Batangas Today

Thursday, March 17, 2011

How Can We Eradicate Violence when Everyone Seems to Be Solving Problems Making Use of Violence?

How Can We Eradicate Violence when Everyone Seems to Be Solving Problems Making Use of Violence?

Even supposed to be mature persons do it to solve their problems. How can we teach children to be non-violent when our manner of speaking is violent, our method of solving problems is to commit violence against ourselves?

Can you leave some comments on this observation?

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Using Electrical Cords Safely Around Children

Using electrical extension cords wisely is one way of preventing fire hazards. The following are tips on their safe and proper use:

1. Do not overload electrical extension cords.

There is a limit to the amount of electric current an extension cord could handle. Holiday fire safety should be the utmost concern when installing these extensions. A proportion of one extension to two sockets would do. Three or more appliances connected to the extension cord could be a potential source of fire hazard.

FOR MORE OF THIS VISIT ONLINEINQUIRER.COM,



Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Avoid Violence - How to cope with a jealous partner

Extremely jealous partners are usually not in their sane minds. The intense emotion of jealousy clouds their judgment and it could overpower their rational thinking. No amount of explanation could make them understand and see reason. Although jealousy is a natural part of loving a person, when it becomes intense and misplaced, it is no longer normal and it becomes an ugly monster.

Hence, it is crucial that the other partner realizes this and reacts accordingly. So how could one cope with a jealous partner?

Here are some tips on coping with the green-eyed monster:

1. Avoid the root cause of your partner's jealousy. Once jealousy rears its ugly head, it will grow horns until it would have self destructed. That is why don't allow its head to appear. Keep it under wraps by avoiding circumstances that would permit your partner to start feeling jealous.
It is good to be amiable and to have many friends, but would it be worth it, if your relationship suffers and go to the doldrums?

2. Slowly introduce your partner to friends to let him understand that your friends are not threats to your relationship. Do this by going out in groups with your friends. Don't concentrate on one person alone.

3. Assure him more often that you love him. Insecurity is the major cause of jealousy. When your partner is sure of your love, then there is no reason for him to get jealous. Let him/her understand that you may have many friends but he is the only person who has your love and devotion.

4. When he is in a fit of jealousy, don't get angry. Remember, he could not think straight at the moment, so be the calmer person. Get yourself and him away from the person he is jealous of. Don't try to "talk" to him if he refuses to listen.

5. Do something productive (outdoor sports would be ideal- badminton, etc). This will take his mind away from the issue and give him sometime to recover. During the process do not attempt to explain, instead avoid contact with the person he is jealous of.

6. When he has calmed down, have a heart to heart talk with him. The only solution to the problem is when he is assured of your unconditional love and that he is certain that you love him and no other.


7. Don't just tell him you love him. Show through your thoughtful and caring actions.
And if you truly love him, then there will be no cause for him to get jealous because your actions would never indicate otherwise. You would always consider his feelings before doing anything. True love is expressed through actions and words. Being expressive of your love would help eradicate in your relationship that yellow headed-monster called jealousy.


Saturday, January 29, 2011

Peaceful Interaction with Other Children


Allowing children to interact peacefully and respect the rights of other children, no matter what race, creed, or religion they belong to, is one way of ensuring that they learn to be peaceful citizens of the world.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Pointers to help children understand math concepts

Math could be made an interesting subject by you if you have enough ingenuity and initiative to search new venues of instruction. The concept of Math is all around you if you only open your eyes to them: the children crossing the street, the toys lined up on the display counter, and the solitary plane winging its way through the sky. These are all examples of math in everyday life.

You should keep in mind that children are insouciant, curious and ever adventurous so you should capitalize on these positive traits to let them learn well in math.
There are some ground rules that you should institute when teaching math to children.
1. You should listen to the verbal and non-verbal clues that the children are sending to you. Observe there reactions. If you see that they are losing interest, then vary the activity every 15 minutes.

Children have very short attention span.

2. You should be open to accept any of the children's contribution to the topic being discussed. It might surprise you to discover that you could also learn some significant lessons in life from them.

3. Establish a positive environment. You should be an optimist and believe in their ability to achieve their goals. Reward them for a job well done and encourage them when they are lagging behind. A good mentor knows that in each child is an undiscovered talent. Persistence and patience is the key. Don't give up on a seemingly "slow" child. Each child has his own pace of learning. There are no dumb children, only uncreative teachers."

4. Teach them to believe in themselves by reaffirming them for every positive thing they do; be it related to math or not. Research have proven that children who had high self-esteem, performed well in any undertaking. Let the child learn that the only impediment to his success is the limit that he puts himself to.
Having set the ground rules we now go to the significant tips that you could use in teaching Math:

1. Teach them how to count by making use of materials that they see everyday; something tangible that they can hold and play with, like building blocks, apples, sticks, etc. Look around you, there are numerous attractive materials that could catch the attention of children.

