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Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Classroom Anecdotes by Cherry D

by: Cherry Moriones Doromal

Mahatma Gandhi International School (MGIS) -- Since we started this School Year 2013-2014, I've been posting up photos with status updates on my personal Facebook account almost everyday. I just thought of documenting these posts here on a single blog, as a public journal.

Just like any other profession, teaching has its own ups and downs. And I solidly refuse to be a contributor to the downside of it. These anecdotes are mostly testimonials about my personal classroom experience and encounters, intended to edify and inspire my fellow international educators.

15 Aug 2013

Friend: Isn't teaching stressful?
Me: YES! There are stresses which make you thin and stresses which make you fat; but, there are stresses which make you even more beautiful. As to the latter...in my case, one of them is teaching!

MGIS Manila Grade 7 Class SY 2013-14

13 Aug 2013- 1st day SY 2013-2014 -I got into the Grade 7 classroom for my Philippine History, Culture & Language or PHCL class in MGIS. Everybody seemed excited (perhaps, because I' m a familiar face) and my intro was: "Congratulations, everyone! Why? Because you're my very first class in Mgis Manila." And there was a big round of applause. Everyone's energy level was high;we never realized the bell ending our period had rung. I had every student stand up, speak up his mind and exhibit his legible handwriting on the board! Aside from writing and conmunication skills, CONFIDENCE, that's one of the things we'll develop together. I love this big class of 16 students (3 new comers)-- an active community of French, Pakistani, British, Israeli,Indian, Filipino,Vietnamese, Japanese and Iraqui nationals. Intercultural appreciation and unity in diversity are very much alive!

Mgis Manila, 14 Aug 2013 Philippine History Culture and Language (PHCL)- I only have 5 students in Grade 6. Some of them are still out of the country or on vacation and will be back by next month.

ME: Class, let me ask you this One Million Dollar question :"Is PHCL a boring subject?"

STUDENTS: No?!

ME:Don't worry, your answer will not in any way affect your grades.
Then I asked them the same question for the second time.

ME: Is PHCL a boring subject?

STUDENTS: Ahmm... Sometimes.

Then, we proceeded with the lesson.

Before we wrapped up, I asked the class,again: Is PHCL a boring subject?

STUDENTS (loudly in unison): No!

ME: That's right! There's no boring subject to an animated teacher! There's no boring subject to students who are ready to learn.

Finally, I asked, "What is a good title for today's session?" Of several choices given by each of them, this title stood out:" Ms. Cherry and her Fantastic 5" . . . And yes, I agree! You, guys, were really fantastic this morning!

15 Aug 2013, MGIS Manila Philippine History, Culture and Language (PHCL)-- This photo is a spillover from yesterday. Glad to have met this very active Grade 5 class- inquirers, communicators,and very helpful,too! (especially when the Smartboard icons were missing, hahah!) For me, teaching is like running my own tv show. I prepare my program log, divided into timed segments: OBB,1st segment ,1st Gap, 2nd Segment (with audience participation), 2nd Gap,Final Segment and CBB... Yes,the classroom is a big stage...teachers are edu-tainers!- Dr. Cherry D.

Related Links:

Other Posts by the Author:

5 Stars for MGIS Manila

Home ESL Series THE SCHOLAR

Back to Basics

Through the Strong Winds Part 1

Through the Strong Winds Part 2 (Learning from an Eagle in Pain)

Basic Tips to Betrayed Wives

What and Where We Eat in the Philippines

10 Secrets to a Peaceful Family Home

Classroom Anecdotes by Cherry D.

About the Author:

Published : International School Educator Cherry Doromal

Cheers to MGIS Graduates

MGIS Cambridge International Exam Wows the Inspector

US Embassy Recommends MGIS to Americans

IPC Philippines- MGIS Launches the D.E.A.R. Literacy Programme

Teaching Style Philippines: Integrating Values Through Art

Why Should I Send my Child to MGIS

International School Educator Cherry Doromal:Published on International School Community

Sunday, June 9, 2013

Cheers to the MGIS 2013 Graduates

By Cherry Moriones Doromal

International School, Manila Philippines-- The recently concluded Mahatma Gandhi International School Graduation Ceremony and Dinner 2013 emerged as a spectacular cavalcade of glamour, stature, beauty, brains and smiles.

