The Lighthouse Diary #57: Alumni Talk on the Research Process

Our alumni, Artie Cabezas and Zoe Gagatiga (Praelius, 2020) served as guest speakers during the Core Session with the seniors last September 9, 2024. They shared their experiences on the EE and SP, focusing on the essentials of research, crafting an outline, and the challenges seniors face when writing an academic essay. Artie discussed the importance of a disciplined approach to academic writing, while Zoe highlighted the challenges of completing a 3,000-word senior project. Both emphasized the necessity of trust in the research process.

Recognizing the diversity of our learners, we have provided support materials on outlining and various methods to create one. 

Crafting an Outline

When writing an academic essay, clarity and organization are crucial. While you’ll ultimately present your essay in traditional text format, using certain tools and methods during the planning and drafting stages can greatly enhance the quality of your work. 

Here are some of the best tools and methods for outlining and organizing your academic essay:

1. Outlining Tools

   - Text-Based Outline: Start with a simple text-based outline to organize your thoughts. This can include headings for Introduction, Thesis Statement, Body, and Conclusion.

   - Hierarchical Outline: Use a hierarchical outline to break down main points into subpoints. This helps in detailing the structure of each section and sub-section.

2. Mind Maps and Flowcharts

   - Mind Mapping: Tools like MindMeister can help you visually organize your ideas and see connections between them. This can be particularly useful for brainstorming and organizing complex ideas.

   - Flowcharts: Use flowcharts to map out the logical flow of your arguments and how different points interrelate. This is useful for ensuring that your essay has a logical progression.

4. Templates and Guides:

   - Essay Templates: Academic essay templates can help structure your introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion effectively.

   - Writing Guides: Refer to academic writing guides or manuals, like the APA, MLA, or Chicago style guides, depending on your discipline.

5. Checklists:

   - Essay Checklists: Use checklists to ensure that all required elements of an academic essay are included, such as thesis statements, topic sentences, evidence, and analysis.

For the actual writing, a text-based outline is often the most practical and widely used method in academia. It allows you to clearly map out your argument and ensure that each section of your essay is well-organized. However, integrating mind maps or flowcharts during the planning phase can provide a more comprehensive view of your essay’s structure and help you manage complex ideas.

My MIBF 2024: Gladness, Grace and Gratitude

 

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A post shared by Zarah Gagatiga (@zarahgeeh)

Kuwentong Bangtan: Celebrate NamKook Month with Home RUN: Relax, Unwind, Nurture

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Book Give Away: I Say Thank You Raffle Winners

Last August 29, 2024, I asked friends and family over on Facebook what they are grateful for. This is to celebrate the release of our new book, I Say Thank You (Lampara, 2024). Many responded and it was heartwarming to read their gratefulness. Good vibes all around!

As announced on my personal Facebook Page, here are the winners of the I Say Thank You Book Give Away Raffle!

Consolation Prizes:

- Lhen Advincula

- Mary Ann Jimenez Salvador

Top 3 Winners:

- Ann Beloved Crown - Verb

- Jay Madelar Menes

- Jaye Igoy Escalona

Send me a PM on Messenger or an email at zarah.gagatiga@gmail.com for details in claiming your prizes. Congratulations once again!

On Sale: Grace and Gratitude Tote Bags

 

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Book Blog Tour: I Say Thank You

The Manila International Book Fair will open tomorrow and I am pretty excited to have a book release party and book signing for our new book, I Say Thank You, at the Lampara Booth. Part of the activities in the book release party is a book blog tour I am organizing. 

Here are the details:

Book Blog Tour: I Say Thank You

Author: Zarah Gagatiga

Illustrator: Bleps Dapo

Publisher: Lampara Books, 2024

Facilitated by Zarah Gagatiga via School Librarian In Action: https://lovealibrarian.blogspot.com/

 

Book Blog Tour Schedule: The Book Blog Tour will begin on September 6,  2024 with an announcement on School Librarian In Action. A blog round up will be posted September 25 and October 10, 2024. 

