Keeping The School Library Alive

Right after my PBBY seminar-workshop, I'll be running to Vibal Publishing House's booth in the Manila International Book Fair. See you there on September 13, 2008 at 10.45 pm!

The Living Library: Promotions and Marketing Strategies to Keep the School Library Alive

The seminar presents a slew of fun and exciting activities, projects and ideas that will keep students and teachers in utilizing the school library. Participants will be exposed to making a PR Plan and Readers’ Services Program that will lead to a visible library deemed by the school administration as a very important academic department.

Library Magic

The PBBY has a line up of workshops during the Manila International Book Fair on Sept 12-16, 2008. Visit the PBBY website for more information. If you're a teacher, parent, writer, poet, illustrator, storyteller or literacy advocate, you'll find a workshop/seminar of interest.

For librarians, three seminar/workshops are on schedule for September 13, 2008 at SMX, Pasay City.

Library Magic:
25 Steps to Building a Mobile Library
Nina Lim-Yuson, Director of Museo Pambata (10.30-12.00)

25 Ways to Survive and Thrive: Managing Change in Libraries
Zarah Gagatiga, Sectoral Representative for Librarians, PBBY (9.00-10.30)

Setting Up Children’s
PLAI (Philippine Librarians Association Inc.)

I do not hope to amaze and dazzle. But, I will be inviting participants to identify the variety of changes that occur in today's libraries - from manpower and staffing; structures and systems; analog to digital resources; attitudes and paradigms; roles and expectations. After this, they will be given opportunities to look at themselves and their response to changes through the Emotional Quotient Approach.

Honestly, this is a new module that I've designed in the summer. My motivation sprang from the trials, struggles and challenges I've experienced so far as a school library coordinator. They were far from pleasant, but not at all bad. Something has to rise from the ashes and I invite you to join me in setting the phoenix aflame.

See you there!

Twilight (Spoliers Ahead!)

After re-reading Half Blood Prince and Deathly Hollows last month, I took a break and browsed through some professional books. The call of fiction is stronger so I borrowed a friend's copy of Twilight. I have heard friends gushing about the book. Some colleagues asked if our library has a copy. Just last night, I've finished reading it and I'm contemplating whether recommending the book as part of the library's growing Fiction collection would benefit our Young Adult readers (mostly boys).

The conceit (or theme) is seductively intriguing.

Carlisle Cullen and his coven of vampires has, for decades, mingled and lived among humans with a good amount of success. What with the Volvo, Mercedes and Four Wheeler Jeep that his "children" drive to school, Carlisle Cullen did not spend three centuries sleeping in a coffin by day and sucking human blood by night. He is cultured, educated and a practicing medical doctor in the rainy and sleepy town of Forks, Washington. His family includes Esme, who is the known and recognized wife of Carlisle, Rosalie, Alice, Emmet, Jasper and Edward, the "adopted" kids of the Cullens.

For a while, the Cullens lived as normal as any humans in Forks, but with an observed distance from the rest of the community. Their wealth, beauty and mysterious aura were reasons enough for the common folks to shy away from them. One day, Bella Swan arrived from Phoenix, Arizona and muddled the secured routine of the Cullens as well as their life style. Edward, the youngest of the Cullens, was the most affected. The two fell in love and the rest, as they say, lived happily until the last chapter of the novel.

The author, Stephenie Meyer, has written two sequels of Edward's vampiric saga, New Moon and Breaking Dawn (there are two more actually, but the titles escape me as of writing). Words from the grapevine on the sequel render mixed reviews. I'm not surprised. Twilight is juicy and chewy, but that's all there is to it. It did not nourish nor fill me up. Clearly, at least to me, it is no comfort food.

The romance between Edward, a vampire, and Bella, a human, is scintillating but I doubt if this would be enough to keep readers loyal to the story. Though written from the point of view of Bella, the female protagonist, readers are introduced to vampire lore and legend through her experiences and interactions with them. Meyer used these vampire stories from folk lore and myth to establish a context and suspend disbelief. There lies the strength of Meyer's Twilight.

Put away the garland of garlic cloves, crucifix and coffins. Meyer's vampires struggle to fight their demons to achieve a degree of humanity and sanity too.