Held at the prestigious Manila Polo Club on June 6th, this event had officially launched the year-long grand celebration of MGIS’ 10th Year Anniversary known as “A Decade of Excellence”.

MGIS Graduation and Dinner 2013 Venue: Manila Polo Club, Forbes Makati

Among the special guests were representatives from the international community such as Mr. Hans Woldring of the Asian Development Bank,Consul General Joe Assad of Lebanon, Consul General Sam Eldebs of Syria, head of Saudi Air Mr. Abdullah Alazhari and other foreign ambassadors who, later on, signified their intent to enroll their kids in MGIS and be officially part of the MGIS family very soon.

Guests were warmly welcomed by gorgeous Kinder Teachers Ms. Sunshine Perez (L) and Ms. Lani Da Silva (R)

Some of the highlights of this event were a video presentation showing Mgis Manila's achievements for the past 10 years and how it metamorphosed into a dynamic and reputable international educational institution as recognized by and affiliated with the International Baccalaureate (IB), International Primary Curriculum (IPC), International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) Cambridge and Department of Education Philippines (DepEd) and the recognition of MGIS students who excelled in the field of academics, higher education, theater arts and sports. Simply said, the celebration was impeccable!

MGIS Headmaster Lawrence M. Buck receives a Gandhi Award for 40 years of Excellence in International Education

To the working team who made this event a success led by our very own Headmaster Lawrence Buck with wife Viola, MGIS Creative Team (who sleeplessly and unstintingly performed and finished every task seen and unseen by our bare eyes), PYP Coordinator Mr. Roger Calimag, MYP/DP Coordinator Ms. Joan Malabuyoc, Ms. Rodita L. Salonga who was the Master of Ceremony, and the dynamic Admin team, thank you very much... Graduates of 2013 and MGIS Family, thanks and more power to all!

Other Posts by the Author:

5 Stars for MGIS Manila

Home ESL Series THE SCHOLAR

Back to Basics

Through the Strong Winds Part 1

Through the Strong Winds Part 2 (Learning from an Eagle in Pain)

Basic Tips to Betrayed Wives

What and Where We Eat in the Philippines

10 Secrets to a Peaceful Family Home

Classroom Anecdotes by Cherry D.

About the Author:

Published : International School Educator Cherry Doromal

US Embassy Recommends MGIS to Americans

IPC Philippines- MGIS Launches the D.E.A.R. Literacy Programme

Teaching Style Philippines: Integrating Values Through Art

Why Should I Send my Child to MGIS

International School Educator Cherry Doromal:Published on International School Community

Snap Shots:

Sunday, August 19, 2012

JAMMIN' WORSHIP (It's About Time) by Type W

THANK THE LORD AT ALL TIMES by Type W

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

To Spank, or Not to Spank: That is the Question

Dr. Cherry Moriones- Doromal, BMC,LLB,MBA

Overview

MGIS MANILA, Philippines-- Whether to employ or not to employ spanking in disciplining the child has been a debatable issue among many parents worldwide. Of course, the amount or type of discipline in each home depends on the values and beliefs of parents.

Cherry Doromal (3rd from left) with International School MGIS students

Is it unlawful to hit your kid, in the first place? One of my blog readers asks if there is an exact law prohibiting spanking in the United States. I checked on online resources and there seems to be no prohibition, except for prohibition of corporal punishment in schools.

In our local law in the Philippines, we have RA 7610 or the Anti-Child Abuse Law, while the much awaited Anti-Corporal Punishment Bill is underway. However, even if spanking as a method of discipline is by some means allowed, when done incorrectly, the same may lead to child abuse.

The National Child Abuse Statistics for Children in the U.S. says that over 3 million child abuse cases are reported every year. In 2011, Children’s Advocacy Centers around the country had reported to have served over 279,000 child victims of abuse. That is in the U.S. alone, and it does not include the unreported cases.

