Thematic Lessons and GED

Happy New Year 2011! With the start of the new year, we will focus on each of the content areas with thematic lessons. The interdisciplinary unit has been quite resourceful, so I decided to extend the lesson with a daily theme (i.e. A Day in History) throughout the year. In the meantime, my son and I have a duo mission. We will focus not only on meeting the different content area skills, but also work on ensuring that he is prepared to take the GED this year.

A DAY IN HISTORY FOOD FOR THOUGHT - JANUARY

January 1: First day of the first month of the Gregorian calendar year, Anno Domini 2004, a Common Year, and (until July 4th) the 228th year of American independence.

Source: The Teacher's Calendar

End of the Year Reflection

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!

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)

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.

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

Guam Department of Education

Guam Marriott Resort and Spa


Download Presentation Form

Download Registration Form

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Hotel Accommodations

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

Visit the LAC website at www.uog.edu/languageartsconference

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!

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!