Joyce In Learning

I work with an 11-year old pupil diagnosed with Dyslexia online. When we started last May 2020, he only mastered addition. The rest of the operations were too difficult for him. A year after: he can confidently do the four basic operations on whole numbers and he’s now working on fractions and decimals (4BOp) while working on ratio and proportion word problems too! 😊 As a bonus: he starts to create and discover techniques based on his own learning experiences!! 😉

One session, he told me:

“Cher, I’ve always thought of this. If I met you earlier, or when I was in grade one, I think I’d be smarter. I think I would’ve done great. I think I wouldn’t have a hard time. How I wish I met you when I was younger..”

As I listened to him, I felt emotional. I couldn’t believe I’d hear a pupil say that to me.

I think this pupil shared this not because I was the smartest teacher he ever had. I’m sure he had smarter and more experienced ones too!

But maybe, he needed a teacher who understood him.

Maybe he needed a teacher who would listen to his favorite songs with him.

Maybe he needed a teacher who would actively listen to his dreams.

Maybe he needed a teacher who would commend his artworks.

Apart from the Orton-Gillingham approach, I believe it was also the “joy” in our sessions that made the learning experience lighter and better.

As a teacher, my favorite activity is getting to know my pupils' interests. Once I acquaint myself with it, I always make sure to integrate it in my classes.

As an example, I have a pupil who doesn't enjoy division that much. After months of thinking about ways to make division a less stressful activity for her, I had a light bulb moment last July.

This girl LOVES music. She hums and sings while solving. Then, I thought, what if.... what if I play her favorite songs during our classes? And I did. I played Olivia Rodrigo songs, High School Musical songs & jammed with her while she was solving.

Lo and behold, my girl didn't even notice that she was already dividing 6 digit numbers by 2 digit numbers. She just kept going until the hour ended. Mind you, all her answers were correct!

One thing I learned in my two years of teaching is this: Learning is a natural process. It shouldn't be forced. And definitely? We can always find ways to make the learning experience fun.

Have a great day everyone! :)

One thing I and my Nanay always fight about is my commitment in taking my pills. (Don’t worry, it’s just my antibiotics, vitamins, and antihistamine)

Speaking of pills, I’ve always dreamed of having pills that would aid me to forget.

I’ve hurt some of my closest friends and people I used to be associated with. I’m not a saint. Although I would never intentionally hurt anyone, what’s done is done. Those experiences taught me one thing: it’s easier when I was the one at fault. Once the person expresses that he/she forgives me, the guilt goes away quickly.

When I’m the one who’s hurt, I find it so easy to forgive, yet immensely difficult to forget. I don’t hold grudges, revenge is definitely not my thing; but I never forget. I feel like in times like these, my “good memory” is betraying me.

I wish people remember that although they might have peace of mind after being forgiven, the person who experienced the trauma will always be haunted by it.

If only there is such a pill, I’d take it three times a day!

What I’m about to share is probably one of the funniest stories I’ve shared to some of my closest friends.

I had my first crush when I was in Nursery. I was honest enough to share this information to my parents. They teased me about it and told me I shouldn’t have a crush at such a young age. Since I couldn’t stop “catching feelings,” I decided to stop telling them about it instead. From k1, k2, g1, g2, and g3, they heard nothing from me. Not until I turned 10.

I had a crush on a friend who lived in the neighborhood. Unfortunately, my brother knew about it. As we sat while eating dinner, he shared my little secret to my parents. I was so angry. I felt so betrayed. Because of this, I decided to say this iconic line, that up until now I know, my parents would never forget:

“PASAGDAI NLNG GYUD KO NINYO KUNG MAG CRUSH2 GD KO. DI MAN SD KO MAANGAYAN ANA BALIK!”

After I released the “statement,” there was complete silence for a minute. Then they started to laugh so hard. When I saw them, my feelings of anger, frustration, and embarrassment vanished. I ended up laughing with them.

From that day forward, my Nanay always asked me about my crushes and NEVER scolded me about it ever again. Even when I turned high school, she was nothing but supportive. I even told her about my crush’s mass schedule, Sundays at 6PM. Oftentimes, we’d go to mass at that time and she’d ask me, “asa gud ana?” The funnier thing is, she’d even share stories about her seeing my crush’s mom in the Church 🤣

This may seem little, but it paved way to a healthy parent and child relationship. My parents know about my crushes, failed friendships, frustrations, insecurities, anxiety attacks, and even my reflections on how their parenting has made me who I am today (may it be manifested as my strengths or weaknesses)

Here’s my takeaway:

If parents want their children to trust them, they should deem themselves worthy of their children’s trust. My parents have always kept all my secrets, respected my privacy, and embraced my openness. Although sometimes it made them feel uncomfortable, they told me they’d rather listen to some bad news, than no news at all. I’ve written hurtful words about my parents in my diary before and sadly they read it all. But one thing I admired the most was how they proactively worked on it. To be honest, my parents made me feel they were my safe haven. I can cry in my Nanay’s arms. My parents always TRY to validate my feelings.

On the other hand, since I wanted my parents to trust me, I proved myself worthy of their trust. I always tried not to lie about small and big things. Instead, I tried to tell them the truth even when I know it’d hurt. I’d always tell them to give me credit for being honest because not everyone would have the courage to do that. I valued their advices because I knew how much they loved and treasured me. My family knows everything about me. They’re first to know when I feel proud or disappointed and even when I feel delighted or frustrated. I know they got my back whatever happens. I’ve even reached to the point when I got nothing more to say. 😅 We have a lot of differences due to our generational gap; but we ALWAYS try to meet halfway.

