Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Using Internet Tools to Enhance Mulitcultural Education Presentation

Graduate students enrolled in ED638: Teaching with the Internet presented at the University of Guam’s 22nd Annual Regional Language Arts Conference held November 6 and 7 at the University of Guam and Guam Marriott Resort & Spa. The theme of the conference was Multicultural Approaches in Language Arts Education. The students’ presentation titled Using Internet Tools to Enhance Multicultural Education explored web sites aimed at enhancing multicultural education, including reading, writing, collaboration, professional development, instructional technology, WebQuests, and more. Pictured L-R first row: Angela Sablan; Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, instructor; and Marife Fernandez. Second row L-R: Darlene Quichocho, Ceria Santos, Tessa Pfahler, Yolanda Tabayoyong, Nadine Cruz, and Josephine Mesa Cruz. Back row L-R: Alan Jamison and Devin Paciente.

Saturday, December 26, 2009

Happy Holidays!

May you have the merriest of holidays, and may the year 2010 be a prosperous one that will bring you and your family much love, joy, peace, and happiness! We are hopeful that family literacy in the Pacific will continue to be strengthened and make a difference in the lives of our children!

A Special Literacy Website Contribution by Devin Paciente

As part of our community contribution to promote literacy, the University of Guam’s ED638* students and I will continue to share effective literacy websites that we think you’ll enjoy and learn from at the same time!

Website: Funschool
URL: http://www.funschool.com/
Contributor: Devin Paciente



The website http://www.funschool.com/ provides learning activities for students, teachers and parents. There are many learning activities for grade levels Pre-K to 6th grade. Most of the activities are quiz-type games that users can play for subjects such as Reading, Language Arts, and Math. There are also games for content areas, such as Science, Social Studies, and Health.

For students in Pre-K, there are matching, counting and printable coloring activities. K-2 students can have fun learning how to type and spell with the Language game Super Hyper Spider Typer! Students in the 3rd-4th grades can have fun with math and memorizing activities that become more challenging as they progress through levels. The 5th-6th grade students can apply their knowledge to trivia-type games on a variety of subjects. The website also includes a game that helps young learners support recycling.

The website also includes a link for parents to http://www.kaboose.com/. On the website there is a blog where parents can read and share their stories, parenting tips, family activities, or just simply exchange ideas. Parents can also find seasonal/thematic arts and crafts activities, as well as many recipes that they can experiment with, such as grilling, cooking with kids, or healthy eating.

*ED638: Teaching with the Internet

Guam International Reading Association's 10th Annual Community Book Fair

Pictured above: Joaquin Naputi Abraham "Kinny" Rivera enjoyed his visit with Clifford the Big Red Dog during the Guam IRA's 10th Annual Community Book Fair.


The Guam International Reading Association's 10th Annual Community Book Fair was held at the Agana Shopping Center on Saturday, December 12, 2009 from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. There were exciting student performances, including the appearance of the popular St. Francis Honor Choir.

A special appearance of Clifford the Big Red Dog was also available. The community presentation of IRA’s Community Book Baskets benefitted the following: University of Guam’s School of Education Literacy Lab, Guam Memorial Hospital’sPediatric Ward, Erica’s House, Department of Youth Affairs, and the Alee Shelter in order to promote literacy. There were also an array of books for children of all ages! There were paperback and hardcover books, young adult literature, and an assortment of professional books—all at affordable prices. There were also software, novelties, and brand new Read-A-Thon 2010: “Go Green, Go Read” stocking stuffers. Books for IRA’s upcoming visiting author, Eric Ode, were also on sale. There were also items from Southern Creations, PBS Guam, School Essentials, and Scholastic. Other features included the make-n-take children’s craft table, face painting, gift wrapping stations, raffle prizes, and more! This was a meaningful family literacy event that will always be remembered!

A Special Literacy Website Contribution by Tara Balajadia

As part of our community contribution to promote literacy, the University of Guam's ED638* students and I will be sharing effective literacy websites that we think you'll enjoy and learn from at the same time!



Website: FunBrain
URL: http://www.funbrain.com/
Contributor: Tara Balajadia

FunBrain is an interactive website that offers educational activities for grade levels K – 8. Language Arts and Mathematical skills are reinforced through child friendly games. The website also offers a teacher resource and a homework help link.

The teacher resource link has a curriculum guide that groups games by title, subject, and grade level. The grouping is designed to help teachers easily choose appropriate games for their lessons. Math flashcard print outs are available on the teacher resource link. Teachers can create on- line quizzes for students to answer on the Quiz Lab link.

Funbrain offers the student games to practice math and language arts. Students log on to a game by their grade level and rate of difficulty. The language arts games target skills such as spelling, grammar, and word meaning skills. Math skills vary from number identification, measurement, addition, subtraction, and fractions. Students can join the blog sessions or send e-cards to other students. The homework help link offers reference materials with just a click away.