Sadly, very little of this internal and external conflict emerged in the lives of the characters. Too much romance was invested on Bella and Edward. Though, their pairing proves to be spunky and fun as their dialogues are peppered with humor and dramatic irony. Still, Meyer’s dialogues and conversations of the two heroes were far from Rowling's wit or Zusak's poetic prose.

Withholding these layers of emotional and psychological unfolding of the characters must be intentional so that, readers would have a lot to look forward to in the next two novels. If only for this, then I’m in it for the ride. Carlisle is enigmatic and Alice is a character to be reckoned with. I’m also expecting to know and understand Edward’s motivation for turning down Bella’s challenge to make her one of them. She gets a chance at immortality but her vampire lover denies her of it. I want to see her grow or transform in the succeeding sequels.

So it seems that Twilight is not the main meal. It is but an appetizer. But questions in my mind remain. How did she take care of her characters? What human depth and profundity could Meyer offer her excited readers?

Yan Ang Pinay: Lucrecia Kasilag, National Artist

Yumao na si Lucrecia "Tita King" Kasilag, Pambansang Alagad ng Sining sa Musika, noong Sabado, Agosto 16, 2008. Naihatid ni Tita King ang PBBY sa ika-25 taon nito bago siya tuluyang mamaalam. Maraming maraming salamat, Tita King, sa iyong mga dakilang pamana.

Narito ang alay na tula ni Frank Rivera.

MUSIKA NI TITA KING

Tinambul-tambol na bao
Hinimas-himas ng palad
Pinitik-pitik ng kuko
Musika ang inilahad.

Luma't kaibang musiko
Agad niyang pinag-alab
Tunog-Bagong Pilipino
Likhang Lucresia Kasilag.


KAY TITA KING KASILAG

Kawaya'y di lalawiswis
Kung plawta'y walang iihip
Dahil sa iyong pag-alis
May harayang maiidlip.

Lamig-init ma'y magkiskis
Walang siklab na sisilip
At ang langit sa pagtangis
Kidlat-kulog, mauumid.

What do I get from blogging?

Certainly, not cash.

This blog has had good reviews in the past and once in a while, it gets linked to online directories. SLIA has been featured in a few blogs as well and I have had my share of plagiarism issues. But this email from Michael McWade is the most surprising yet that I get from blogging.

Dear Ms. Gagatiga ,

I am writing to you from the city of Nanaimo , on Vancouver Island
in the province of British Columbia in Canada .

From your web sites I see that you might be the person that can help
me get some very important information re: education for a child in Pasig City .

Mr. McWade is from Vancouver, Canada and he found me out online. I did reply as ethics would dictate. I'm still smiling at the thought of this unusual and amusing online phenomenon.

Aside from the Canadian query, I also got an invitation to join a social bookmarking site from Mabeline Lee of SocialMatic.

I've come across your site through
your profile at MyBlogLog. I felt that your site
http://lovealibrarian.blogspot.com/
provide interesting and useful contents to online users. Hence, I would
like to invite you to join the Socialmatic network, and hope you can
share all your favorite bookmarks online through SocialMatic.

In an online environment, people who are worlds apart meet to flavor and enrich the global community.

Licensed Librarians In Philippine Public School Libraries

There is this bit of good news from PBBY board member, Neni SR Cruz, in her article on 70 more Library Hubs to grow in Cebu, Makati and Muntinlupa. DepEd has apparently approved the posting of a licensed librarian in public schools --

Muntinlupa schools division superintendent Fe L. Faz also formally announced the long-awaited happy news: after two years of discussions, the licensed librarian post was finally approved by the Department of Education.

This move by the DepEd cast a ray of light for the development of Philippine public school libraries and in effect, the possible growth of libraries as reading and learning centers . If it is a sign that DepEd has finally recognized the law (RA 9246) and the role that librarians play in the improvement of the Library Hubs, then hope springs eternal indeed. In the middle of all this, I could not help but look for any involvement by professional library organizations or schools offering Library & Information Science. It seems that, if they have any contribution to this happy news (that took years to fulfill), then librarians and teachers of Library & Information Science are a humble and quiet lot.

