The Lighthouse Diary Entry #31: Prior Knowledge is Key

I had a wonderful time showing my student the new ebook lending system we acquired this academic year. She requested for a one-on-one session which I appreciate. We did present the new service to the student body during Foundation Week, but there are details and nuances in the use of media and technology that need clarification to learners young and old. My role is to present these nuances and pare the details. I learn from the process every time.

Yesterday, I learned the value of chunking information and focusing on a specific skill to discuss for that particular session. Access to ebooks and understanding the digital interface were the targets. However, along the way, the student was able to integrate learned skills from previous research experiences like using the table of contents, identifying the bibliographic data of the source and referring to the index. 

Thank goodness the ebook that we were able to identify has all the "traditional" parts of the book. The student's reading experience and familiarity with the structure of the printed book helped her navigate a digital copy. She was able to set the preliminary work but essential task for research.

I hope she has gained a certain level of confidence. 

Right after our session, I sent a PM to her research supervisor to update her on the student's progress. I recommended that student make use of close reading for the chosen texts. My co-teacher was pretty pleased at the development having taught the student this strategy during the summer. When collaboration happens between me and my co-teachers, I feel positive and hopeful - two things the world seem to be wanting more of these days. We soldier on.

As for EBSCOHost and the PH reps, they have been partners since we started organizing the library back in 2011. With the pandemic forcing us to pivot into the virtual space, it was inevitable not to subscribe to an ebook lending system. We have been toying on the idea previous to COVID-19 and Josef Halos' EBSCO had been very helpful and accommodating. This is another collaborative partnership I will write about in the coming weeks.

Research Skills Instruction: Academic Honesty and Citations in APA Style

My session with our Business Management (BM12) students last week went as planned. My 20 minute lecture and demonstration on citations using the APA style/format was a review of what students already know and have, eventually, forgotten. Citing sources is emphasized as an important skill in research and in academic writing. Like all skills to be mastered, it has to be seen as part of a bigger set of composite skills like documenting sources and annotating them. It can be taught and learned in isolation, but context and real life application make the learning meaningful. When there is meaning in learning, the learner remembers.

Here are fundamental concepts I emphasized in my session.

1. Citing sources is part of documenting and annotating references and sources of information.

2. There are three preliminary steps before citation happens: understanding the task at hand; knowing the needed information to complete the task; identifying the source of information needed to complete the task. When these are all accomplished, engagement and transaction with the information begins.

3. As soon as sources are selected, taking note and recording of the sources' bibliographic data are important tasks as well.

I used the APA Style as requested by the BM teacher. Here is the poster of citation formats and basic in-text citation must-do. This is taken from Purdue Online Writing Lab.

On Friday, the last day of the week, we closed our advisory session with a discussion on Academic Honesty using a short film, Reluctance, as a spring board. Since it was a session with the entire cohort, we had breakout rooms for each advisory class over on Zoom. This strategy eased the students into expressing their responses over the material as well as the topic on Academic Honesty. It can be a big concept involving many factors and disciplines of thought.

The process of learning the skills and the big idea that drives them is ongoing. I will definitely blog them all here in as much and as frequent as I can.

Life Goes On: BTS and My ARMY Life

I think it was in late 2019 or early 2020 when I seriously started paying attention to BTS. My daughter is ARMY since 2016 and what to me, back then, was a teenager's fascination became a necessity for survival as the pandemic came into full swing in mid-2020. From there on until the present, I have realized many things about myself. I am learning and affirming a lot of life lessons from the Bangtan Boys. Being ARMY at my age and status is like a parenting and motherhood experience. The adult is learning from the child.

As a teacher and a librarian of children and young people, I take this dynamic to heart. Every year, my students bring in a newness that fuels our creativity in making sense of who we are and the process of growing a compassionate understanding of the world around us. This can be tough, but from where I come from, we eat resilience for breakfast. After all, creativity is never an easy thing. This is the context I find myself in being a young ARMY of 47. More than ever, I have a deeper appreciation of BTS.