*ED638: Teaching with the Internet

The Importance of Family Support




The family is considered to be one of the most powerful indicators of success for children. Parents’ literacy skills, along with their attitudes about learning, have an immense impact on their children’s academic achievement. The family is considered to be the venue for the transmission of knowledge, skills, and values from one generation to another.Enjoy the following poem that further describes the importance of home-school connection:

UNITY

I dreamed I stood in a studio and watched two sculptors there.
The clay they used was a young child’s mind, and they fashioned it with care.

One was a teacher – The tools she used were books and music and art.
The other, a parent, with a guiding hand and a gentle, loving heart.

Day after day the teacher toiled with a touch that was deft and sure,
While the parent labored by her side, and polished and smoothed it o’er.

And when at last their task was done, they were proud of what they had wrought,
For the things they had molded into the child could never be sold nor bought.

And each agreed he would have failed if he had worked alone,
For behind the parent stood the school,
And behind the teacher the home.
-Author Unknown

Read Across America 2008

Read Across America: The UOG Early Childhood Program in partnership with the Association Childhood Education International (ACEI) and the Guam Public Library System, hosted a Read Across America event in celebration of Dr. Seuss’ 104th birthday on Saturday, March 8, 2008 at the Hagatna Public Library.Pictured kneeling L-R: Asherdee Rosete, ACEI Advisor and Early Childhood Professor; Beauty Letewaiyal; Suemalee Torres; Viviann Joy Rivera; Bobbie Arevalo; Jona Abaya; and Kimberlie Castro. Standing L-R: Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, ACEI Advisor and Language & Literacy Professor; Jeannie Chapman; Brianne Naputi; Jovonne Aguon, ACEI President; Myleen Ramos, ACEI Secretary; Mariana Santos; Danielle Bansil; Jennifer Blas, ACEI Vice President; Ewalani Escrupulo; Mayrene Huffer; Vaughn Baisa; Alicia Quintanilla; Antoinette Arriola; Julia Tyquiengco; Dr. Marilyn Jackson, ACEI Advisor and Early Childhood Professor; Erika Flores; Marita Pareja; and Kenneth Castro. Not pictured is Lehualani Kahele, ACEI PRO.

Read Across America

Read Across America: Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera (seated), and her ED642 students from the UOG’s School of Education, take part in the Read Across America in honor of Dr. Seuss’ 100th Birthday held on March 2, 2004 at the Hagatna Public Library.Pictured L-R: Jennifer Concepcion, Brigida Agustin, Amanda Quan, The Cat in the Hat (Victor Palomo), Tressa Cundiff, Rosemarie Castro, Gemee-Lynn Escuadra, and R-Lynn Layson.

Language and Literacy Book Fair

Language and Literacy Book Fair: Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera and her ED642 students from the University of Guam's School of Education are pictured participating in the Language and Literacy Book Fair, with the theme, "Literature Around the World," held April 17 at the Guam Marriott Resort & Spa. From left: Brigida Agustin; Xylina Torres; R-Lynn Layson; Gemee-Lynn Escuadra; Dr. Rivera; Tressa Rose Cundiff; Rosemarie Castro; and Jennifer Concepcion. Not pictured is Amanda Quan.

Family Literacy: Did you know?

Here are some insightful thoughts that you may or may not know about literacy. Enjoy!



Did you know?

by

Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera

*The foundation for the love of reading and writing begins at an early age at home.

*Parents are a child’s first and most influential teachers.

*If the adults in the home don’t read or write, the children are not likely to pick up the reading and writing habit.

*Early literacy skills are the foundation for all future learning.

*Something magical happens when a child reads the right book at the right time. If a child finds that a character in a book suffers from the same fears as his own, then he knows that he is not alone in life.

*Children learn to become better readers and writers by engaging in reading and writing.

*Reading helps to develop one’s imagination. No new inventions or designs would ever be created without imagination.

*Those who have difficulty in reading and writing in the primary grades tend to remain behind in their academic studies.

*No single reading program is a quick fix. Use a variety of positive literacy strategies to enhance a child's reading experience.

*Rhyme, rhythm, and repetition of stories make predictions easier.

*Immersing a child in oral language activities positively facilitates language acquisition.

*Using prior knowledge and context to predict enriches a child’s reading and writing experience.

*Responding positively to a child’s attempts to read and write enhances literacy.

*Quality time is essential. Take the time to enjoy reading with your child!

*Above all, TOGETHER, WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE! A genuine partnership in a child’s reading and writing experience only leads to literacy success.

Family Literacy

Family Literacy: The Rivera Kids were awarded during the Guam Public Library System’s “Hang Out & Read” 2007 Summer Reading Program. Pictured above L-R: Fausto, Joaquin, and Julia Naputi Rivera.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


There’s no doubt that family literacy is essential in today’s society. If we continue to foster family literacy, I have faith that we can make positive things happen in our society. Enjoy the following poem that portrays this very subject:

FAMILY LITERACY

F amily Literacy
A lways will remain
M eaningful as can be
I n this ever-changing society.
L isten, read, write, and learn with each passing day --
Y ou can do it!

