I was still reading my favorite classic children's books from childhood when I was a young professional and I remember having a good cry over Sarah in The Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett one weekend that I was home.I even have a distinct memory of wondering why I was still reading and enjoying the books that I loved when I was 10 years old. There might even have … [Read more...]
Cely’s Crocodile: A Book About Well-Known Filipina Artist Araceli Dans
Tahanan Books recently released the award-winning book titled Cely's Crocodile: The Art and Story. It is about the childhood of well-known and award-winning artist Araceli Dans during World War II.The author, Gabriela Lee, is the granddaughter of the artist, while the illustrator, Adrian Panadero, created the ingenious book Intramuros: The Walled City (Cut and Build Your … [Read more...]
Planting Seeds of Filipino Culture Through Folk Songs
In my years of teaching music and movement classes, I somehow did not realize that the songs in the program were mostly folk songs… American folk songs. While the kids (and my own children too) enjoyed the classes, I eventually became aware that opportunities to learn our own Philippine folk songs have been lost.Why teach folk songs?It was only when we transitioned … [Read more...]
Never Again: Books and Resources to Learn About Martial Law, Ninoy Aquino, and the EDSA Revolution
Unlike other nations who value history and make sure that people remember what happened in the past, the Philippines does not appear to be the same.Atrocities, abuses, and suppression of freedom that happened during the Marcos years are largely forgotten and not adequately taught in schools.Hence, we find ourselves constantly at the mercy of the same kind of people … [Read more...]
Biography for Composer Study
Composer study is one of the many fun things we do in our homeschool. For one school term, we get to know a composer's music by listening closely to around 5 to 6 selected pieces. We enjoy the music, and watch out for patterns, instruments, and feelings that it might evoke.I usually just follow the composer study planned out over at Ambleside Online (AO), while Sanne makes … [Read more...]