Here are are three simple steps:

1. Read the book.

2. *Post on your blog or socmed account/site:

1. a review of the book

2. an interview of the author; publisher; editor; illustrator or book designer**

3. a character sketch in visual or written form

4. a readers/teacher-parent guide

3. Use the hashtags when posting on socmed: #ISayThankYou #GratitudeandJoy and tag @zarahgeeh and @lamparabooks on IG; @thecoffeegodes on X and @Zarah Gagatiga on FB

Participating book bloggers, librarian, writers and reviewers: @xi zuq, Trina Vellila-Milan, Arthur Cabezas, @iamacidreflux, Nitoy Gonzales, Maryanne Moll, Ali Co Calleja, Troy Lacsamana.

Watch out for the book blog schedule!

Updated: So, you want to write for kids

 

Illustrator of the Month: Bleps Dapo

Bleps is thankful to be a full-time mom 
and part-time art director
and illustrator. She is a graduate of
the UP College of Fine Arts

I Say Thank You is illustrated by Bleps Dapo. 

She lent her time to answer these questions about illustrating our book; her favorite picture books of all time; and shares what she is most grateful for in life. Do follow the link of the animated video she made of a bedtime activity with her son. It is brimming with joy, grace and, of course, gratefulness. 

1. Describe your creative process or approach in illustrating I Say Thank You. What intrigued you or drawn you in that kickstarted ideas for the illustrations and drawings?

When I first read the story ‘I Say Thank You’, it reminded me of the time when my kids and I started this bedtime activity where we asked each other what we were thankful for that day. I felt that this story was meant for me, so I didn’t really have a hard time visualizing what to draw J The images in my mind flowed out smoothly.


I actually made a simple animated video of one of our bedtime activity when my little boy was only 4 years old. Here’s a link in case you want to hear it.
What Are you Thankful For?

2.   What are your favorite picture books and children’s books and why? 

Magnificent Benito and His two Front Teeth
Written by Augie Rivera and Mike Rivera
Illustrated by Jason Moss

My daughter and I really enjoyed this unique book about a boy named Benito, who was born with very big and strong two front teeth. People laughed at his appearance, so he tried everything just to get rid of his huge teeth but failed. In the end, he embraced his uniqueness and discovered that his “ugly” teeth were actually a unique blessing that could create beautiful things.


Fish for Two
Written by Becky Bravo
Illustrated by Jason Moss

I really like this beautifully illustrated story about Clara, a kid who loves to eat fish but hates Cats. Maybe the reason I like this so much is because I had a lot of pet cats too when I was a little girl.


Tikki Tikki Tembo
Written by Arlene Mosel
Illustrated by Blair Lent

The story is about a boy with a very long name who fell into a well. My kids and I enjoyed this book because the boy’s unique and insanely long name left us out of breath every time we said it.

3.   What tips can you give aspiring artists and illustrators for children?

Just keep on drawing. I wanted to become a book illustrator for the longest time but my dream was pushed aside when I became too busy with work and family. So, during my free time, I practiced and practiced. Even when there were no book projects, I continued to practice and improve my craft. Also, you can join organizations like Ang Ilustrador ng Kabataan (Ang InK), where you will learn a lot from the best Filipino illustrators like Liza Flores and Beth Paroccha-Doctolero.

What are you most grateful for?

I am most grateful for my family, especially my kids. They bring so much joy in my life.

I Say Thank You will be launched at the Manila International Book Fair on September 11-15, 2024.

Reading Guide for Wild Song Version 2024

 Reprising the reading guide I made for Wild Song (Anvil, 2023) in line with Candy Gourlay's visit in our school last week. I made minor edits and revisions for the intended audience. I do hope they find joy or their curiosity about World History and the Philippines elevated.

ReadingPlan_WildSong by zarah gagatiga

What Are You Grateful For?

In light of the upcoming release of our new picture book, I Say Thank You (Lampara House, 2024), friends on Facebook shared their gratefulness as response to my question. "What are you grateful for?".  

Here are selected responses that brought a smile in my heart especially at this trying time. Thank you, friends, for sharing your joy!

I Say Thank You is available for purchase at the Manila International Book Fair on September 11 - 15, 2024. See you there!

I am Grateful for_I Say Thank You_ZarahG by zarah gagatiga