While the Tannies have a way of sweeping you off your feet (there are seven kinds of sexy and together, they are deadly!) they are more than visual aesthetics. Kim Namjoon have said it countless times in interviews and docuseries early in their career that they are more than pretty faces. BTS wants to matter. Truly, they have been successful and more. On top of record sales and awards, a closer examination of their discography by academics, experts in the field of music and the arts, professionals in business, economists, and industry leaders in the creative arts all point to the fact that the Tannies are not just a Kpop band or group. Not anymore. The boys were awarded the Order of Cultural Merit of Korea in 2018. They are now envoys to the UN. Ambassadors of the youth. Their campaigns and advocacies impact global communities. On top of all these, BTS got ARMY right behind them when they say so.

The fandom is as amazing, as generous and as loving as the Bangtan Boys.

In less than a year as ARMY, I have gained new friends and strengthen old ones. I have shared online concert tickets, received gifts and unsolicited advice. I have been supported by ARMY parents in my journey as mother and as a woman going through midlife. I found ARMY I can geek out with over Namjoon's poetry and the books in his reading list, nerd over Suga's critical view on life and society and go kilig over Hobi's hotness. 

I celebrated my birthday last week and unexpected gifts came from ARMY friends near and far. One of them, a good friend from way back, sent me an acrostic poem. The Tannies love creating them, so she created one for me.

Right now, I am up in arms in the battle for reading and literacy. I have two ARMYs seriously working on a BTS inspired book donation project that we hope to launch before the month ends. Right in time for Literacy Day on September 8 during the month of Namjoon's and JK's birthday. What could be more satisfying than to experience this personal advocacy come to life but with two Titas of BTS. 

Back to School! Back to CANVA!

 

The Lighthouse Diary #30: Finding and Using Good Sources

My first library session this term is with grade 11 students of the Business Management (BM) class. This is year 1 of the DP class on BM and the teacher requested for a session on finding and using good sources. She sent me an email identifying the needs of her class as well as the planned coverage. This is what she sent me.

Session Focus

1. Finding and using good secondary sources (Session 1)

    In the context of the BM IA, these would include company reports,

    industry reports, competitor reports, official statistics, business articles
    and websites, business videos, business-related research.

    Hopefully,  you can also help lead them to find ".edu"  articles on OPAC.

There is a lot to unpack here. So, plan to begin with an explanation of the session's focus.

I shall be modeling the a task analysis to the class before diving into a discussion on secondary sources and the selection and evaluation of each. This is in part, a way to teach skills in understanding and comprehending instructions. I have meet with the grade 11s during our Foundation Week where I had an library orientation on the use of EBSCO and online subscriptions. This session serves as an extension of the library orientation from last week.

Here now is the PowerPoint Presentation for the session.

BTS Book Donation Drive: A Guide for Readers

 A guide for the young reader and the adult who will accompany them in the reading experience.

Dear Reader,

Books have a way of making people happy. Reading good books brings joy and so much more. It gives readers like you and me, hope.

This book bundle is meant to bring happiness and hope to you, dear reader. Before you start reading the books in your bundle it is good to remember these important things.

1.    Look at the cover and read the title of the book. Ask yourself what the pictures tell you and what comes to mind after reading the title. Pay attention to the author and illustrator of the book.

2.     Carefully open the pages of the book with clean hands.

3.     Read the book aloud. Read the book aloud with a friend or a family member.

4.      Pause when you don’t understand some words. Look for a related word in the sentence it is used in to better understand its meaning.

5.     Illustrations help in comprehension too. Stop and look at the illustrations on every page.

6.     Midway through the book, ask yourself how you are feeling. Happy? Sad? Confused? Excited?

7.     Make a guess or predictions on what will happen to the characters. It is affirming to know if your guess is correct. If not, then take it as a learning experience.

8.     You can also draw your feelings and your ideas as you read along. So, keeping a notebook / pad paper and writing materials within reach is advisable.

