Homeschooling my son has been challenging, as I also have my full-time teaching job as an ESL Teacher/Coordinator, as well as my adjunct teaching positions at UOG and GCC. Nevertheless, I make it a point to have my 4-hour nightly sessions with my son. It is obvious that I'm truly a teacher in every sense of the word, from morning to night! I'm grateful for the opportunity to teach my son at home, because he has unique accommodations that both the private and public school systems could not provide. Because of his unforunate eczema condition, it was difficult for him to put on his uniform daily, and it was painful to see him suffer like that. As a result, as per Guam Law (17 GCA Chapter 6, Section 6109), we ventured into the world of homeschooling.
My son has learned a great deal at his own pace in each of the content areas. He has even set a goal that aside from completing his homeschool experience, he will take the GED exam. I'm proud that he is looking ahead, because next school year he'll be a senior. However, if he becomes truly ambitious, he might even take the GED before then and be able to attend college a year earlier.
As you can see, homeschooling has worked to accommodate my son who has unique needs that we, as parents, made sure were provided. As I further reflect on my homeschool teaching, I think my husband and I made the right decision. My son is happier now, since he doesn't have to fight with his uniform. His skin specialist has seen some improvement, although we still go in for follow-up visits, because his condition still mildly exists. Improvements in every level have made a difference! We are looking forward to another wonderful year of homeschooling!
Friday, December 31, 2010
Happy Holidays!
Happy New Year from around the Pacific! May the year 2011 bring you many blessings filled with much love, joy, peace, and happiness!HAPPY NEW YEAR! - English
Filis Añu Nuebo! – Chamorro
Feliz Año Nuevo! – Spanish
Engan ke ya sasu! - Kosraean
Gung Hay Fat Choy – Chinese
Ungil Beches Er Rak! – Palauan
Selsalan Ebéach e duw! – Yapese
Peren En Parakapw! – Pohnpeian
Hauoli Makahiki Hou – Hawaiian
Pwapwan Ei Ier Mi Fo – Chuukese
Sehe Bokmanee Bateuseyo! – Korean
Maligayang Bagong Taon – Tagalog
Cung-Chuc Tan-Xuan! – Vietnamese
Jeramman ilo iio in ekaal! – Marshallese
Akemashite Omedetou Gozaimasu – Japanese
Ameseighil ubwutiiwel Layúi Luugh me raagh féé! – Carolinian
Image source: Google.com
Merry Christmas from around the Pacific!~Felis Pasgua (Chamorro)
~Maligayan Pasko (Tagalog)
~Peren en Krismas (Pohnpeian)
~Monono ilo raaneoan Nejin (Marshallese)
~Falang e Baynag (Yapese)
~Tok Tapeng (Kosraean)
~Ungil Kurismas (Palauan)
~Pwapwan Kirisimas (Chuukese)
~Mele Kalikimaka (Hawaiian)
~Ameseighil ubwutiiwel Layi Luugh me raagh fee (Carolinian)
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Homeschool News - October 2010 Guam Council IRA Newsletter
I get many homeschooling ideas from the International Reading Association. They also have various educational resources. Let's continue to support each other in our homeschooling efforts to empower our children to become lifelong learners!
Click here to view the October 2010 Newsletter.
Click here to view the October 2010 Newsletter.Saturday, September 18, 2010
Conference for Homeschool Teachers: 23rd Annual Regional Language Arts Conference
Homeschool teachers are gearing up for another staff development at the 23rd Annual Regional Language Arts Conference. Read below for details.
SCAFFOLDING READING AND WRITING INSTRUCTION FOR PACIFIC
ISLAND STUDENTS
Friday-Saturday, November 5 - 6, 2010
Guam Marriott Resort and Spa
Sponsored by:
University of Guam College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences
School of Education
International Reading Association, Guam Council
Friday-Saturday, November 5 - 6, 2010
Guam Marriott Resort and Spa
Sponsored by:
University of Guam College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences
School of Education
International Reading Association, Guam Council
Guam Department of Education
.
GRADUATE CREDITS/CEUs:
You can also earn 2 graduate credits/CEUs for the conference. For more information, contact the Professional International Programs (PIP) at 735-2601. You may also e-mail the instructor, Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera at mnrivera1@yahoo.com.
Be sure to mark your calendar for the Language Arts Conference!
For more information, e-mail: uguam.languageartsconference@yahoo.com
You can also earn 2 graduate credits/CEUs for the conference. For more information, contact the Professional International Programs (PIP) at 735-2601. You may also e-mail the instructor, Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera at mnrivera1@yahoo.com.
Be sure to mark your calendar for the Language Arts Conference!
