FREEBIES

When on the Verge of Burning Out

3/03/2017 01:08:00 AM

Admit it moms. There are days when you just feel tired of doing the same things everyday, over and over. I won't judge you for that. Because I know you are always dedicated to serve your family and always put your family's needs ahead of you. Being tired and getting frustrated (sometimes) is OK. I believe God did not gave us these emotions for nothing.

I am going through rough times these days. Toddler seems allergic with sleep again. Our usual sleep is 12:30 AM! It frustrates me 'cause night time is my catch-up time for work. But how can I do it if the toddler only wants to be cradled and play with my breast?



What I do when I feel like burning out:

  1. Admit it. As therapist would say, acceptance (admitting) you're tired is essential to healing. I think admitting that fact won't make you a lesser person. In fact will  Be honest with yourself. Now let's fill in the blank. I am stressed because ________________.
  2. Take a walk. Go outside and be away from what's stressing you. But in cases when my daughter causes the stress, I take her on my walks. 
  3. Have some me time. Related to #2. My me time may mean climbing up the roof where I cry my stress out or grooming my brows. For some, this could mean a warm bath or an hour on Pinterest or Facebook. Or even a dose of a feel good movie. Activities for me time can be limitless. P.S. It's OK to scream to but make sure that it's not in front of your toddler. It could be traumatic for her.
  4. Call a friend. Not necessarily to tell her about your pain. But simple talking to someone you know who cares. In my case, that will be my mother. I love the fact that I can be transparent with her. A few moments of laughter is an additional therapy.
  5. Write a journal entry of things you are thankful for.
  6. Talk to God and lay all you burdens on his feet. Claim what is written on Matthew 11:28 (KJV) Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. This verse is like a balm to the heart.

    And to remind you of that promise, I'm sharing this free artwork that you can hang on your home's wall. (You can also share it to your friends but please share the link of this post instead of the download link. Thank you.)

    Click on the image to download
Click on the image to download.

How about you? What do you do when you feel like burning out?

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

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