9.     It is alright if you wish to go on reading uninterrupted.

10.   After reading, share your feelings and discoveries about what you read to a friend or a family member.

These are but basic ways to fully enjoy reading books. Some additional activities can be done as well like…

1.     Drawing your favorite scene or character.

2.     Share and exchange books you have read from your bundle with a friend.

3.     Sing songs and play games that are connected to the story.

4.     Write words that sounded new to you. Words you don’t understand. Words that disturbed you. Ask a grown up or an adult to help you understand or appreciate the words even more.

5.     Write and draw your own story in the language you know and share this with a friend or a family member.

These are all for now, dear reader. In the meantime, enjoy the books and read on!

Reading Gives Hope! Books Bring Sunshine!

 

Borahae,

 

Your Titas of BTS 😊

BTS Book Donation Drive: Reading Gives Hope ! Books Bring Sunshine

Reading Gives Hope * Books Bring Sunshine

A Book Donation Drive for Peace Kamp

This book donation drive is inspired by BTS, most especially Jung Ho-seok aka J-Hope, and their positive messages of diversity, inclusion, hope and loving oneself through their music and art performances.

Since the National Children’s Book Day (NCBD) is on July 20 this book donation drive is made up of book bundles containing titles that were awarded the National Children’s Book Award, The Kids’ Choice Award, the Wordless Book Prize of 2018 and the PBBY Salanga and Alcala Prizes. Inclusion and diversity are the themes of the NCBD 2021 following the tagline Magkaiba? Magbasa. Magkaisa! Thus, books that were selected for each bundle agree with the themes of the NCBD 2021.

The five book bundles are *OT7 Book Bundle, JHope Book Bundle, VMin Book Bundle, JinKook Book Bundle, and NamGi Book Bundle.

How to donate

1.     Select a book bundle/bundle to donate to a Peace Kamp student/s and/or Reading Center from Dear Books. There are 20 students who will be the recipient of the book donation.

2.     Your book donation will have your name as donor. You can also write a special note to the recipient of the donation.

3.     In return, you will get a certificate of donation from Peace Kamp and Dear Books.

4.     Book bundles will be picked up by Peace Kamp staff from Dear Books office/shop which then will be brought to students in Peace Kamp.

You can also buy a book bundle for your own personal and home library. 😊

Reading Gives Hope! Books Bring Sunshine!

 

Reading Gives Hope * Books Bring Sunshine

A Book Donation Drive for Peace Kamp

This book donation drive is inspired by BTS, most especially Jung Ho-seok aka J-Hope, and their positive messages of diversity, inclusion, hope and loving oneself [PP1] through their music and art performances.

Since the National Children’s Book Day (NCBD) is on July 20 this book donation drive is made up of book bundles containing titles that were awarded the National Children’s Book Award, The Kids’ Choice Award, the Wordless Book Prize of 2018 and the PBBY Salanga and Alcala Prizes. Inclusion and diversity are the themes of the NCBD 2021 following the tagline Magkaiba? Magbasa. Magkaisa! Thus, books that were selected for each bundle agree with the themes of the NCBD 2021.

The five book bundles are *OT7 Book Bundle, JHope Book Bundle, VMin Book Bundle, JinKook Book Bundle, and NamGi Book Bundle.

*OT7 Book Bundle consists of the 20 Kuwentong Musmos Books published by Room to Read US in cooperation with Adarna House, Anvil Publishing, Hiyas and Lampara Books.

1 Set of Kuwentong Musmos (5 books by Lampara Books)

-             Masaya Ang Maging Ako by Zarah Gagatiga and Jamie Bauza

-             Kiko Kitikiti by Lauren Macaraeg and Ito Chua

-             Ang Batang Papet by Norman Baquirin and Angela Taguiang

-             Ang Nanay Kong Drayber by Reina Peralta and Pepot Atienza

-             Ang Alaga Kong Lolo by Genaro Gojo Cruz and Lui Buan

1 set of Kuwentong Musmos (5 books by Adarna House)

-             Noel! Noel! Noel! by Kristine Canon and Nina Martinez

-             Paboritong Lugar ni Nanay by Weng Cahiles and Aldy Aguirre

-             Sampung Eroplano by Liwliwa Malabed and Pergy Acuna

-             Tara! Itok! Kora Dandan-Albano and Ara Villena

-             Sayaw ng Mga Kamay Joanna Que and Fran Alvarez

1 set of Kuwentong Musmos (5 Books by OMF/Hiyas)