For more information, e-mail: uguam.languageartsconference@yahoo.com
Sunday, September 5, 2010
IRA Resource for Homeschooling - September 2010 Newsletter
The Guam Council of the International Reading Association helps educators and parents alike discover the wonder and the worlds to be found in books. Guam IRA is a professional organization for individuals who are genuinely concerned with the development of reading programs for children and adults. It is a group of people who work together to improve literacy and reading instruction in Guam and Micronesia.
Click on the image below to view the Guam IRA September 2010 Newsletter, which I'm sure many homeschoolers will appreciate. If you are unable to view the newsletter, visit Guam IRA's website at http://iraguam.blogspot.com/. Enjoy!
Click on the image below to view the Guam IRA September 2010 Newsletter, which I'm sure many homeschoolers will appreciate. If you are unable to view the newsletter, visit Guam IRA's website at http://iraguam.blogspot.com/. Enjoy!
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Homeschoolers turn out for the IGP Carnival and Concert!
From the Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI) game booth & face painting to the Santa Barbara School Read Alouds, jump rope activities, Notre Dame Class of 2011 and WestCare booths, IGP Awards, amazing concert/entertainment performances, IGP Poetry Slam, Open House, jumpers, prizes, refreshments, raffles, and so much more, all participants had a blast!
Enjoy the following snapshots taken during this memorable event!
Enjoy the following snapshots taken during this memorable event!
Friday, July 9, 2010
Homeschool News: 29th Annual International PIBBA Conference
As homeschool parents, it is important for us to seek effective resources that are available to continue to effectively teach our children at home. In light of this, I have made it a point to participate and present at the 29th Annual International Pacific Islands Bilingual Bicultural Association (PIBBA) Conference in the Republic of the Marshall Islands. The following is a story that describes the conference.
Pictured above: PIBBA participants from Guam and Pohnpei are ready to attend the Opening Ceremony of the 29th Annual International PIBBA Conference at the RMI International Conference Center on June 22, 2010. Pictured front row L-R: Shelten G. Neth, Frances Sablan, Julia Shore, Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, and Jacqueline Hazen. Back row: Nelsin Iriarte, Koshy Reuney, Dr. Arlene S. Diaz, and Marie Salas.
Pictured above: PIBBA recipients for the Teacher of the Year and Pioneer of the Year were awarded on June 24, 2010.
Pictured above: PIBBA participants show off the coconut-weaving artifacts they made, as part of the presentation titled, Using Coconut Weaving in Guam Classrooms to Improve the Language Arts and Mathematics Skills of Local Students presented by Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera and Kos Reuney, ESL Coordinators from the Guam Department of Education.
Pictured above: Jaqueline Hazen from the Island Research and Education Initiative (IREI) introduced several sets of bilingual books developed in collaboration with local educators and linguists in the four states of FSM. Pictured L-R: Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, Nelsin Iriarte, Hazen, and Kos Reuney.
The 29th Annual International Pacific Islands Bilingual Bicultural Association (PIBBA) Conference was filled with cultural excitement that has left a lasting impression for all participants from across the Pacific region! The conference theme, “Reviving the Languages and Cultures of the Pacific – Kubwij Buni Eo” was highlighted in each of the conference days from June 22-25, 2010 in the Republic of the Marshall Islands. Each day featured the gathering of participants presenting cultural presentations, songs, and entertainment. Of course, the conference also highlighted PIBBA’s song, which includes all the languages of the region, such as the following chorus: “Iokwe, Raan Annim, Kaselehlia, Alii, Aloha, Olomwaay, Hafa Dei, Tuwoh, Mogethin, Talofa.”
Among the entities that attended the conference are Republic of the Marshall Islands, Republic of Palau, Chuuk, CNMI, Pohnpei, Kosrae, Yap, and Guam. The mission of PIBBA is to bring these entities together to promote cultural and language activities by disseminating information, involving communities, and encouraging quality education programs through the western Pacific.
The first night of the PIBBA Conference featured a cultural opening ceremony that was held at the RMI International Conference Center and special dinner hosted by President Jurelang Zedkeia and First Lady Hannah Jurelang Zedkaia. The familiar “Yokwe” could be heard throughout the walls of the center. The evening included a special cultural dance and appearance by the Paramount Chief, welcoming remarks by Honorable Titus Langrine, special message from His Excellency Irooj Jurelang Zedkeia delivered by Acting President Amenta Matthew, special address by Dr. Sharon Nelson-Barber, remarks by PIBBA President Rosa Salas Palomo, a closing prayer by Rev. Enja Enos, introductions by Immediate Past-President Shelten Neth and emcee Molly Helkena, chanting by Willie Mwekto, and performances by the Marshall Islands High School Choir/Special Education students and Majuro Atoll Local Government Choir.