Or, it only goes to show that there are plenty of people and organizations who are bent on building libraries so children could be given access to books and reading materials. It does not matter anymore if they come from the library profession. It takes a community to raise a library.

PAASCU Assembly: Revision of GS Survey Form

Last July 25, 2008 at Club Filipino, an assembly of selected (Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities) PAASCU accreditors convened to revise the survey form used for accreditation in the Grade School.

I was invited to join the team of librarians who revised the survey form. Along with Mrs. Del Hernandez (Ateneo Grade School), Mrs. Gloria Melemdrez (San Beda Taytay, Rizal), Mrs. Sonia Reyes (Assumption Antipolo) and Mrs. Normita Moneda (Malate Catholic School), we thoroughly went over each area and item of the survey form for school libraries. The proposed changes in the survey form will undergo another reading by the commission before approval. Hopefully, an improved survey form will be used next year by the accreditors.

You might be wondering where the need for revision came from. As everything else in this world, change must be recognized to adapt with the times. The room for improvement is the biggest one in the house, besides. The improvement of the survey form could lead to better results of the accrediting process and thereby, further help school libraries reach standards and possibly surpass them.

On a personal level, taking part in the revision process was both an honor and a privilege. The assembly was composed of seasoned and experienced accreditors from PAASCU accredited schools. I met, once more, my first chairperson, Dr. Cynthia Arcadio (Assumption Antipolo) and friends from accreditation work. Most of them have seen and witnessed highlights and low-lights in their years of service to basic education. But they have endured. They have aged in wisdom and in grace.

There is a good way to growing old.

Librarian as PR Manager

Last Monday, July 21, 2008, I entertained some visitors from St. Paul, Bulacan. Headed by Sis. Marissa Tumbali, they wanted to see the physical facilities that modern school libraries of today have. Their visit was in preparation for PAASCU accreditation. But to me, I revel in the moment because it's PR work. It's something I enjoy doing.



Aside from the tour I gave them (three libraries all - Early Education Library; GS LRC and a brief trip to the HS LRC), I presented basic library programs and services we provide students and teachers. For them, what made an impression was the centralization process that the library is currently undertaking in areas like structures and manpower. I think, centralization is one relevant issue facing librarians today that needs to be discussed and articulated. It has advantages and limitations, but clearing the air and foreseeing its benefits and possible pitfalls may help the librarian adjust.

Librarian Seminars & Workshops Galore!

Who ever said that nothing happens in Philippine librarianship should read this. There abound in the industry a plethora of seminars, workshops, fora and lectures. If only participants could identify and publish concrete results from their attendance to such professional growth activities then, indeed, librarianship in the Philippines is far from dormant.

October 25; 27-30, 2008
Seminar-workshop on "Updates on Library Operations"
Sponsor: Philippine Normal University Department of Library & Information Science
http://libraryseminarsworkshopsfora.blogspot.com/

September 10-11, 2008
LIBRARY & INFORMATION LITERACY POWER PACKAGES
Sponsor: PNU-LISAA, Inc., A Caring Alumni Group
OBJECTIVES; To share and enrich the knowledge of fellow professionals and library personnel on information literacy with customers' competencies in mind through authentic learning by: (1) introducing information literacy as a power tool in the discovery for best practices enriching customers' library experience; (2) apply professional assessment procedures in upgrading customers' information literacy; and, (3) create relevant library information literacy plans and packages.
http://libraryseminarsworkshopsfora.blogspot.com/2008/05/september-10-11-2008-information.html

August 29, 2008
Forum on "Libraries and Librarians: their roles as tools for research"
Sponsor: The Philippine Librarians Association, Inc. Central Luzon Region Librarians Council
Holy Angel University
http://libraryseminarsworkshopsfora.blogspot.com/2008/07/august-29-2008-libraries-and-librarians.html

August 21-22, 2008
1st LibraryLink Conference: Be Connected to Go Forward!
Sponsor: LibraryLink
http://libraryseminarsworkshopsfora.blogspot.com/2008/04/august-21-22-2008-1st-librarylink.html