L et your life be enriched
I n literacy and beyond because,
T ogether as a family
E verything will naturally work out for the better.
R emember...
A bove all...
C onsistency is the key.
Y ou and I can make positive things happen for Family Literacy!
©mnrivera

Reading is the Key


As an educator and a parent, I know the importance of reading. I encourage others to motivate their children to read, and to be reminded that reading is the key to get ahead in life. I hope you enjoy the following poem that tells us all about this very subject:


READING IS THE KEY

Reading is the key
To take you to places far and beyond
To capture your heart
To gain a wealth of knowledge
As you journey into an exciting world
Filled with meaningful words
Found in a book
Found in a magazine
Found in a newspaper
Found in a journal
Found in a comic –
Found in anything with print.


Take the time to read.
Read here
Read there
Read anywhere and everywhere
For the stories never cease
And the reading never ends
For the reader with the passion
To read, read, and read!


So if you want to go to worthwhile places
And reach the pinnacle of success
You can possess the winning ingredient
By taking the time to READ!

©mnrivera

The Importance of Family Literacy

The family is considered to be one of the most powerful indicators of success for children. Parents’ literacy skills, along with their attitudes about learning, have an immense impact on their children’s academic achievement. The family is considered to be the venue for the transmission of knowledge, skills, and values from one generation to another.

Family literacy is a way to teach families to read and write so that they can help their children at home. It embraces the intergenerational links which can interrupt the cycle of illiteracy. In an effort to promote family literacy, I’ve created the ABC’s of Family Literacy, which include the following:


ABC's of Family Literacy


A lways take the time to read to your child at home.


B elieve in your child’s ability to achieve literacy success.


C reate a print-rich environment.


D iscover the importance of literacy together.


E ncourage your child to read daily.


F ocus on a positive reading experience.


G rab your favorite book and read!


H andle reading and writing with care.


I nspire your child to read with meaning.


J oin family literacy events.


K eep up the great work!


L isten to your child read.


M ake reading a ritual at home.


N ever give up!


O pen your mind to the wonderful world of reading!


P repare your child for literacy success.


Q uality time is essential. Make time for it.


R ead and write with enjoyment.


S et a good role model.


T alk about the books you are reading.


U se prior experience and knowledge to enrich your child’s reading.


V isit the library or bookstore and select an age-appropriate book to enjoy reading.


W ear a SMILE!


X out and conquer all obstacles.


Y ou can make a difference!


Z oom in on literacy strategies to enhance reading.




Family literacy is important in our ever-changing society. Our children must listen, read, write, and learn each day, so that their lives can be enriched in meaningful literacy. There’s no doubt that when family literacy is strengthened, our children’s literacy skills will increase.


Family Literacy Web Site Resources:


Family Literacy Foundation: http://www.read2kids.org/

Family Literacy Resource Notebook: http://literacy.kent.edu/Oasis/famlitnotebook/

National Center for Family Literacy: http://www.famlit.org/

International Reading Association: http://www.reading.org/

American Library Association: http://www.ala.org/

Motheread, Inc.: http://motheread.org/

National Even Start Association: http://www.evenstart.org/

Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy: http://www.barbarabushfoundation.com/






Pictured above: The Rivera Kids were awarded during the Guam Public Library System’s “Hang Out & Read” 2007 Summer Reading Program. Pictured L-R: Fausto, Joaquin, and Julia Naputi Rivera.

Family Literacy Presentation

Lois and I presented a Family Literacy Workshop during the Professional Leadership Conference 2008 titled, “Silebrasion I Familian Guahan – Celebrating the Families of Guam.” The conference was hosted by the Guam Child Care and Development Association, UOG’s School of Education Early Childhood Program, and the Association for Childhood Education International on April 19 & 20 at the School of Education. We received a certificate of appreciation for presenting at the conference.


Pictured above L-R: Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera and Lois Taitano Gumataotao.


ABC's of Family Literacy

by Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera



A lways take the time to read to your child at home.
B elieve in your child’s ability to achieve literacy success.
C reate a print-rich environment.
D iscover the importance of literacy together.
E ncourage your child to read daily.
F ocus on a positive reading experience.
G rab your favorite book and read!
H andle reading and writing with care.
I nspire your child to read with meaning.
J oin family literacy events.
K eep up the great work!
L isten to your child read.
M ake reading a ritual at home.
N ever give up!
O pen your mind to the wonderful world of reading!
P repare your child for literacy success.
Q uality time is essential. Make time for it.
R ead and write with enjoyment.
S et a good role model.
T alk about the books you are reading.
U se prior experience and knowledge to enrich your child’s reading.
V isit the library or bookstore and select an age-appropriate book to enjoy reading.
W ear a SMILE!
X out and conquer all obstacles.
Y ou can make a difference!
Z oom in on literacy strategies to enhance reading.