The second through fourth days of the PIBBA Conference were held at the Marshall Islands High School, which began with breakfast, entertainment, announcements, guest speakers, and acknowledgements. The second day featured guest speaker and RMI 2010 Pioneer of the Year, Alfred Capelle, followed by various cultural and educational/language workshops.
The third day featured guest speaker Dr. Hilda Heine, followed by various cultural and educational/language workshops, and a special awards ceremony for the Indigenous Teacher of the Year and Pioneer of the Year for each of the entities.
The final day of the conference featured guest speaker US Ambassador Martha Campbell, followed by additional cultural and educational/language workshops. The PIBBA International Business Meeting was later conducted, and the new PIBBA officers were elected. The new position of webmaster was also introduced during the business meeting. The newly elected PIBBA Officers include the following:
President: Cheta Anien
President-Elect: Senator Kathy Kesolei
Secretary: Frances Sablan
Treasurer: Shelten G. Neth
International Historian: Dr. Marilyn Salas
Webmaster: Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera
Immediate Past-President: Rosa Salas Palomo
The day ended with a silent auction of cultural arts & crafts and a closing ceremony and dinner hosted at the RMI International Convention Center. It featured meaningful traditional performances and presentation of gifts from all the Pacific entities.
We extend a big “Kommool Tata” to all PIBBA Conference steering committee members, and all the entities that joined us to make the 29th Annual International PIBBA Conference a memorable event that will always be remembered for years to come! Thank you! Kommool! Si Yu’os Ma’ase’! Kalahngan! Kinissow! Mesulang! Kammagar!
Pictured above: PIBBA participants from Guam and Pohnpei are ready to attend the Opening Ceremony of the 29th Annual International PIBBA Conference at the RMI International Conference Center on June 22, 2010. Pictured front row L-R: Shelten G. Neth, Frances Sablan, Julia Shore, Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, and Jacqueline Hazen. Back row: Nelsin Iriarte, Koshy Reuney, Dr. Arlene S. Diaz, and Marie Salas.
Pictured above: PIBBA recipients for the Teacher of the Year and Pioneer of the Year were awarded on June 24, 2010.
Pictured above: PIBBA participants show off the coconut-weaving artifacts they made, as part of the presentation titled, Using Coconut Weaving in Guam Classrooms to Improve the Language Arts and Mathematics Skills of Local Students presented by Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera and Kos Reuney, ESL Coordinators from the Guam Department of Education.
Pictured above: PIBBA presenters prepare themselves for their scheduled presentations. Pictured L-R: Dr. Greg Tainatongo, Kos Reuney, Dr. Sharon Nelson-Barber, Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, and Julia Shore.
Pictured above: The Majuro Atoll Local Government Choir perform during the PIBBA Conference Opening Ceremony held June 22, 2010 at the RMI International Convention Center.
Pictured above: Marshall Islands Choir and Special Education Students perform during the PIBBA Conference Opening Ceremony held June 22, 2010 at the RMI International Convention Center.
Pictured above: Pohnpei presenters pose during their Values Behind Proverbs workshop. Pictured L-R: Maria Donre, Nelsin Iriarte, and Rickson Higgins.
Pictured above: Jaqueline Hazen from the Island Research and Education Initiative (IREI) introduced several sets of bilingual books developed in collaboration with local educators and linguists in the four states of FSM. Pictured L-R: Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, Nelsin Iriarte, Hazen, and Kos Reuney.The 29th Annual International Pacific Islands Bilingual Bicultural Association (PIBBA) Conference was filled with cultural excitement that has left a lasting impression for all participants from across the Pacific region! The conference theme, “Reviving the Languages and Cultures of the Pacific – Kubwij Buni Eo” was highlighted in each of the conference days from June 22-25, 2010 in the Republic of the Marshall Islands. Each day featured the gathering of participants presenting cultural presentations, songs, and entertainment. Of course, the conference also highlighted PIBBA’s song, which includes all the languages of the region, such as the following chorus: “Iokwe, Raan Annim, Kaselehlia, Alii, Aloha, Olomwaay, Hafa Dei, Tuwoh, Mogethin, Talofa.”
Among the entities that attended the conference are Republic of the Marshall Islands, Republic of Palau, Chuuk, CNMI, Pohnpei, Kosrae, Yap, and Guam. The mission of PIBBA is to bring these entities together to promote cultural and language activities by disseminating information, involving communities, and encouraging quality education programs through the western Pacific.
