I’M BACK, so alive and kicking.

(This is quite a longpost. Take a deep breath.)

I had not been blogging these past few days because something is wrong with the school’s internet connection. I can’t open blogs and other sites there. Sometimes, I experience errors even when simply opening mails or sending email messages with attachments.

I don’t blog a lot at internet cafe’s here. Life’s a little difficult here now. I’ve learned that it would take months before I could receive my first salary from the government.? So, blogging wouldn’t be part of my routine until I am able to purchase my own pc and internet service. (Sigh!)

Let me tell you what’s going on.

1. The principal and some teachers were out for a seminar in Tagaytay. one of them was the school paper adviser and she left me the job of editing the students’ articles. I dunno why she didn’t leave it to other language?teachers. Then I have learned a lot from that experience.

It was good that one of the teachers reminded me to be careful with my every move; that I should try not to appear as if I’m trying create a space or trying to gain recognition. (I’m aware of that, though. It has become innate in me to just stay in the sidelines. I know my worth and I don’t have to exert so much effort to show it to people. And I don’t have any plans (nor did it cross my mind) to compete with my high school teachers.) And I think I did it gracefully. I was able to do what was asked of me without hearing (yet) of comments or negative rumors.

When they returned I received a gift from them–a bar of beauty soap (Belo essentials?). Haha. (I have learned later that all of us male teachers received the same.)

2. I am trying to explore new methods of teaching. I have asked my students to read science news and report it to class. That way, they will improve their communication skills. One student has already cried but I did try to make sure it becomes a good experience for her.

The schedule for using of the computer laboratory for computer assisted instruction was already finished and we started using it this week. I started it with the fourth year students this morning. I asked them to browse the internet for information on our topic to answer divergent questions. Tomorrow, my third year students will be doing on activity using flash simulations of projectile motion. I created offline webpages to guide them through. I am glad that the school has NetSupport Tutor for the teachers’ use. I so love the school. I have good books and references here to improve my lesson plan. I’m learning a lot here.

I have to go an extra mile for my students. After assessing the result of my previous evaluations of their performance,?I think I need to improve my strategies.

3. It’s our Thanksgiving Day on Sunday. We do it every year to show our gratitude to God for the blessings He showers us everyday of our lives. This year, I have so much to thank God for. First, I was able to graduate. Second, I was able to find jobs right after. Third, I got hired in a public school. Fourth, we are healthy. Fifth, we are happy despite our financial difficulties.

I will be singing two songs during the porgram, We Are the Reason and Great is Thy Faithfulness. The first is actually a song interpretation. Some of the dancers are my students. Look at that, they were just my playmates some time ago! I will be singing the song; they will dance to it. The second is an acoustic version of the hymn. I have not sung in the Church since I went to college.

Oh, well, I have not followed the blogging tip I have been reading around: better to post once a day than write a very long post or several posts after a few days of absense.? I’m sorry, I can’t help but tell you these things.