August 13-15, 2008
2nd Phil-BIST (Book, Information Science and Technology) Conference and Fair with the theme: "EMERGING LANDSCAPE, MINDSCAPE AND NETSCAPE OF THE PhILIPPINE BOOKS, INFORMATION SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY FOR QUALITY SERVICES"
Sponsor: Davao Colleges and Universities Network (DACUN) through its Library Committee
Mindanao Alliance of Educators in Library arid Information Science (MAELIS)
http://libraryseminarsworkshopsfora.blogspot.com/2008/06/august-13-15-2008-conference-and-fair.html

July 25-27, 2008
Seminar-workshop on "Information and Library Centers Value added Service: e-library and Content Management"
Sponsor: Philippine Society of Librarians and Information Specialists
Integrated Society of Information Professionals of the Philippines (ISIPP)
http://libraryseminarsworkshopsfora.blogspot.com/2008/07/july-25-27-2008-information-and-library.html

July 24-25, 2008
SEMINAR WORKSHOP ON "INFORMATION LITERACY (IL) AND THE LIBRARIAN-TEACHER PARTNERSHIP"
Sponsor: International Federation of Library Association (IFLA) – ALP and Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) CEAP-NCR Tertiary Commission Library Committee
http://libraryseminarsworkshopsfora.blogspot.com/2008/06/july-24-25-2008-seminar-workshop-on.html

July 23-25, 2008
Conference on "INFORMATION ACCESS: INTERNET AND LIBRARIES"
Sponsor: The Philippine Librarians Association, Inc.
National Capital Region Librarians Council (PLAI-NCR)
International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions – Committee on Free Access to Information and Freedom of Expression (IFLA-FAIFE)
http://libraryseminarsworkshopsfora.blogspot.com/2008/04/july-23-25-2008-conference-on.html

Inventors, Inventions & INFOLIB

Some good news!

The library information systems we use in our GS library, INFOLIB, has a website. The best part is the availability of free downloads to patrons and users. Congratulations to Gerry Laroza! May the spirit of open source continue to flourish.

Speaking of new born websites, I am experimenting on WordPress.com for new blogs. Here's what I've conjured at The SMIT Files. I'm still trying to figure out my way in WordPress.com but with great ease. It helped that I used a MacBook for the job.

Another Launch

From my Inbox --

You are cordially invited to the book launch and one-man art exhibition of CANVAS' latest children's book, Si Lupito at ang Baryo Sirkero (Lupito and Circus Village). Written by Rowald Almazar, with original artworks by Jose Santos III, the story is the winner of CANVAS' 3rd Annual Romeo Forbes Children's Storywriting Competition.

The book launch and art exhibition opens with cocktails on Tuesday, July 8, 2008 at 6pm at the Ayala Museum's ArtistSpace. The show runs until July 21, 2008.

After the very "privy" book launch of The Night Monkeys last night at Mary Grace, Serendra by Tahanan Books, CANVAS maintains the momentum. Such events keep the industry abuzz. With the 25th NCBD coming in this July 15, 2008, what new titles of books would arouse the child reader's reading interest?

Let's Play!

The characters to be included in the 25 Best Loved Book Characters exhibit on July 15 are as follows:

1. Chenelyn
2. Ampalaya
3. Pilo
4. Filemon
5. Juan Tamad
6. Raquel
7. Rosamistica
8. Barumbadong Bus
9. Emang Engkantada
10. Mahiyaing Manok
11. Pandakotyong
12. Mariang Alimango
13. Ibong Adarna
14. Carancal
15. Butsiki
16. Duwende
17. Mateo
18. Pilandok
19. Pagong at Matsing
20. Peles
21. Langgam at Tipaklong
22. Mariang Sinukuan
23. Og Uhog
24. Lola (Pambihirang Buhok)
25. Tiktaktok at Pikpakbum

Now here's the challenge: Can you identify the authors who created them? How many can authors can you identify with their respective book characters? Post a comment or a reply! Coffee is on me for the first person to get the most correct answers!

The Silver Lining On Philippine Children's Literature

The PBBY is celebrating its silver anniversary with a host of activities for children’s literature enthusiasts:

National Children’s Book Day Ceremonies/
Awarding of the 2008 PBBY-Salanga & 2008 PBBY-Alcala Prizes
July 15, Cultural Center of the Philippines

The annual ceremonies celebrating National Children’s Book Day, in commemoration of the publication of Jose Rizal’s Monkey and the Turtle in Trubner’s Oriental, shall once again happen at the CCP. The ceremonies include the announcement of new books coming out in 2008, courtesy of the country’s leading children’s book publishers; the awarding of this year’s Salanga and Alcala; and, the induction of new PBBY members.

