I wrote a declamation piece entitled THE SCHOLAR about a
month ago and gave my kids Zekie (11 years old) and Strong (7 years old) a hard
copy for each of them. We read the piece together only twice. After that, we
never had time to seriously practice the piece...Until, two days ago, when we
were in the car and got stuck in long hours of traffic jam, my sons started
reciting the piece without realizing that they both inadvertently memorized
the same.
Reading with our kids or students is really effective and
inspiring for them.
This video was randomly taken yesterday WITHOUT practice
where the Teacher Mom had an impromptu command (lol!) to sons Zekie and Strong
to recite THE SCHOLAR on cam, and in return, the Mom would allow them to swim
at night (positive reinforcement). This rendition may not be flawless, but
perfect in the sense that the speaker (Zekie) did not lose confidence and
carried on when he forgot his lines.
I love using declamation pieces in teaching ESL as there are
various vital skills being developed simultaneously: language and communication
skills, memorization, pronunciation, intonation, confidence, eye contact,
gesticulation, acting...and not to mention, patience.
The Scholar was written by this author with the masses in
Philippine setting in mind. As you may notice, I used peso, not dollar, and the
narrator’s parents’ jobs are reflective of typical Filipino as well, where the
father is a construction worker and the mother is a banana cue peddler. This
piece depicts the Filipino values of devotion to God, diligence, and positive
perspective despite life’s unfavorable circumstances.
In my opinion, what makes this declamation piece unique is
that the author was able to successfully integrate two elements that other
pieces may not have: (1)An original unpublished song composed by the same
author entitled “My need of You” and (2) a Biblical promise in Jeremiah 29:11
to conclude the piece.
Ezekiel "Zekie" Doromal is a 6th Grader in MGIS
www.mgis.com.ph
Zecheriah "Strong" Doromal is a 2nd Grader, also
at Mahatma Gandhi International School (MGIS) in Manila Philippines
Related Post:"The Scholar" Demo in a School Talent Show
Related Post:"The Scholar" Demo in a School Talent Show
Click Video: The Scholar as rendered by 7-year old Zecheriah "Strong" Doromal (excerpt)
Click Video: 7-year old Zecheriah"Strong" Doromal recites THE SCHOLAR (Full Version)
 |
| "But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD." |
The Scholar
A declamation piece
by Cherry Moriones Doromal
One thousand pesos.
One thousand pesos more and I
will be able to pay my school fees.
I am ten years old, and all I dream of is to
study,to get a good job and help my family.
My father has not recovered from
his accident at construction work last year, and so, he has been in bed since
then.
My mother… She earns two hundred pesos a day peddling banana cue.
In many occasions during my sleep,
I witness how my mother secretly hugs me… and cries, whispering to herself that
she wanted to send me to school. But , her income is not enough to provide our
needs.
I am not dismayed… I look forward
each day to a better future.
I have two little sisters and one baby
brother. And so, I have to be tough. I am tough, I know!
Shhhhhhh…..sh…. (wind and rain) Oh, it’s raining so hard tonight, I
need to deliver all these packs of bread to Mr.
Argel’s home.
Run...(panting), Run, (panting)
Run…whew! Knock ,knock… I’ m here to
deliver these bread to Mr. Argel.
Knock…knock…knock… (shiver) sooo
cold! Pleaase, open the door.
There seems to be no one home.
What am I suppose to do? In fact, selling all these bread will not even give me
half of the One Thousand Pesos I need… for my school fees…
Knock, knock, knock… “Anybody home?” hmmm…
“Lord, there seems to be nobody
home as the gate and door are closed. Oh
well, I trust that you are here with me. You will never leave me nor forsake
me.”
And so, I sing:
MY NEED OF YOU MAGNIFIES YOUR
MEANING IN MY LIFE
IT IS WHEN MY MIND IS UNABLE TO COMPREHEND
THAT I APPRECIATE YOUR WISDOM, LORD
YOU'RE THE SAME POWERFUL GOD OF THE PAST
AND OF THE PRESENT, AND OF THE FUTURE
NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE TO YOU...
NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE IN YOU.
(“My Need of You” Words and Tune
by Cherry Moriones Doromal. All Rights Reserved Earthwide Concepts)
O…Ohh! The bread got wet and dropped on the floor…
(picking up the pieces of bread when the door opened)
Oh, it’s Mr. Argel… Good evening
Sir! As you can see, the packs of bread I am supposed to deliver for you are
all gone to waste. They dropped on the floor and got wet.
“It’s okay, little boy! I admire
your perseverance. How much do I owe you? Ah, 300 Pesos for the bread and
here’s a Thousand Pesos more for your job well done!”
Thank you, Mr. Argel! Thank you,
God, for providing my need, just in time! For You know your plans for me. Plans
to prosper me and not to harm me. Plans to give me hope and a future.
Basic Chord Reference for the song "My Need of You" by Cherry Moriones Doromal
G-C Am F
F G Em Am
FG Em-Am
F-Dm
F-C
The Teacher Mom's Teaching Philosophy
The Teacher Mom's Teaching Philosophy
"In general, I dub my personal
teaching philosophy 'altruistic passion in education' wherein understanding the
learner is the key. In effecting this
philosophy, the teacher has to be extra empathetic on the condition and needs of her students and
be able to patiently and strategically reconcile these factors with her goals
for the class and for each student.
I practice eclectic strategies of
teaching in my classes and ascertain that the student's interests are not only
enhanced and stirred, more importantly, potentials are also introduced and
discovered, recognizing individual differences and strengths. As regards this
sphere, I boost the employment of creativity, performing arts,
experimentation, external exposures, technology, experiential and collaborative learning, and
freedom of expression and inquiry in the class while giving everyone a balanced
opportunity to shine.
It is my conviction that teachers
are role models of the students and are vital conduits of moral and character
formation of the learner; hence, irrespective of the subject area one teaches,
values should be integrated.
I believe that classroom
experience is a two-way process wherein teachers and students mutually teach
and learn from each other.
Learning is an endless process as
long as one is willing to absorb knowledge. Considering this in mind, it is my
job as a good teacher to think of and utilize appropriate motivational
strategies to develop the student’s positive learning attitude.
Finally, family support is, at all times, encouraged.
.-- Cherry Moriones Doromal, Generalist Educator/Marketing & Quad-Media Director,MGIS
www.mgis.com.ph
Published : International School Educator Cherry Doromal
Other Posts by the Author:
Through the Strong Winds Part 2 (Learning from an Eagle in Pain)
About the Author:
Related Posts:
How to Choose the Best (Private) School for your Child
Video: The Whole Duty of Man Declamation
Video: Speak to Me Declamation
Declamation by a 6-year old
Declamation by a Pre-schooler
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