-ish spot and I am a little worried. What if there are other applicants who squeezed themselves before me? My heart pounded faster when the proctor told us that we can get in. There is pushing, screaming. Seconds later, I found myself seating on the last row. Like a fire ball catapulted. 


The exam format did not really change. I can also identify some questions from 2 years ago. 15 items on grammar, 25 on identifying errors and 50 on reading comprehension. I took it for about 40 minutes. The exam seems easy.  But after discussing with the team after the exam, I can identify some mistakes on my answers. I am aiming for 85% to get a decent final grade on the assessment.

As for the administration of the exam, I hope the next ones will be more efficient. BEA could implement an official wait list for applicants in each testing room. Guidelines and other announcements should be made at least 3 days earlier. 

What to celebrate for? I started the exam with a prayer that I may honor God through it. It is tempting to discuss with a seatmate but I remained focused on my work. Whatever will be the result, I'll still be praising God for all the favor and His guidance through the application process. I was able to gain and re-gain friends. 

*English Proficiency Test 2017 SDO Results here
*Junior High School RQA 2017-2018 SDO

ART

Tips on Designing Your First Wedding Invitation Project

2/18/2017 10:14:00 PM

June is fast approaching. Wedding preparations are now in full force. I volunteered to design and lay-out a wedding invitation for a nephew. It was an exciting task but as I go through the process, it is easier said than done. So for designers who are creating their first wedding invitation project, I hope you can learn a thing or two from these tips. Read on:


  1. Communicate with the bride and groom (or the wedding planner). Because.. well, you need to know you need to get the important details to put on the invitation card.

    Important things to note were:
    →wedding theme/motif
    →the wording
    →to include the bridal entourage or not
    →materials
    →to send a save the date teaser?
  2. Compile samples for your inspiration. You can create a board in Pinterest to bookmark your inspirations. 
  3. Observe proper address etiquette. Putting social titles for elected officials and professional titles like Mayor and Dr. are acceptable. However, putting an "Ex-" title to a former elected official can be offensive. Former officials can be addressed as honorable. 
  4. After the lay-out and design, send a proof to the wedding planner (or the couple) for checking. You have to do this twice.
  5. Print only when everything is approved. That will save you from future headache.


CHILD CARE

Oral Care for Your Little Ones

2/17/2017 10:14:00 AM

Oral care for our little ones should start while they are young. I had experienced pain, sleepless nights due to toothache and to tell you getting a root canal is a night mare. I don't want my child to undergo the same process as I did so I have introduced oral care the earliest time possible. 

My child is now 29 months old. Here is our journey in the light of oral care.

0-6 months (or until the first tooth erupts):
She's toothless by this time. But milk deposits accumulate on her tongue. She hates tongue cleaner so I what I do is wrap my fingers with damp gauze then gently rub it on her tongue and gums. Fingers, gauze and water should be clean. I brought a toothbrush trainer set to prepare her for the actual toothbrush. It was helpful, so when I started introducing a real toothbrush to it's no longer a problem.

6-12 months
Your little one is eating soft solid food by now. We had our first dental visit at Doctor Edna Lesaca (Roxas, Isabela) when she's 6 months. She is thrilled to know that I am for early oral care. She prescribed Xylogel Teething Oral Gel. Price is around PhP140.00. This is for tooth decay prevention and to sooth the pain of the erupting teeth. It's made from natural ingredients so it's safe for babies. I tried putting the gel on my mouth. It has a minty sensation from the 5% Xylitol.

Our dentist also advised that we can start brushing her teeth with non-flavored toothpaste. She highlighted that we should not be using high sugar, fruit flavored toothpaste to prevent ingestion of the toothpaste. And yes, pea size is enough. Up to date, we are still using Aquafresh Milk Teeth.

12 to 24 months
At this time, brushing sessions get harder. Crying is expected. We had our first fluoride varnish when Sophie is already 13 months. It's advisable to have it the earliest time possible. But for me, I think it makes sense to wait for at least 6 teeth to erupt before starting the sessions. Cost of the varnish is PhP1000.00. That includes cleaning and dentist professional fee. Below 24 months, fluoride varnish should be done every 6 months.


24 months and up
At this stage, toddlers consumes more solid food and probably has discovered a love for sweets. Brushing teeth should be done after meal. I'm also teaching Sophie to practice gargling and drinking after eating. We started flossing, too.

Fluoride varnish should be done in 4 months interval. We had our varnish session this February. Session is longer than the usual. Here set of teeth is now complete and we have to clear the deposits on her teeth before starting the varnish session. We also have to stop every 3 minutes to rest her open mouth. Cleaning session is OK but when we started applying fluoride, she started crying. Alert: it doesn't taste good. Still, the session ends will with a reward from the dentist. And yey, Sophie is cavity-free. We will be back on May for another cleaning. Doctor Lesaca will check if we need sealant for her molars by then.