Trust goes both ways. Parents should show they’re worthy of their children’s trust and vice versa.

To those who lost their parents’ or childrens’ trust, do not lose hope. Communicate and express how you could compromise and build your relationship. Parents, too, must listen to their children. ☺️ Children, never lose hope. At the end of the day, your parents will love and accept you nevertheless.. ☺️

Having to unlearn “setting expectations” is the hardest and I am not even halfway there.

Expectations are great when they’re met. But when they’re not, it’s 100% frustrating and painful. I’ve been there. I used to be a perfectionist; gratefully I’m no longer one now. However, I still have expectations for people to at least do the bare minimum— to be loyal, be kind, and be understanding.

One thing I’ve learned (though):
Our expectations may fail us, but we will always receive loyalty, kindness, and understanding from the most unexpected places.

I hope soon enough I learn to stop expecting much from people and just start believing that although life may not be fair, our God will always be just.

Happy Thursday everyone 💜

10 TIPS

1. If given the privilege, choose the course that you want. Do not choose a course just cause it’s your friend’s/jowa’s choice.

2. Do your best. Start strong. Start with an end in mind.

3. Good friends are hard to find. Be selective.

4. Join organizations. This would make your college life fun and enjoyable.

5. Hustle hard but PRAY HARDER.

6. Do not hesitate to ask your professors/teachers for clarifications when in doubt.

7. Treat your minor like how you’d treat your major. No subject is better or above the other.

8. READ THE CONTENT OF EVERY RUBRIC. You will never get a perfect score if you will not read the rubric carefully. Know what is expected of you. Exceed the expectations.Be mindful of deadlines.

9. Save if you can.

10. Do not compete with your peers, it will only make you feel insecure. Compete with yourself. Beat your own “records.”

😊

100,000 today!
Congratulations, future Engr! We got this ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

BEING RESPONSIBLE.

It’s always easier to blame others and one’s unfortunate circumstances. Oftentimes, it’s difficult to admit that after all, it was YOU who made the choice. Unfortunately, life isn’t sweet. Whenever we make wrong choices, it always has consequences. Imagine building a domino circle field with 300 pieces of dominos and a piece accidentally falls over the other? The 299 pieces would all fall UNLESS the builder decides to stop the ripple effect as soon as possible.

That’s how I deal with my wrong choices in life. I won’t deny it. I used to blame other people for my unfortunate experiences. However, after reflecting on these events, I realized how easier it is to heal when I take accountability and responsibility for my wrong choices. Everything happened because “I allowed”; so I have to take responsibility. Before everything goes south, I try to patch things up and prevent the rest of the pieces to fall apart. With this, I can stop the ripple effect, learn from the experience, and gain self-awareness.

For example, I observed how my wrong choices in the past were made. They were made out of my inability to express my true feelings. They were made out of my sensitivity towards other people’s feelings that I forgot how long it would take for me to carry the consequences of that one wrong decision. In short, I was always thinking about what other people would think when l should always make my happiness a priority. After realizing this, I taught myself to say no and to have boundaries. I taught myself to be honest about my feelings. Again, I knew. At the end of the day, it was nobody else’s fault. It was my fault because I allowed it.

In addition to this, whenever I learn things, I never unlearn them. I always try my best not to make the same mistakes ever again. In short, I’m the type of person who’s usually known as “dali gyud matagam.” I never ask other people to fix my mess so I should ensure I don’t make my life a mess.

To conclude, let me enumerate the questions I ask myself before I make decisions:
1. Is this what I really want?
2. Is my heart at peace?
3. If I make this decision, am I willing to take responsibility for its consequences?
4. Will this choice help me grow?

But if I’ve already made the wrong choice, then I ask myself:
1. What made me choose this option?
2. How long will I be carrying the consequences of this choice?
3. How will I change my circumstances?
4. What lesson can I take from this experience? What did I learn about myself?

Good evening everyone,

Here is self-analysis test question #15:

Hmmm 🤔

Good evening everyone! Here’s self-analysis test question #14:

For today's post, I'll be sharing one of the highlights of my day.

Earlier this morning, I received this message from a classmate in College. I've always admired her for her passion, wit, and intelligence. Today, she sent me such a heartwarming message. Frankly, I thought no one would be reading my posts. But two weeks ago, I let go of all of those negative feelings and did it. I have also been hearing kind words about my page. Thank you so much. It means so much to me. Sharing whatever I learn makes my heart the happiest.

I have learned many things in the past year that I've already shared with my friends. Sometimes, I feel like I'm the type to give unsolicited advice. Good thing my friends are kind and great listeners. They know I always mean well, so they listen to my advice anyway! So, I thought, why not create a page talking about everything I have learned in life? Now, I can also help others!

I have a lot of things to share. I won't say I'm wise, but I am a curious and reflective person. So if you would like to learn a thing or two about teaching and life, please feel free to visit my page!

My nanay always told me to choose my friends wisely.

I believe there are no right or wrong friends. We all grew up in different environments and family backgrounds. Thus, it is normal to have contrasting thoughts, opinions, beliefs, and principles.

With this,
be with people who share the same values and principles;
who share the same hobbies;
who wish you nothing but success;
who pray for you;
who would grow with you; and
who would be willing to slap you with life's ugly truth.

An additional tip, be sure to have the following in your circle of friends:
1. a senior who has the same career or life path to guide you;
2. a friend who is going through the same struggles you are facing; and
3. a younger friend who will be learning from you.

In this short life, we only need a few but real ones. We need friends who can make this rollercoaster ride worthwhile. Besides, life is always better when we are with people who always wish us the best. 🤩