Staff Blog
One day I was kind of overwhelmed from thinking about some of the misbehavior issues I was dealing with in my classroom. When I walked outside I found a glass bottle that was full of dirt. An idea came to my mind. I thought about how the dirt-filled bottle related to the students in my class. I realized that the bottle would not be clean if the dirt stayed inside. The same is true with my students. When they misbehave it's like they're releasing the dirt inside their hearts and minds which came from bad experiences in their childhood. After they release this, they are easier to talk with and are willing to accept help. The students misbehaved because they didn't know how to release their hurt in a more healthy way.
As a trauma-informed Christian teacher, it is important for me to guide my students in helpful ways to release their "messiness" which can hinder their development as a whole, God-created person. When we clean a filthy glass bottle we let the dirt out of it so we can refill it with clean water. My students need help in processing through and releasing the messy things that have happened to them. Their misbehavior gives me a picture of the hurt they feel inside. I always pray to God for wisdom and strength so I can help my students and I know God has a purpose for me in working with these great kids.
Babies in God's Hands
When a new baby is being cradled lovingly in the arms of the person caring for him, we are given a glimpse of being held in the hands of God.
Two weeks ago, a two day old newborn boy came to CSC. This week, a little baby girl joined CSC at about one week old. They are both in good health, but still they need constant care, just like any newborn baby. They are fragile, demanding, beautiful, and completely dependent.
We are babies to God. We need constant care even when we are in the best place in our lives and doing the very best we can. With God’s hands to guide and protect us, we can do amazing things. Actually, God does amazing things through us.
It is humbling to care for a newborn baby. A baby's potential is vast and we can be a part of fulfilling that potential. God wants to use us to fulfill His plans.
| Show Comments | | | Leave a Comment | | | Category: | Shelter News |
National Teacher's Day!
Last Friday was National Teacher's Day! What a great day to be reminded of the many blessings we have in our talented faculty. It made me think of what makes a good teacher...well, good. All I had to do was watch our teachers in action and the answers are all there.
A good teacher...
gives their students a voice
prays over them
leads by example
strategizes with them
gives them the stage sometimes
lends a helping hand
motivates them to try
loves them
cheers them on
rewards their effort
and makes learning fun!
We have better than good teachers at Cebu Children of Hope School----we have phenomenal teachers! Please remember them in your prayers for CSC and I hope that you say an extra prayer for all teachers everywhere. Their job is a very tough, but oh so important one and they need God's strength in all that they do.
| Show Comments | | | Leave a Comment | | | Category: | School News |
ART ATTACK!
Art time is commonly one of the favorites of students around here. This is the time the students get to express themselves and release the inner artist. In art, there are open-ended and boundless creative possibilities.
Group 3A kids were eager and excited to have their art class, because they had missed it for three straight weeks due to scheduling conflicts. When I announced to the class what they were going to do, they were thrilled.
I set up the working area outdoors hoping they could connect with nature and get an inspiration while doing primary color painting. The frenzied students wanted to start right away each using a set of primary color paints with 3 brushes and 1 piece of white paper.
At first, some students were capricious and dubious of
what they were going to do or make. Were
they going to mix the colors to create new ones or work only with the primary
colors? But after a moment they were
overflowing with ideas.
It's so neat to see what they can do on their own. Each a work of art indeed!
- Jae Ann Labra, Level C Teacher
| Show Comments | | | Leave a Comment | | | Category: | School News |
Morning Meeting: Risk and Consequence and Astronomy
The Level C1 students have been reading about risk and consequence while C2 class has been reading about astronomy. They came together to lead morning meeting. Each class helped the other to show the other students what they have been learning.
The highlights of the morning included reciting Bible verses which dealt with promises and consequences from God, reenacting the moon landing of Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, and preforming the song “Outer Space” live—complete with guitars and puppets.
Check out the “Outer Space” song here.
| Show Comments | | | Leave a Comment | | | Category: | School News |
Future Leaders
“Train up a child in the way he should go
and when he is old he will not depart from them.”
Proverbs 22:6
Meet the future leaders and community helpers. Every day they come to school with fully charged energy, unstoppable curiosity, richly given ability, and a hungry desire to be trained.
Because they were blessed to have a chance to come to school and be given attention, with a big smile and with confidence, they say that in due time and with the Lord’s help they will be prepared to face life independently and be equipped to serve the community.
“When I grow up I want to be a teacher.” – Jennifer
“When I grow up I want to be a firefighter.” – Danilo
“When I grow up I want to be a police officer.” – Andrew
“When I grow up I want to be an army.” – Carlo
-Charis Adlawan, Level A Teacher
| Show Comments | | | Leave a Comment | | | Category: | School News |
