As students engage in putting projects together, creating crafts, and using familiar materials in new ways, they are constructing meaning. These are particular times of learning when students are stimulated to learn as much as possible. In our school, we support the many varied opportunities available to our children.
In one of my respective science classes, we were learning about ears and sounds. I decided to culminate the lesson with making drums out of recycled cans and wooden sticks. As the children worked, I took time to stand in a corner, totally captivated watching the kids paying careful attention to their craft. It was a wonderful sight. My little kids were like a different group of children in an instant. They were working happily with their busy hands and thinking out loud with their creative minds. It was amazing.
This is Group 2A Science Class applying their favorite paint and adding designs to their drums.
Here they were putting on the finishing touches before turning in the project.
Finally, after all the hard work, we had a parade around the backyard of our small school. Of course, we played our drums!
On a separate occasion with my SRA Reading class, we were reading the story Roxaboxen by Alice McLerran. It is a story about an imaginary town children created to play in. My students got excited and asked me if they could have their own Roxaboxen. Why! Yes, absolutely! Although I was not sure if it would be fun for the boys in class, it was actually adorable and exciting to watch them all work together. After all was said and done, my doubts disappeared. For one entire day, our classroom became a totally different, special place.
Here in our special place, the children were busy creating their rules and regulations – currency, industry, and a little bit with government. Two children helped manage a fine restaurant.
There were two stalls at the rear end of the town, a bookstore and their own version of Toy Kingdom with all the toys, games, and puzzles one could want.
Since it’s fun to have a lot of people in town, we invited some friends
to visit our place. We had so much fun!
Again in the corner where I stood, I thoughtfully watched my kids. I could see the children thinking differently and in creative ways. It was not only fun, but practical and would benefit them in the long run. I positively, absolutely believe my kids are heading toward bright futures.
Our school is a place where the hands, the heart, and the mind are collectively regarded as one. In days that turn into weeks and months that turn into years, in school our children are learning more than paper and pencil. They are learning hands-on as they grow.
Just a glimpse of one of our exciting days at school…
-Zel Templa, Level B Teacher
Tammy Vosika Winds Down
It is with a mixture of sadness and appreciation that we announce that, after eight years of teaching at Children of Hope School and being a member of our Cebu staff, Tammy Vosika will be ending her service with CSC. Tammy has been such an important part of our school and will be very much missed by the students at CHS, as well as the teachers, CSC workers and staff members.
Tammy has taught in Level C at CHS and has handled American Studies for the students who are going to the U.S. for adoption. She has worked with the Foster Friends program and headed up the Day of Hope program for CSC in Cebu.
We are so thankful to God for Tammy, and the way that she has used her talents though our ministry for the past eight years. Many children have been impacted by her.
We look forward to seeing what God has in store for Tammy in the next chapter of her life.
Habitat for Humanity Partnership
We are proud to announce a new partnership between CSC and Habitat for Humanity (HFH). It means new homes for 20 CSC employees!
The partnership is due to the hard work of our own Joel Reasoner, and especially his dad, Dr. Paul Reasoner of Bethel University. Paul has been raising money, and he and Joel have made excellent connections with the leaders of HFH in the Philippines. We are thankful for the eager support of Habitat's leadership. They have joined Paul and Joel to provide a great blessing to the people who care for CSC's precious children.
You might wonder why any CSC employees would need HFH homes. The number one factor is the cost of land in the Philippines. For many Filipinos, that land cost eliminates the ability to own their own home.
Habitat for Humanity has jumped in and provided land and expertise. Paul is hard at work raising funds to build. These great partners are hoping this is just the beginning, and so are we!
Thank you Paul, Joel and Habitat for Humanity. We are proud to be associated with you.
We Now Take Vehicles!
Donating a vehicle has become a popular way for Americans to support their favorite charity. Now CSC can accept these donations...from anywhere in the US! Simply visit our V-Dac Vehicle Donation page to give this unique gift to CSC. We don't have to manage any of the donation process, but the funds from your donation will go to work for our children in Cebu!