2. Show them how to add by using the specific material itself. Like when you want them to solve problems concerning money, then make use of real money.
i.e., give him 25 cents, and then another 25 cents, and ask the question. "If I have given you two 25 cents, how much do you have in your hand?

3. Play interpolation games. Games are good motivators for children. Children are playful in nature so you must maximize its use.
Group them into 2-3 groups and conduct a contest. Let them analyze the given numbers. e.g. 1 2 4 7 .. or supply missing numbers; e.g. 1 + ___ = 3.

This is not merely written on the board but on big colorful boxes where inside is a small gift waiting, if they are able to answer the question correctly.

4. Enhance their creative minds with a "Number Story".
Let them pick a number and write a short story about the number they have picked. Recounting the story in class would also develop their public speaking skills.
The famous Mathematician Gauss made used of his creativity to discover various short cut methods to solve problems.

Who knows, you might discover the next Gauss.

5. Make use of interactive material if you need to expound on a difficult
lesson.
This maybe a computer aided instruction or a manually prepared visual aid. Having power point presentations could also help a lot.

6. Attempt to always use audio-visual aids in your lessons.
Children remember more when they see and hear it simultaneously. i.e.
Show them the number written on a card, let them go to the board and write it, then let them read it out loud.

Repetition helps in retention.

7. Go outdoors and teach math using nature.
Find a plant and let them count the petals of the flower, the number of branches and twigs, etc. In this exercise, they get to breath fresh air, get a little exercise, and learn about nature and about Math.

8. Give them "Case studies" to work on. We often hear the term "case studies" used in higher forms of education. This could be applicable too for children to develop their analytical minds.

Form small groups of 5- 7 children. Present to each group a simple Math problem. Let them interact with each other to discuss the correct answer. You must have a series of leading questions accompanying the problem to lead to the correct answer.
There are still numerous activities that you could devise if you try to be creative and not confine yourself to traditional methods.

Use your imagination so that children will realize that learning Math could be fun.

Sunday, October 3, 2010

What does it take to make poverty an important news story?

Poverty is like a bad, scary movie. It doesn't seem real, not until it happens to you. Poverty in Third World developing countries is widespread and opens your eyes to the reality. Street children and homeless people are increasing in number day by day. We catch a glimpse of almost naked children plying the streets for food and for shelter. Sometimes they even resort to drastic means to sate their hunger pangs. Child prostitution and sex slavery are usually caused because of poverty. But do we truly care? We read about them, sometimes watch these stories on TV; but does the story make the front pages? Do we do anything to help these people?

read more here

Saturday, September 18, 2010

How to let a child help make parenting decisions


Making major parenting decisions is not always easy; there are times that you have to consider the sentiments of your child before arriving at a final decision.
How do you let your child help make parenting decisions?

1. Children are honest and they speak their mind. When the decision concerns them, they should help to decide. This would motivate them to participate actively and make sure that the decision would be implemented according to plan. This would ensure the success of that particular endeavor.

2. Ask his opinion about how best to approach a problem. e.g. "You still have classes tomorrow, when do you want your operation to be scheduled?" This method would show him that you value his opinion. When he is aware of this, he will be cooperative and would try his best to support whatever final decision you arrive at. He would also feel that his opinion matters to you. This would strengthen your parent-child bond.

3. Your little girl could help you in deciding what dress to buy for her piano recital.
"Would it be that pink, flowing dress or the black haltered, straight one? " Allowing her to take a hand in the selection would make her more self-confident about decisions she will be making in the future.

Read more of this article here

Saturday, September 4, 2010

Help Your Children Understand Math, Instead of Allowing Them Unlimited Time on TV

Instead of allowing your children unlimited access to TV, you may opt to help your children understand math.

Math could be made an interesting subject by you if you have enough ingenuity and resourcefulness to search new venues of instruction. The concept of Math is all around you if you only open your eyes to them: the children crossing the street, the toys lined up on the display counter, and the solitary plane winging its way through the sky. These are all examples of math in everyday life.

You should keep in mind that children are insouciant, curious and ever adventurous so you should capitalize on these positive traits to let them learn well in math.

There are some ground rules that you should institute when teaching math to children.

1. You should listen to the verbal and non-verbal clues that the children are sending to you. Observe there reactions. If you see that they are losing interest, then vary the activity every 15 minutes.
Children have very short attention span.


2. You should be open to accept any of the children's contribution to the topic being discussed. It might surprise you to discover that you could also learn some significant lessons in life from them.


3. Establish a positive environment. You should be an optimist and believe in their ability to achieve their goals. Reward them for a job well done and encourage them when they are lagging behind. A good mentor knows that in each child is an undiscovered talent. Persistence and patience is the key. Don't give up on a seemingly "slow" child. Each child has his own pace of learning. There are no dumb children, only uncreative teachers."