Biblical Bases of Spanking as a Form of Discipline

In the Book of Proverbs, the Bible specifically touched on the issue of spanking. Here are the verses:

“He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him.” Proverbs 13:24

“Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you punish him with the rod, he will not die.” Proverbs 23:13

“Punish him with the rod and save his soul from death.” Proverbs 23:14

These verses, I believe, must not be misinterpreted as encouraging the parents to hit their kids. Take note of the word “careful” in Proverbs 13:24 and the phrases, “he will not die” in Proverbs 23:13, and “save his soul from death” in Proverbs 23:14. Contrary to these contexts, child abuse cases nowadays are brought about by careless punishment to the kids, leading to violence, rage, and sometimes, death.

Did you know that the phrase "Spare the rod and spoil the child" is not from the Bible but from Samuel Butler's "Hudibras", a 17th Century satirical poem? The poem, like his novel, “The Way of All Flesh”, was authored to depict and condemn violence against children. Paradoxically, this phrase is now used to rationalize corporal punishment and other castigatory actions against children.

About 90% of U.S. Parents Spank, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics

While studies show how a huge number of parents and pediatricians support the practice of spanking, experts explicate that effective discipline is attained through these three components:

A loving, supportive relationship between parent and child

When a child does something off beam, there must be a cause or some causes for that. A supportive parent has to endeavor to determine the reason behind the wrong done, and once established, the cause needs to be resolved. Furthermore, it is important to communicate the issue with your child, and let him clearly know what is wrong and what is right. Be careful, though, that your action be misconstrued as spoiling him. For instance, tell your kid that you are there to support him in doing the right thing, but let him know that you are not amenable to the wrong done.

Use of positive reinforcement when children behave well

In school, we often exercise the reward system by giving awards, stars on work, and good grades. Positive reinforcement may also be used by commending the child when something good is done by saying, “Great job!”, “You are so helpful!”, or “That’s my boy!”

Just to share a bit, at the Mahatma Gandhi International School (MGIS) in Pasay City where I teach, the school employs purely positive reinforcement on kids. No punishment for not doing one’s homework, no stressful haircut policy, no spanking, no suspension, no yelling at students for not wearing the prescribed uniform— and it is a great surprise for me to see how the students grow up to be law- abiding, very respectful, responsible, loving, and simply outstanding individuals.

But, of course, ours is international school, and it is depressing to realize that our local schools seem to find it a bit difficult to follow the same rule on account of many factors, such as crowded classrooms where the teacher-student ratio is just beyond belief.

In an interview, Mr. Lawrence Buck, Headmaster of Mahatma Gandhi International School (http://www.mgis.com.ph), explains that over the years, their secret at MGIS has been the individualized approach in teaching, where each student’s needs and learning conditions are understood and dealt with by the teachers in special ways. “Unlike in other schools, we have only a few slots in each class, about only 15 students or less; hence, we strictly, yet caringly, focus on the best ways our students can learn”, Mr. Buck added.

Use of punishment when children misbehave

Although in this particular area, the most common punishment being employed is spanking, there are other alternatives other than spanking which may be used in disciplining the kid, such as, not having him do his favorite thing to do. For instance, no computer games or no swimming until the child perfects his homework.

It is dreadful to note that the findings of recent researches show hitting of children influences the latter to become hitters themselves. Authorities say children who experienced corporal abuse tend to become aggressive or violent in the teenage and adult years. Studies also show that the most dangerous criminals were frequently threatened and chastised in childhood.

Today, about 29 countries made it illegal for a parent, teacher, or anyone else to spank a child, and 113 countries ban corporal punishment in schools. In fact, a throng of psychiatrists, sociological researchers, and parents as well as child rights groups propose that we all earnestly reflect on prohibition of physical punishment of children in any form.

To sum up, the safest way to bring about laudable behavior in our kids is temperate instruction, supported by a tough foundation of love, understanding, and respect while inculcating inner values in them, as against ostensibly "ideal" behavior founded on fear.

Dr. Cherry Moriones Doromal, BMB, LLB, MBA is the Former Editor of The Manila Bulletin Online (http://www.mb.com.ph) and now Manila Bulletin contributor and Generalist Educator at International School MGIS (http://www.mgis.com.ph)

More Posts by this Author:
I.S.? MGIS!
How To Strengthen Parent-Teen Relationship
How to Teach the Bible to Kids
Try This at Home
A Dozen Secrets to Enjoy your Work
More Eats Coming Up
Through Strong Winds

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

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Sunday, June 9, 2013

Sunday, August 19, 2012

Tuesday, May 15, 2012