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...]
Catholic Homeschooling: A Guide and a Few Book Ideas
When I was pregnant with my first child, I received a book from my godmother that I believe set me on this path of Catholic homeschooling, not only just being my children's primary teacher, but making sure that they are raised in the faith.It was “Prayerfully Expecting: A Nine-Month Novena for Mothers-To-Be,” and it included several quotes from Vatican II about the role … [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...]
Living Filipino Books for Philippine Literature, Culture, and History
We find it effective to use Filipino living books and story books (not text books) to make our children fall in love with our language, history, and culture.In fact, we've published several articles about it through the years:The First Step to Teaching Kids Speak FilipinoFun Filipino Books for Babies, Toddlers, and Beginning ReadersHelping Our Kids Speak Filipino … [Read more...]