25 Best-Loved Children’s Book Characters Exhibit
July 15-22, Atrium, CCP
September 12-16, SMX

After surveying hundreds of Filipino children, here is an exhibit of life-size sculptures of the 25 best-loved children’s book characters. The sculptures are done by members of Ang Ilustrador ng Kabataan (Ang InK).


PBBY-NBDB Salaysayan 2008
Eliminations:1-5 pm, September 14, MIBF Stage Area, SMX
Grand Finals: 1-3 pm, September 16, MIBF Stage Area, SMX

Open to both professional and amateur storytellers, Salaysayan is a storytelling contest which aims to promote a love for reading and a return to our oral tradition. Salaysayan is a joint undertaking between PBBY, National Book Development Board (NBDB) and Alitaptap Storytellers Philippines.


25 Author Visits
July
Throughout the year, 25 schools will be visited by their favorite children’s book authors. The visits are a joint project between PBBY and the members of Kuwentista ng mga Tsikiting (Kuting).


Museo Pambata Activities
July, Museo Pambata

To celebrate our silver year, Museo Pambata has lined up the following activities: Pop Stories Exhibit; an opinion corner for child visitors; a book donation corner; and a cosplay day where people can dress up as their favorite children’s book characters!


Workshops at the Manila International Book Fair
September 13-15, SMX Function Rooms
The PBBY offers the following workshops at SMX during the Manila International Book Fair:


A Thumbnail History of Children’s Literature in the Philippines
A lecture to be delivered by Prof. Lina Diaz de Rivera
9-12 noon, September 13, Meeting Room 8, SMX

25 Ways to Entice Children with Stories
A workshop on storytelling; Facilitator: Manolo Silayan
1-4 pm, September 13, Meeting Room 8, SMX

Library Magic
-25 Steps to Building a Mobile Library
-25 Ways to Survive and Thrive: Managing Change in Libraries
-Setting Up Children’s Libraries
Facilitators: Nina-Lim Yuson, Zarah Gagatiga, PLAI
9-5 pm, September 13, Meeting Room 9, SMX

Tong Tong Tong: Tinig, Tunog, at Talino ng Tulang Pambata
Facilitator: c/o Linangan ng Imahen, Retorika at Anyo (LIRA)
9-12 noon,September 14, Meeting Room 9, SMX

Creating Effective Visuals for Children’s Books
Facilitator: Totet de Jesus
1-4 pm, September 14, Meeting Room 9, SMX

Reading, Responding and Reviewing
A workshop on reviewing children’s literature; Facilitator: Neni Sta.Romana-Cruz
1-4 pm, September 15, Meeting Room 9, SMX

PRC Librarian of The Year (2007)

Congratulations to Dir. Lourdes T. David of the Rizal Library, Ateneo de Manila University for being conferred by the Philippine Regulations Commission (PRC) as the Outstanding Professional Librarian of 2007.

Ma'am Lou has touched many lives of students and professionals in the field of library science, information technology and academic research. I would not have pursued the inkling to try IT and its applications to pedagogy if not for her mentoring and tutelage way back in the late 90's. I could still remember the term paper I wrote for in her MA class, LIS 260. It was about Computer Aided Instruction (CAI). Little does she know that every time I write a professional article, essay or paper on library and information science, on IT and its use in pedagogy, I close my eyes and think of her many advice. When faced with challenges and crises in library management, her words of wisdom come to mind and I become hopeful, yet again. Salamat po, Ma'am Lou!

I wish her the best, good health and many more years to inspire young librarians and IT professionals to grow in their chosen field of expertise.

Photo courtesy of The Filipino Librarian.

Raising Readers

Adarna House is once again, stretching its wings to serve a wider base of demographics. It now has an events and training wing for parents, teachers and librarians. Check the website, Masayang Magbasa, to find out more.

In their Raising Readers Seminar Workshop this coming July, Adarna House sets its eyes particularly on the development of libraries. And boy, do they have a lot in store for librarians!