-             Ang Kuya Kong Zombie by Luis Gatmaitan and Ivan Reverente

-             Imbisibol by Yna Reyes and Mike Amante

-             Kaya ni Mina by Janine Marie Rivera and Cy Vendivel

-             Sakto Lang Joshene Bersales and Domz Agsaway

-             Tinola ni Nanay by Maloi Malibiran-Salumbides and Felix Mago Miguel

1 set of Kuwentong Musmos (5 books Anvil)

-             Sayaw ni Dayaw by Cheeno Marlo Sayuno and Harry Monzon

-             Sali Ako! by Alyssa Reyes and Iori Espiritu

-             Paalam Puti by Jomike Tejido

-             Maanghang na Salita by Rhandee Garlitos and Beth Parrocha

-             Duyan Pababa sa Bayan by Mary Gigi Constantino and Enid Din

Cost: Php 2,985.00

·       The OT7 Book Bundle is recommended for anyone who wishes to gift a school, a library or a reading center.

 

What follows are four book bundles in honor of JHope, V and Jimin, Jin and Jung Kook, and RM and Suga.

JHope Book Bundle – Joy and Sunshine[PP2] 

The themes of this book bundle are joy and sunshine. The selected titles for this book bundle cover these themes plus one book from a beloved Kapampangan folk song.

Atin Cu Pung Singsing Kapampangan Children’s Book (Adarna House)

1 Set of Kuwentong Musmos (5 books by Lampara Books)

-        Masaya Ang Maging Ako by Zarah Gagatiga and Jamie Bauza

-        Kiko Kitikiti by Lauren Macaraeg and Ito Chua

-        Ang Batang Papet by Norman Baquirin and Angela Taguiang

-        Ang Nanay Kong Drayber by Reina Peralta and Pepot Atienza

-        Ang Alaga Kong Lolo by Genaro Gojo Cruz and Lui Buan

The Great Duck and Crocodile Race written and illustrated by Robert Magnuson, [PP3] (OMF Literature, Inc.)

The Day of Darkness written by Gutch Gutierrez and Zig Marasigan and illustrated by Gutch Gutierrez (The Bookmark, Inc.)

Habulan written by Kora Dandan-Albano and illustrated by Beth Parrocha[PP4]  (Anvil Publishing, Inc.)

Pitong Tsinelas (Seven Slippers) written by Divine Gil Reyes and and illustrated by Benjor Catindig (Tahanan Books for Young Readers)

Cost: Php 1,614.00

VMin Book Bundle – Family and Friendship

The themes of this book bundle are family and friendship. The selected titles for this book bundle cover these themes plus one book from a beloved Kapampangan folk song.

Atin Cu Pung Singsing Kapampangan Children’s Book (Adarna House)

1 set of Kuwentong Musmos (5 books by Adarna House)

-        Noel! Noel! Noel! by Kristine Canon and Nina Martinez

-        Paboritong Lugar ni Nanay by Weng Cahiles and Aldy Aguirre

-        Sampung Eroplano by Liwliwa Malabed and Pergy Acuna

-        Tara! Itok! Kora Dandan-Albano and Ara Villena

-        Sayaw ng Mga Kamay Joanna Que and Fran Alvarez

 

Sandwich to the Moon written and illustrated by Jamie Bauza, (Chikiting Books)

Sinemadyika written by Lauren V. Macaraeg and illustrated by Aldy Aguirre, (Lampara Publishing House, Inc.)

Big Sister written by Zarah Gagatiga and illustrated by Ruben de Jesus, (Lampara Publishing House, Inc.)

I Will Always Love You More written by Peachy Concepcion and illustrated by Joel Chua, (Anvil Publishing, Inc.)

Cost: Php 1,603.00

JinKook Book Bundle – Inclusivity

The theme of this book bundle is inclusivity. The selected titles for this book bundle cover these themes plus one book from a beloved Kapampangan folk song.

