Staff Blog
The fourth quarter of the school year was about to start and we decided to move up some students who were academically progressing to a new grade level. I was delighted, excited, and yet a little bit nervous thinking that I would have a new student who is intelligent, gifted, and of course, well-loved by everyone both in school and in the shelter.
The first few weeks were filled with many things to adapt to, and I prayed that the new student would not be too overwhelmed by the change. Slowly, with the help of the responsive classroom approach we implemented, it supports the student to have an easy transition to a new environment.
In our school, we usually do our morning routines such as greetings, group sharing activities, reading of the morning message, and praying before we start our classes. One of the best memories of my journey with this boy was when he first greeted me with my name as his "new teacher" and hugged me. He even asked me about my morning. He was so excited!
The first day with him was not as smooth as I hoped for. There were a few bumps. This was the reason why we observed him in the classroom and modifications were made to suit the student's needs. He would always choose to be the first person in the line, but I explained that we have our rules on "taking turns," and he already had his chance. When I checked on him outside the classroom the next day, he sat on his spot and patiently waited for others to come. I realized that firmness and consistency are two powerful tools to achieve successful classroom management.
Another classroom scene that made my day was when we had our group sharing. Knowing that younger students are visual learners, I added fun pictures to make our sharing more interactive and to get their attention. As I flashed some images on the screen, I heard him laugh as if he was being tickled. It went on for a long time, and it certainly gave his classmates a stomachache laughing with him which caused a little bit of chaos in the class. So, I gave him 30 seconds, and he did stop. It was effective, then we began with our sharing. Since that moment, we've been working on calling the name of the next sharer. He was very observant and quick to realize that he needed to do the same to his classmates. To our surprise, he was able to call the next sharer without his classmate's help and use the phrase "Popcorn, student's name." Everyone in the class was shocked and happy, telling me, "Teacher Lyrah, have you heard him saying popcorn? He learns so fast!" Truly, success happens not just because of one person working as "the teacher," but it includes the students and peers who help one another and have a common goal to lift each other up.
Moreover, I have noticed that he is gifted and very clever. I had set aside things each morning and prepared different materials that he would need to stay focused in our class. These things will be given after each class activity. It was essential to remind him that he needed to finish his tasks then he could use what is prepared for him. Well, being firm with expectations and setting classroom boundaries are challenging at times; however, at CCHS we always do it with love and care.
He appeared to be adjusting into our classroom setting over the next few days. He also loves to participate when being asked. Though, he needed some reminders from time to time for him to stay on track. There was one instance in the middle of our discussion he stood up and asked for his dinosaur books. We stopped, and most of his classmates reminded him to ask permission every time he stands or wants to have something. He did go back to his seat and asked permission. But it was not time for him to read a book yet. So, he participated in our reading first and answered all the activities. Then he got the book for him to enjoy. Another strategy that was very effective to him was giving him a time frame before he could get his desired reading materials. These things didn't come easy, it requires hard work, patience, determination, cooperation, and above all, love. We made a lot of classroom modifications to cater for his needs and the rest of the class.
To be successful in the classroom, as teachers, we need to set clear classroom boundaries for our students.
As Colossians 3:23-24 says: "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward."
Teen Home
It's been awhile since we have talked about the Teen Home. I thought I would take this time to fill you in.
Edith and Undoy are our houseparents. Their oldest daughter is married and their youngest daughter lives at the Teen Home with them.
Julieto is 22 and is about to finish his third year of high school. After taking a couple of years off and working, he decided to go back to school. We are proud of him and how hard he is working in school. He has a great attitude and is liked by all.
Milbert is 17 and in his third year of high school. He is involved in church with praise and worship and continues to love music. He is activitely involved in the church youth group! Milbert and Julieto are both looking forward to prom this coming Friday night.
Maria is 35 already and continues to live at the Teen Home. She goes to school 2 afternoons a week to work on daily living skills. She works at the shelter and also at the local grocery store 2 days a week. Maria loves spending time with her friends and enjoys greeting people as they shop at the grocery store.
Arleen is 29 now. She continues to love music. She is hoping to volunteer at the Braille center this next school year. In her free time, she continues to practice piano and singing. She is hoping to take more music lessons in the near future. She would love to give private music lessons. She is an encouragement to each of us.
Roselyn is 25 and in her third year of college. She is majoring in Christian education. She enjoys school. She also enjoys teaching Sunday School on Sundays and working with kids. We are so proud of Roselyn. She maintains a positive attitude in all of her endeavors.