SCBWI interview with Neni Sta. Romana Cruz

Reviewing & Critiquing Children's Books: An Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) interview with Neni Sta. Romana Cruz

Neni is a children's book reviewer, a children's book author, a journalist, an educator, a PBBY member, Sa Aklat Sisikat
trustee, and Advisory Board member of SCBWI Philasia.

What's with book reviews? Where do they belong in the scheme of things? What's a good book review? A bad one? Do book
reviews help at all? How? What about critiques, what's the difference? Do they help, can they also do harm, and how? What are some of the good and bad practices in book reviews? How should children's writers and illustrators treat good or bad reviews of their books?

These are just some of the questions we might ask Neni on Monday, June 16. See you there!

When : 6 to 8 pm Monday 2008 June 16
Where : McCafe at Greenbelt 1, Paseo de Roxas, Makati
right in front of AIM (Asian Institute of Management)
Host : Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators

This activity is open to members and non-members,
to published and unpublished children's writers and
illustrators, and anyone who has a keen interest in
children's literature.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
6 to 6:30 pm - Roundtable introductions, Booktalk, Q&A
6:30 to 8 pm - Reviewing & Critiquing Children's Books
8 pm up - (Optional) Roundtable discussion, more Q&A
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Sa Muling Paglipad Ng Ibong Mandaragit

Magtatagalog ako. Sa unang pagkakataon sa blog na ito, magsusulat ako ng post gamit ang Inang Wika. Tutal, Araw ng Kalayaan sa Hunyo 12, Huwebes kaya napapanahon. Ngayon pa lang, hihingi na ako ng paumanhin sa mga alagad ng Wikang Filipino, lalo na sa mga purista, kung mababasa nila itong post na ito at mapuna na marami akong mali at kakulangan sa paggamit ng wikang ito. Sa kasamaang palad, ang kasanayan ko sa pagsusulat sa wikang Tagalog ay nangangalawang na. Palibhasa, sa kolehiyo pa lang, Taglish na ang nakagawiaang kong pamamaraan ng komunikasyon.

Pero, susubukin kong muling ipahayag ang ilang kuro-kuro at mga opinyon tungkol sa blog post ni Sassy Lawyer sa aklat ni Amado V. Hernandez. Syempre, marami na ang nagreact at nagbigay ng kung ano-anong puna at opinion. Hindi ko naman binasa lahat. Namili lang ako. At syempre, yung kay Sassy Lawyer ang pinagtuunan ko ng pansin sapagkat, sa kanyang blog nagsimula ang lahat. Kung mabibiro ko lang si Connie Veneracion, sasabihin ko sa kanya, "So your name begins with C. C for Connie. C for controversy!" Ano kaya ang kanyang response?

Una sa lahat, naiintindihan ko ang pinangagalingan ni Connie. Nagbigay siya ng critique sa nobela bilang isang magulang na nagtuturo sa kanyang anak na maintindihan ito.

Magulang din ako na may dalawang anak. Yung panganay, mahilig namang magbasa. Magsisimula na siya sa ika-limang baitang at natapos na niya ang Harry Potter Book 3 nitong bakasyon lamang. Bukod sa Harry Potter, nagbabasa din siya ng mga aklat pambata na nailathala ng Adarna House at Tahanan Books. Mga maiikling kwento ang binabasa niya at itong mga aklat na ito ay naaayon sa kanyang edad, karanasan at kasanayan sa pagbabasa. Syanga pala, lalaki ang panganay namin. Bilang isang guro at librarian, ginagabayan ko siya sa pagpili at paghahanap ng mga babasahin na gusto niya. Mahalaga na may participation ang bata sa choices niya sa buhay maliit man o malaking bagay. Nagulat na nga lamang ako nung Marso nang sabihin niya na gusto na niyang basahin ang Harry Potter 3. Ang ibig sabihin nito, handa na siya sa materyal ni JK Rowling. Natutuwa din ako pagkinukwento niya sa akin ang mga aklat na nabasa niya na sinulat ng mga Filipinong Manunulat ng Panitikang Pambata. Paborito niya sina Augie Rivera at Dr. Luis Gatmaitan.