Atin Cu Pung Singsing Kapampangan Children’s Book (Adarna)

1 set of Kuwentong Musmos (5 Books by OMF/Hiyas)

-        Ang Kuya Kong Zombie by Luis Gatmaitan and Ivan Reverente

-        Imbisibol by Yna Reyes and Mike Amante

-        Kaya ni Mina by Janine Marie Rivera and Cy Vendivel

-        Sakto Lang Joshene Bersales and Domz Agsaway

-        Tinola ni Nanay by Maloi Malibiran-Salumbides and Felix Mago Miguel

Made Perfect in Weakness written by Didith Rodrigo and illustrated by Patricia Lascano, (The Bookmark, Inc.)

Salusalo para kay Kuya written by Ergoe Tinio and illustrated by JC Galag, (Adarna House, Inc.

Si Berting, ang Batang Uling written by Christopher S. Rosales and illustrated by Aldy Aguirre, Lampara Publishing House, Inc.

Ang Bonggang-bonggang Batang Beki! written by Rhandee Garlitos and illustrated by Tokwa Peñaflorida, Chikiting Books

Ang Ikaklit sa Aming Hardin written by Bernadette Villanueva Neri and illustrated by CJ de Silva, Publikasyong Twamkittens

Cost: Php 1,603.00

NamGi Book Bundle – Diversity and Community

The themes of this book bundle are diversity and community. The selected titles for this book bundle cover these themes plus one book from a beloved Kapampangan folk song.

Atin Cu Pung Singsing Kapampangan Children’s Book (Adarna)

1 set of Kuwentong Musmos (5 books Anvil)

-        Sayaw ni Dayaw by Cheeno Marlo Sayuno and Harry Monzon

-        Sali Ako! by Alyssa Reyes and Iori Espiritu

-        Paalam Puti by Jomike Tejido

-        Maanghang na Salita by Rhandee Garlitos and Beth Parrocha

-        Duyan Pababa sa Bayan by Mary Gigi Constantino and Enid Din

Ang Sampung Bukitkit written by Eugene Y. Evasco and illustrated by Ibarra C. Crisostomo, (LG&M Corporation)

Mang Andoy’s Signs written by Mailin Paterno and illustrated by Isabel Roxas, Tahanan Books for Young Readers

Marvino’s League of Superheroes written by Rae Rival-Cosico and illustrated by Jamie Bauza, (Adarna House, Inc.)

Supremo written by Xi Zuq and illustrated by Al Estrella (Adarna House)

Cost: Php 1,512.75

People Are Living Libraries

Peace-building initiatives need not be hampered even with the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.  In fact, individuals from different parts of the Asia-Pacific region organized initiatives towards constructive discussions and lasting solutions aimed at promoting understanding, inclusion and diversity.

This is the goal of the Heiwa Library, a non-government peace initiative group started by Naomi Nakagoshi (Japan), Chedilyn Magaspar (Philippines) and Jenn Sagon-Taeza (USA). It aims to promote peace education through the creation of mobile community and digital libraries in the Philippines to deliver stories (of wishes for peace) to young and adult readers in remote areas.  All three are Hiroshima Peace Volunteers who are moved by the stories from all sides and decided for it to become a bigger forum for peace-building.

The group also aspires to encourage Filipinos to participate as peace volunteers that will promote meaningful discussions and forums to be conducted online and in the future, face-to-face interactions through oral storytelling. This will hopefully facilitate constructive engagements as stakeholders process the effects of World War II in their lives and how people gain positively from those narratives.

One of their first activities is a virtual tour of the Hiroshima Peace Park and the sharing of stories of survivors and volunteers to be held on July 24 online, in time for the National Children’s Book Day celebrations. They partnered with organizations such as the Phillippine Board on Books for Young People, PASLI, Regalo Touching Lives, Creative Learning Paths School and the Mabalacat City College in the Philippines, as well as Sunday Peace Volunteers in Japan and REAL-Innovative Connections in Hawaii, USA.