Here are some tips for the fluoride session:
  • Feed your baby before the session. It's advisable to wait an hour before eating or drinking to give time for the fluoride to dry.
  • As much as possible schedule your session early.
  • Bring extra cloths for you and your baby. I learned this the hard way. Sophie throw up after the session.  

How about you? How do you care for your little ones' teeth?

SOUL

If I Fall In Love (Again)

2/14/2017 10:33:00 PM

After my fall, one thing I promised myself - I WILL LOVE AGAIN. I will love again but for a season, I enclosed my heart in a wall where no one can get in. I hid my heart for it to heal. This year started with a prayer with my daughter for God to send us the right man.


I will not allow my non-negotiables be compromised. #1 on the list, he must love my Jesus. I have this history of compromise and sitting on the fence with my feet dangling on both sides. He must love my Jesus because if he does, all other traits will follow. For sure, he will be a man of integrity. A man who will only think of my well-being. A man who will treat me with respect no matter how dark my past is.

I will allow myself and him to grow. I will give him space to explore new things and enrich himself. I will allow him to decompress and be silent. I will respect his boundaries.

I will still be independent. But will be submissive in a healthy way.

I will honor him in every way.

I will not disconnect from the support system called friends. I may accept advise from here and there but I will only accept those that I believe will help build my relationship with him.

I wouldn't know when the right time will come. But I want to make sure that when that day comes, I am already the Ms.Right, Mr right is looking for.

LIFESTYLE

How To Survive the Beach (While Having a Period)

2/14/2017 06:13:00 PM

Itinerary is planned.  You have packed your things and supplies for the trip. Then you found out that it’s the time of the month. Such a kill joy. Should you push or back out from the trip? I had this experience last year prior to a trip to Anawangin. It was a bit of a hassle but I still manage to enjoy it. Here’s how I did it:


Bring in the pads and some extras.
Base your estimate based on your flow.  Having too many supply will never hurt. Anawangin is a remote area and I am not sure if the sari-sari stores  in the island have pads. For a 2 days and 1 night trip, I brought 3 packs of overnight pads. Overnight pads are recommended for long travels and prolonged sitting.
I have read that it’s best to use menstrual cup or tampon if going to the beach with a menstrual period because (1) pads can get wet and soggy when submerged in to the water,  (2) it’s noticeable under your suit, and (3) “floating pad” incident may happen. But for me, sanitary pads is still my best option besides there are ways to go around the downside of wearing pads to the beach. If you want to wear flaunt your bikini, choose the ones without wings ’cause it could be seen outside your suit. I opted to wear dark shorts with my bikinis to conceal the adhesives and prevent “floating” incidents.
Wear something dark.
Dark bikini bottom, dark cover-up, dark shorts. Leaks can happen, dark cloths can cover it. ðŸ™‚
Dark clothing can also hide those bloated tummies. You can also ask your girl friend to check your rear (but not in an annoying  and paranoid frequency).
Prepare for the cramps.
Stress and unhealthy foods can lead to menstrual pain. Ibupropen, Midol can be give you comfort. If those two won’t help, go back to the water and forget about the pain. But, but you still need to listen to what your body is saying, it the pain is too much to bare rest for a while. Relax, feel the sun on your skin and listen to the crushing waves. Find ways to interact with your friends while you are out of the water.
Change those pads.
Going out of the water for lunch or going for a trek? Change your pad first. You will feel more comfortable walking around on those dry pads. Changing pads is also for hygiene purposes and will keep you from getting rashes. If you’re out of the water, change your pads withing 2-4 hours to keep you fresh.
Dispose off used pads properly.
Roll it, wrap with paper or plastic then dispose then off in the garbage bins provided. Do not flush them in the toilet nor throw them out the shower window. You don’t want to ruin someone else’s escapade with those pads, right?
Enjoy the beach.
Period is a normal thing for us ladies. Forget the myths that it is not safe to swim if you are having a period. Don’t worry about sharks, they will not smell your blood.

ROAD TO DEPED

Hiring Guidelines Orientation - Isabela School Division Office (February 10, 2017)

2/11/2017 08:21:00 PM

This morning, it seems like all roads leads to Isabela School Division Office (DEpEd). Area I and II applicants are scheduled to undergo the training by 8AM. ISDO's conference room was already packed. The office has underestimated the number of applicants attending.

I wish the orientation was held in Isabela Capitol's Amphitheater. To address the issue of the crowd, the orientation was divided into 3 sessions - a separate K-Junior applicants for Area 1 and II and a joint session for Senior High Teachers Applicant.