Ganyan kami sa bahay. Mahalaga sa akin ang pagbabasa. Reader din ako kaya gusto kong lumaking readers ang aking mga anak. Yung bunsong babae, ay, kakaiba siya! Isang araw, magsusulat na lang ako ng post ko tungkol sa kanyang pagbabasa.

Ngayon, ano ang kinalaman ng mga anak ko sa controversy ni Connie? Malaki sapagkat, tulad ni Connie, concerned ako sa binabasa at babasahin ng aking mga anak. Tulad ni Connie, concerned din ako sa pag-aaral at pagkatuto ng aking mga anak.

Ang mga required reading sa paaralan ay hindi magulang ang pumipili kundi ang mga guro na may sinusundang gabay na learning competencies, subject matter guides, scope and sequence, etc. Madalas, ang mga babasahin ay pinipili ayon sa set of goals and objectives na dapat matutunan ng mag-aaral.

Kung sino man ang pumili ng Ibong Mandaragit bilang babasahin sa 3rd year high school, ay dapat na-consider ang contexto, experience at kasanayan sa pagunawa ng wikang Filipino ng teenager na babasa nito. Eh ano ba ang binabasa ng isang 15 or 16 years old na high school student? Bakit sa dami ng contemporary literature sa Filipino, Ibong Mandaragit pa? Baka mas magenjoy pa sila kung chick lit ang babasahin. O di kaya, yung anthology ng KUTING na pinamagatang Bagets: A Collection of 16 Filipino Stories (English and Filipino) for Young Adults. Ay, nagsingit na ako ng agenda! Hahaha!

Anyhoo, may magandang objective ang mga guro kung bakit Ibong Mandaragit ang piniling babasahin. Hindi ito masama. Lahat naman ng gurong magtuturo, may mabuting intensyon. Pero, may pamamaraan din kung paano maiintindihan ng isang bagets ng henerasyong ito ang obra ni Ka Amado. Tungkol sa World War 2 at Japanese Occupation ang nobela. Maraming mapupulot na aral at values ang kabataang babasa nito. Malaki din ang role ng wika para maintindihan at ma-appreciate ang nobela. Kung maraming mahihirap at malalalim na Tagalog sa nobela, kinakailangan na ma-unlock ang mga kahulugan at contexto nito. Nagawa kaya ito ng guro ng anak ni Connie?

Ang guro kaya ng anak ni Connie ay naghanda ng Pre-Reading activties upang lubusang ihanda ang mambabasa sa obra ni Ka Amado? Mayroon kayang purpose for reading na inilatag sa babasa ng Ibong Mandaragit bago pa man basahin ito? Hindi biro-biro ang nobelang ito. Kailangan ng amatinding preparasyon ng gurong magtuturo nito upang ma-enjoy at magkaroon ng enlightenment at transfer of insight ang bagets na babasa nito. Isa pa, habang nagbabasa o binabasa ng bagets ang Ibong Mandaragit, may mga techniques at strategies kayang ibinigay para tuluyang maunawaan ang chapters? Kung may balakid sa pangunawa, paano naipatag ang pagkabagabag sa isip ng mambabasa ang mga ito? Kung may mga tanong, paano nasagot at sinagot ang mga ito?

Take note na may iba't ibang level ang comprehension kaya dapat, ang heirarchy of questions ay sumusunod sa order of thinking. Pwedeng simulan sa literal, papuntang inferetual, pataas sa critical at magtatapos as creative thinking. Maari din na i-funnel ang pagtatanong para mahasang mag-isip at maintindihan ang mga complicated na themes, motives of charcaters ng nobela. Pwed din magkaroon ng lifting sa pagtatanong tungkol sa mga aspeto ng nobela upang maitaas ang antas ng pag-iisip ukol sa mga isyu na pinaguusapan sa nobela.

Baka naman, pinabasa lang ang Ibong Mandaragit sa mag-aaral at nagbigay lang ng guide questions.Or, book report kaya ito? Independent reading?

Kung tutuusin, kailangan pa ng closure activities or After Reading para ma-clarify ang mga naiwang tanong sa isip ng mag-aaral. O di kaya, makagawa sila ng activity na magbibigay motivation upang makagawa rin ang mag-aaral ng response sa literature na binasa.