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Joemar
I wish you could all meet Joemar. Joemar will be 37 years old this year, and has lived at CSC since he was almost 9 years old. There has been a lot of life lived between those two numbers! Joemar interacts with the world at a cognitive age of 5-6 years old. He loves Superman, puzzles, flashlights, his cherished sea shells, his keys and Mr. Bean DVD's. Joemar is proud of his "balay" meaning his room in the Duterte home that he shares with his best buddy Jacob.
Joemar works at two local McDonalds restaurants. He clears tables, mops up spills, carries trays for customers, pours gravy (for the fried chicken that McDonalds is known for here) and overall cheers up McDonalds customers as well as staff. He loves going to work every day! Here at CSC Joemar keeps busy helping the cleaners up at school and visiting the Childcare and Nurses offices. He always bursts in our door with a smile, a loud greeting and usually some things to keep him busy for awhile (puzzles, books, paper...he always has a plan.) We can't help but smile when Joe comes to visit. Joemar simply loves life, and he lives life simply. Joemar's talks a lot, he can be hard to understand, but we have a few people here at CSC who are proficient in "Joemarese." What a joy to have a conversation with this guy.
Joemar has friends all over the world, and he never forgets a friend. But, he has no concept of time. Once he knows that someone is coming back to visit....be it this afternoon or two months from now...he reminds us numerous times a day that we should be going to the airport - NOW. He does not want to leave anyone standing at the airport I guess! So, we spend lots of time telling Joemar, "not today" and trying to explain that we will not forget to go and get his friend. The conversation will start all over again in a few hours though!
On Valentines day Joemar brought in supplies for an art project. He worked for over an hour drawing hearts, coloring them and writing his name at least 10 times on the paper. The whole time he was talking about "hats" -hearts and "baltins" - valentines. When he finally finished it he brought it to me. I asked him who it was for, he always is bringing me things that he makes for me to give to others. I was certain that this creation was for either his Housemother, Auntie Lourdes or the friend that he is thinking will be here any day (even though it is well over a month away) Auntie Lynn. But his answer to my question was a big smile, a finger pointing at me and a loud and clear "YOU!" He was so proud. I know that it came from his heart, and what an amazing heart that is.
I have known Joemar for almost 27 years and I literally could count on one hand how many days Joemar has not been happy. He finds joy in everything. We have all learned much from Joemar. The day God brought him to CSC is the day that CSC was brought just a little closer to understanding God's heart. We are blessed....I wish you could all meet Joemar.
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Valentine's Day
Thursday was Valentine's Day! The kids had been telling me all week that they were going to give me a "valentine's day" (cards). As soon as the kids walked into the school gate in the morning, they passed out letters to the teachers! So fun! Later in the day, we had a little party in our classroom and made some valentine cards to pass out to the kids' friends, aunties, uncles, and teachers.
The Level C girls decided to make necklaces for the teachers. Here is a picture of the Level C teachers sporting their valentine's!
Thanks to some visitors, we had some of the conversation heart candy! I passed out a few of them as Valentine's Day messages to the kids. I gave one of our 11-year-old girls one that said, "You Shine". Later that afternoon, she came back to my classroom and handed me a flower. She said, "This is for you Teacher Tam! You are so very shiny!" So cute! I love our kids!
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The Best Gift Ever
I had the great privilege of celebrating my 27th birthday with the kids and staff here at CSC. When I came up to the shelter a group of kids rushed towards me to give me cards they had made.
It was the highlight of my day month.
One card in particular stood out. It was from a 9 year old boy named Marko.
The note was precious and sincere, but what really stood out was inside the card.
A brand new notepad and pencil. A prized personal possession that he willingly parted with in order to be able to give me a gift for my birthday.
As is often the case, I've found that the kids here at CSC have taught me more than I've taught them. What a blessing it is to walk alongside these kind, generous, and beautiful children.
Thanks, Marko, for giving me the best birthday gift ever.
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What a gift!
A recent hand delivered gift brought smiles and moist eyes here in 
Cebu. Lloyd, a former CSC resident who was adopted by the Fagerlie family of Norway back in 2003, recently visited Cebu with his family. He is now 10 years old. For his last birthday he told his family and friends that he didn't want any gifts, but asked them to instead give a gift to CSC. While visiting at the Shelter he presented an envelope to the kids with 30,000 pesos (US$750) inside! He had a great time playing soccer with the kids and teaching them a great lesson in generosity and "giving back." Thanks Lloyd, and all the Fagelies for your visit and this amazing gift.
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