The first night of the PIBBA Conference featured a cultural opening ceremony that was held at the RMI International Conference Center and special dinner hosted by President Jurelang Zedkeia and First Lady Hannah Jurelang Zedkaia. The familiar “Yokwe” could be heard throughout the walls of the center. The evening included a special cultural dance and appearance by the Paramount Chief, welcoming remarks by Honorable Titus Langrine, special message from His Excellency Irooj Jurelang Zedkeia delivered by Acting President Amenta Matthew, special address by Dr. Sharon Nelson-Barber, remarks by PIBBA President Rosa Salas Palomo, a closing prayer by Rev. Enja Enos, introductions by Immediate Past-President Shelten Neth and emcee Molly Helkena, chanting by Willie Mwekto, and performances by the Marshall Islands High School Choir/Special Education students and Majuro Atoll Local Government Choir.
The second through fourth days of the PIBBA Conference were held at the Marshall Islands High School, which began with breakfast, entertainment, announcements, guest speakers, and acknowledgements. The second day featured guest speaker and RMI 2010 Pioneer of the Year, Alfred Capelle, followed by various cultural and educational/language workshops.
The third day featured guest speaker Dr. Hilda Heine, followed by various cultural and educational/language workshops, and a special awards ceremony for the Indigenous Teacher of the Year and Pioneer of the Year for each of the entities.
The final day of the conference featured guest speaker US Ambassador Martha Campbell, followed by additional cultural and educational/language workshops. The PIBBA International Business Meeting was later conducted, and the new PIBBA officers were elected. The new position of webmaster was also introduced during the business meeting. The newly elected PIBBA Officers include the following:
President: Cheta Anien
President-Elect: Senator Kathy Kesolei
Secretary: Frances Sablan
Treasurer: Shelten G. Neth
International Historian: Dr. Marilyn Salas
Webmaster: Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera
Immediate Past-President: Rosa Salas Palomo
The day ended with a silent auction of cultural arts & crafts and a closing ceremony and dinner hosted at the RMI International Convention Center. It featured meaningful traditional performances and presentation of gifts from all the Pacific entities.
We extend a big “Kommool Tata” to all PIBBA Conference steering committee members, and all the entities that joined us to make the 29th Annual International PIBBA Conference a memorable event that will always be remembered for years to come! Thank you! Kommool! Si Yu’os Ma’ase’! Kalahngan! Kinissow! Mesulang! Kammagar!
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Homeschool News: Visit IslanderView.com for Pacific Insight!
Hafa Adai! Check out the IslanderView.com ezine to discover various important and interesting information regarding our beautiful island of Guam and the rest of the wondrous Pacific entities that surround us. The ezine's Publisher, Vera Dela Cruz, and her team have done an inspirational job to keep us informed in the Pacific. In addition, this month's feature story includes an article on yours truly, so I hope you'll take the time to read it at http://islanderview.com/ or http://islanderview.com/yahoo_site_admin/assets/docs/Interview_with_Dr_Matilda_Naputi_Rivera-June.159220152.pdf If you haven't visited IslanderView.com yet, visit it now, and I'm confident that you'll enjoy viewing it too! Un Dangkulo Na Si Yu'os Ma'ase'!
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Homeschool News: PBS Guam Breakfast Event
Click on the image above to get a larger view of the above important announcement.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Homeschool News - Guam IRA Receives Honorable Awards in 55th Annual Convention
The Guam Council of the International Reading Association (IRA) received honorable awards during IRA's 55th Annual Convention held in Chicago. The rewards that were awarded include Honor Council and Honor Roll. Please see the awards above. IRA is to be commended on making a difference in the literacy development of our island's children of all ages.
IRA helps educators and parents alike discover the wonder and the worlds to be found in books. Guam IRA is a professional organization for individuals who are genuinely concerned with the development of reading programs for children and adults. It is a group of people who work together to improve literacy and reading instruction in Guam and Micronesia. To find out more information about the Guam IRA, visit its website at http://iraguam.blogspot.com/.
Monday, May 10, 2010
IRA Resource for Homeschooling - May 2010 Newsletter
The Guam Council of the International Reading Association helps educators and parents alike discover the wonder and the worlds to be found in books. Guam IRA is a professional organization for individuals who are genuinely concerned with the development of reading programs for children and adults. It is a group of people who work together to improve literacy and reading instruction in Guam and Micronesia.
Click on the image below to view the Guam IRA May 2010 Newsletter, which I'm sure many homeschoolers will appreciate. If you are unable to view the newsletter, visit Guam IRA's website at http://iraguam.blogspot.com/. Enjoy!
Click on the image below to view the Guam IRA May 2010 Newsletter, which I'm sure many homeschoolers will appreciate. If you are unable to view the newsletter, visit Guam IRA's website at http://iraguam.blogspot.com/. Enjoy!
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