4. Teach them to believe in themselves by reaffirming them for every positive thing they do; be it related to math or not. Research have proven that children who had high self-esteem, performed well in any undertaking. Let the child learn that the only impediment to his success is the limit that he puts himself to.

Having set the ground rules we now go to the significant tips that you could use in teaching Math:

1. Teach them how to count by making use of materials that they see everyday; something tangible that they can hold and play with, like building blocks, apples, sticks, etc. Look around you, there are numerous attractive materials that could catch the attention of children.

2. Show them how to add by using the specific material itself. Like when you want them to solve problems concerning money, then make use of real money.
i.e., give him 25 cents, and then another 25 cents, and ask the question. "If I have given you two 25 cents, how much do you have in your hand?

3. Play interpolation games. Games are good motivators for children. Children are playful in nature so you must maximize its use.

Group them into 2-3 groups and conduct a contest. Let them analyze the given numbers. e.g. 1 2 4 7 .. or supply missing numbers; e.g. 1 + ___ = 3.
This is not merely written on the board but on big colorful boxes where inside is a small gift waiting, if they are able to answer the question correctly.

4. Enhance their creative minds with a "Number Story".

Let them pick a number and write a short story about the number they have picked. Recounting the story in class would also develop their public speaking skills.
The famous Mathematician Gauss made used of his creativity to discover various short cut methods to solve problems.
Who knows, you might discover the next Gauss.

5. Make use of interactive material if you need to expound on a difficult
lesson.

This maybe a computer aided instruction or a manually prepared visual aid. Having power point presentations could also help a lot.

6. Attempt to always use audio-visual aids in your lessons.

Children remember more when they see and hear it simultaneously. i.e.
Show them the number written on a card, let them go to the board and write it, then let them read it out loud.
Repetition helps in retention.

7. Go outdoors and teach math using nature.

Find a plant and let them count the petals of the flower, the number of branches and twigs, etc. In this exercise, they get to breath fresh air, get a little exercise, and learn about nature and about Math.

8. Give them "Case studies" to work on. We often hear the term "case studies" used in higher forms of education. This could be applicable too for children to develop their analytical minds.

Form small groups of 5- 7 children. Present to each group a simple Math problem. Let them interact with each other to discuss the correct answer. You must have a series of leading questions accompanying the problem to lead to the correct answer.

There are still numerous activities that you could devise if you try to be creative and not confine yourself to traditional methods.

Use your imagination so that children will realize that learning Math could be fun.

Friday, August 20, 2010

An Important Question: Should Parents Raise Their Children without Television?

Based on a study edited by C. Kay Weaver and Cynthia Carter they stated that, quote: "An American child is born into a home in which television is on average of more than 7 hours a day. For the first time in human history, most of the stories about people, life, and values are told not by parents, schools, churches, or others in the community who have something to tell, but by a group of distant conglomerates that have something to sell. ". Unquote.

This statistic is derived from an American study, nevertheless; it reflects also the viewing culture of children around the world.

If this is the case, then it has more influence than movies and books. The growing child is exposed to this medium more than 7 hours a day - day in and day out, and while it is true that parents could supervise their children's proper TV viewing, oftentimes parents fail in this endeavor due to several reasons.

One of the main reasons is poverty. One of the most common forms of entertainment for poor families at home - is the TV. This is because it is relatively cheap to maintain. You spend only once when you buy it and then it takes minimal expenses for its long term use.

Sometimes, both uneducated parents scrounge for a living, and leave the eldest to take care of his/her siblings. The only desire of the eldest child would be to keep her siblings safe inside the house while she does the household chores, and TV is how she can do it.

That is why a TV set is one of the most popular forms of entertainment for low income families. They would try all ways and means to at least buy a TV even if it's the smallest screen. Even in families belonging to the upper economic strata, this scenario happens too under the household help's indulgence.

In some cases, parents are at home, while the child is watching; but because they don't consider the effects of TV violence significant, they just leave the child unsupervised, not aware that their child's character formation is taking place, right then and there. Whether we accept it or not, we do oftentimes ignore to supervise the TV programs that our children watch.

The effects of watching violence day in and day out, (even from cartoons) may not be instant. The term Weaver used to portray this gradual formation is "cultivation". "Television tends to cultivate and confirm stable conceptions about life."

If the local TV industry continues to turn a blind eye and a deaf ear to these issues, just to maintain their high TV ratings, then the country's moral fiber will continue to deteriorate as years go by.

The children who are watching television now will be the future citizens and leaders of our country. What will be inculcated in their growing minds - if rampant violence on TV continues to prevail - would be the notion that violence is the only solution to problems.

We may not live long enough to witness the chaos that violence causes in the lives of our children, grandchildren and our great grandchildren; but would we be happy to die knowing that we did not do anything to avert this future occurrence? That we were silent witnesses to the process which brought them there?

If we could not control the TV viewing of our children, then we might as well totally remove it as an entertainment venue for kids.