Mayroon kasing tinatawag na Psychology of Reading. Dito makikita ang relasyon ng text, reader at writer. May interaction na nangyayari pag na-encounter ng reader ang text ng writer. Madalas, doon nangyayari ang magic of reading. Kung walang magic, walang comprehension. Ang wikang ginamit ay maaring balakid sa pangunawa. Nandyan din ang schema at prior knowledge na tinatawag. Ang child reader at ang tinatwag na Young Adult reader (age 13-18) ay kinakailangan pang mabigyang gabay sa pagbabasa ng literatura. Dadating ang panahon na hindi na nila kailangan ng gabay. If reading is psychological, it is also developmental. Dadating ang panahon na ang kailangan nila ay kabahagi sa pagbabasa. P

Kung hindi naihanda ang teenager na babasa ng obrang ito, talaga naman, kahit ako ang magulang ng teenager ay magrereklamo. Sabi nga ni Von Totanes, a complaint is a gift. Kahit sinong magulang ay magkocomplain kung walang preparasyong inihanda para sa bata upang matutunan at masiyahan sa aklat na binabasa. Pero, may mapupulot tayong lahat sa (complain at) controversy na ito.

Sa Hunyo 12, ipagdiwang natin ang ating kalayaan! Magbasa at maging malaya!

Readings In The Summer

My summer would not be complete with out books. Last year, Gallego-Garcia's The Tale Of The Wandering King filled my summer days and nights with dreams of old Arabia; of poetry and love under moonlit desert oasis; of coming home and completing a full circle. This summer, three books are surviving me through the grueling heat and occasional rain showers.

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak; Like The Flowing River by Paulo Coleho; and Swith Bitch by Roald Dahl.

I'm done with Swith Bicth by Dahl and I'm finishing up Zusak's The Book Thief. Both are darkly delicious books but, it's Coelho's Like The Flowing River that sparks and spices my days at work.

And oh, there's Jimenez's Seven Secrets to Employee Discipline and Dismissal for practical reading.

Interview With A Librarian

The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators will have a special feature on Monday May 19!

Librarians Today and Children's Books: An SCBWI interview with Rosemary Kinyanjui

We will have the pleasure of interviewing Rosemary Kinyanjui, the Head of the Children's Media Center at International School Manila. Rosemary has worked with children's libraries in international schools in different countries. She will answer our questions and tell us what she knows, and what she thinks, about libraries, librarians, and children's books today.

When : 6 to 8 pm Monday 2008 May 19
Where : McCafe at Greenbelt 1, Paseo de Roxas, Makati
right in front of AIM (Asian Institute of Management)
Host : Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators

This activity is open to members and non-members. We welcome published and unpublished children's writers and illustrators, and anyone who has a keen interest in children's literature.

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6 to 6:30 pm - Roundtable introductions, Booktalk, Q&A
6:30 to 8 pm - Interview : Rosemary Kinyanjui
8 pm up - (Optional) Roundtable discussion, more Q&A
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This activity is open to members and non-members, to published and unpublished children's writers & illustrators, and anyone who has a keen interest in children's literature. All you have to do is bring any children's or young adult book that you want to share, discuss, ask questions about, or use as a springboard for discussion. Or, bring your work in progress for a children's book - either a manuscript or artwork - and ask for a group critique.

We collect an attendance fee of P80 for members and P100 for non-members, which mostly goes to ordering a hot or cold drink for you during the meeting.

For more information contact
* Beaulah Pedregosa Taguiwalo
0917-787-4956, taguiwalo8888@yahoo.com
* Dominique Garde Torres
0905-347-1668, nikkigtorres@yahoo.com

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to receive. If that's the case, please let us know.
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Live Blogging: GS LRC Departmental Purposing

Work for us in Xavier School began last Monday, May 5, 2008. We're all scheduled to have departmental activities for the whole week. For us, GS Librarians, we put aside for the meantime our Inventory to revisit our reason for being.

This afternoon, we're a reviewing the GS LRC's VMG (Vision Mission Goals), Roles and Functions of the GS LRC and our MAFs (Mandated Areas of Focus). The session I'm having with my staff is merely a "priming" session for tomorrow's evaluation and planning session.