The goal of the event will also launch the Heiwa Library here in the Philippines, as well as community storytelling from the Japanese, Filipino and American sharers. “People are living libraries,” PASLI believes. “It’s about time we listen to their stories to build meaningful lasting peace for all.”

 

 

The Lighthouse Diary #29: The Magic of New Beginnings

And just like that, our in-service ends today. How fast time flies! It has been three weeks of reflection; organization; learning from the old; and looking forward to the magic of new beginnings. Despite the times, yes.

I couldn't believe that the content I have put together for this year's library talk is a mere one-page hyperdoc. We are looking forward to starting two big projects this year and we are gearing up for a revisit of standards, school wide. While there is a need to revise the library's G Site and Online Research Center, I am exploring Knowledge Library on Workplace as well. It reminds me of Blogger and the Wikispace of long ago. So Gen X, I know. But now I realize that there really isn't anything new under sun, only new ways of looking at them with curiosity and a sense of wonder.

Oh, and I am an EE Supervisor again this year. I need to reconnect with Robert De Niro and Jodi Foster. The threat of Delta is real but, I am faithful and hopeful that all shall be well.

Thanks Jin, for keeping me Awake!

BA Library Online: Welcome Griffins to AY 2021-2022

 

The Joys of Teaching: When a Student Writes

Last summer, I had the pleasure of teaching writing to students from grades 4 to 12. One of them sent me an email just recently.

I really enjoyed your classes and will surely miss you teaching me new things in general. You are a very fun and enthusiastic teacher and it makes me want to learn more and listen. 

I really appreciate what you have taught me and decided to give you a letter. It is to show my appreciation and what I have learned from you. I decided to use the strategies you taught me and implement them here :D.

On the day my Mom told me I was joining a class in essay writing, I didn’t really care. I expected it to be like every other summer class I had; lecture, homework, discuss and repeat. Of course there would be moments where I really did enjoy them and am thankful towards my teachers. Those moments, albeit fun and enjoyable, were all shared with other classmates. This was more special, I felt really happy and excited to learn about whatever you had to say. 

Please continue to teach and write, you are truly great at both. This experience really brightened my summer. You have a very optimistic point of view. I hope you had fun teaching me as much as I had fun learning from you. I wish that you and your family will continue to be safe in these difficult times, thank you.

This warmed my heart and so, I replied.

It was a pleasure working with you as well. You are a very smart and perceptive person. I admire the diligence and independence you put into your work. I learned to give you space and allow pacing in between meetings so that you can concentrate on writing your essay. The beautiful thing about teaching is that, teachers like me learn so much from their students.

Thank you for allowing me to teach you. I hope to see you again soon! Stay safe!

Bibliotherapy, BTS and An Afternoon with Librarians of Brent International School Manila

This pandemic challenged and inspired me to develop modules and training programs for teachers, librarians and parents on Bibliotherapy. I had several online sessions last year with teachers of Saint Pedro Poveda College, students and scholars of the De La Salle Greenhills and with the online learning community of The Learning Revolution. 

Early this year, I had the pleasure of doing a new program with teachers of the Create Learning Paths, a progressive school in Merville, Paranaque. The program, Finding Grace in Everyday (FGE) focus on catharsis and companionship. In May, Teacher Ani Almario invited me to her Children's Literature Class to run a pocket workshop on Bibliotherapy to her class of undergraduate students. The post reading activity with the students can be viewed and read in this link. 

Last month, the library staff of Brent International School Manila and I had an afternoon of sharing life stories. Using the FGE once more, I had an afternoon of reflection and introspection on life during the pandemic with friends and colleagues. What made it different this time is my facilitation of the session using one of BTS' songs, Awake, a solo by Kim Seokjin.

Through a music map activity, participants listened to the song (in Korean) and while doing so, they drew, doodled and write on their journals. When the song was over, we all listened to the song again, but this time, I made them watch the video that has the English translation. 

 

 The song's message is that of resilience and perseverance at a time of doubts and fears. The afternoon ended with an acceptance of how things are at the moment and hanging on to hope for better days to come.