What is the orientation all about? The hiring guidelines. If you have already read DepEd DO 7, s.2015 and DO 3, s.2016, that's all about it. I thought it was just a waste of time attending since pretty much the whole process of Junior High School is almost done. The facilitator rebutted that the orientation will be helpful so you would know how to protest in case of under-assessment.
Here are some of my notes:
  • Application should be made through application.deped.,gov.ph. Upon registration, the applicant will be issued a Unique Applicant Number which the applicant will indicate on his/her application letter (Sec. 5)
  • Documents should be all authentic. Violation will resort to disqualification.
  • Proof of residency is needed in the observance of the Localization Law. Applicant can only apply to one school per division. Applicant can apply to other divisions but applicants (though with lower score) will be given priority over an applicant not local in the community.
  • Teachers who wishes to transfer from another Division are given priority but must undergo the right process (DO 22, s.2013). No need for them to go through the application.
  • Secondary Education graduates can apply for lower levels but vise versa can not be done by Early Education Graduates
  • Teaching experience. All teaching experience will be considered whether High School Teacher applicant's teaching experience is Early Education.
  • Demonstration Teaching. It is a requirement to assess improvement on teaching skill after a year.
  • English Proficiency Exam. Applicants has an option to retake or retain EPT score from previous year. But a letter of intent to retain EPT score must be furnished a week before the exam (Feb 18 and 19).
  • Dual applications. No longer allowed.
  • OFW applicants must undergo the normal application process. If the applicant did not teach for 5 years, he/she must earn additional units to qualify.



ROAD TO DEPED

Important Dates for DepEd Teaching Position Applicants (Isabela Division)

2/05/2017 10:48:00 PM

Are you one of those aspirant to serve DepEd Isabela Division this coming school year? As per Division Memorandum No. 5 s. 2017

DeptEd ISabela Teacher Hiring 2017-2018

Here are the dates to watch out for:

DATE
EVENT
WHERE
February 3 Submission of application Division Office or chosen school
February 10 Hiring Guidelines Orientation
Area I & II - 8AM
Area III & IV - 1PM		 Division Office
February 13-17 Demo Teaching and Interview (Area I and II)** Division Office
February 18 English Proficiency Examination* Naguilian National High School
February 20-24 Demo Teaching and Interview (Area III and IV) Division Office

*Demo teaching and interview for Junior High School,Elementary and Kindergarten are school-based. Coordinate closely with the school screening committee.

For more information you may contact DepEd Schools Division of Isabela, Ilagan at 078 624 2015

**Moved to March 1-7, 2017, please coordinate closely with your screening committee.
* Update: February 16, 2017, for room assignments click here:

**This post will be updated after the Hiring Guideline Orientation

ART

Favorite Color Tool Apps

2/04/2017 04:00:00 AM

In the world of design, color plays a big role. Whether in the printable we make, book layouts, social media images, color is an element we can not avoid. After a thousand of images processed, I consider the color tool apps helpful when it comes to designing.

My Favorite Color App Tools

  1. Colornfo - The very first color app I've used and still a go-to when choosing color. Bookmarked for ease of use. Type or paste the color code. Click search then you're good to go. It provides information about colors, provides conversion equivalent to other color spaces and generates matching color schemes. Here I discovered that every color has a name. Yes, Outer Space is a color name.
  2. Color-hex - Specialize on converting colors to hex.
  3. Paletton - Make palettes of 4 colors from a single color sample. You may also refine your color option. 
  4. Pictaculous - Want to make a color palette out of a picture? Pictaculous can help. Upload the picture on the website, wait then boom! Brought to you by Mailchimp. 
  5. Kuler - Get inspiration from graphic artists on this color palette collection of Adobe. I also save some color palettes from my previous projects for future reference. 
This is a secret. I am obsessed with color palettes. I'm sharing my sharing them with you. Click on the board below.


#ruralmomtries

#RuralMomTries To Make Easy Homemade Playdoh

2/02/2017 04:41:00 PM

Toddlers love texture. My 2 year old is in the stage where we doesn't want to wear slippers while at home. She loves to play with water. Giggles when she rubs her hand on my tummy and enjoys brushing my hair. Of all the toys she had, Play Doh has a special place. She received a set on her 2nd birthday but was gone in 5 days. I liked the fact that she likes it. But at the same time hates that a pricey toy goes to waste fast. Not to mention the stain on the floor and other fixtures.

I can forego the hate as long as she's happy. So to skip wasting precious money on a price-y version, why not make one. I came across a Homemade Playdoh recipe from Melbourne Mum. It does not require cream of tartar. According to her, cream of tartar contains aluminum. She's right, I don't want my child to play with aluminum.

Easy Homemade Playdoh Recipe

  • A cup of flour (packed)
  • 1/4 cup salt
  • 1 tbsp vinegar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 3 tbsp oil 
  • food color (optional)
  1. In a sauce pan, combine all the ingredients. Mix well until homogeneous.
  2. Place over slow heat and stir constantly to prevent burning.
  3. Playdoh is done when the mixture changed consistency similar to mashed potato.
  4. Food coloring can be kneaded with the Playdoh while it's still lukewarm. I also liked the idea of putting a drop of your favorite essential oil unto the dough.
  5. You may adjust the oil to 2 tbsp if the recipe comes out too greasy.
Approximated shelf life: 5 days
Yield: About a size of 2 golf balls.

The whole process takes less than 10 minutes plus cooling time. The result will be an unlimited hours of fun (read: busy hours) for your toddler.

You may stock them in your old Playdoh canisters or microwaveable containers.


INSTAGRAM @renewed_anne