English Through Literature Workshop

On Jan 25 2011,Puan Haidah Azudin and I attended a half day workshop at Dewan Bestari, Melaka. The guest speaker Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cynthia Yolanda Doss, Academy of Language Studies UITM, Shah Alam shared with us her views and experiences in teaching Literature. She talked about Literature: Creating Awareness and Engaging Students in Class. We did a reflection on what is our perception of Literature as it is very important for teachers to have the passion for literature and teaching before we could attract the students to love Literature. The world of literature develops critical thinking in students and this is one of the most important skills for students to have nowadays. Literature helps hone thought processes and introduces concepts and experiences. It allows students to see other points of view and teaches students about culture ther than their own. Most importantly, literature encourages reading. Puan Haidah and I participated actively in the group work and even shared our views/opinions on certain issues for which we were well rewarded..thanks to Oxford Fajar.

For all the Teachers Out There

2011 promises more hard work and greater challenges for teachers. In the 3 weeks of school, the teachers have worked hard to make sure that the lessons are taught, the classrooms are organised and what not. Here's something that a friend shared with me and I would like to share them with all of you because it has given me the motivation and drive to charge ahead and most importantly, it has made me smile... enjoy:
In honour of teachers!
The dinner guests were sitting around the table discussing life. One man, a CEO (proud of being a professional), decided to explain the problem with education. He argued, 'What's a kid going to learn from someone who decided his best option in life was to become a teacher?' He reminded the other dinner guests what they say about teachers: 'Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach.'

To stress his point he said to another guest; 'You're a teacher, Mary. Be honest. What do you make?'Mary, who had a reputation for honesty and frankness replied, 'You want to know what I make? (She paused for a second, then began...)
'Well, I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could. I make a C+ feel like the Medal of Honour. I make kids sit through 30 minutes of class time when their parents can't make them sit for 5 without an I Pod, Game Cube or movie rental.

You want to know what I make?' (She paused again and looked at each and every person at the table.) ''I make kids wonder. I make them question. I make them apologize and mean it. I make them have respect and take responsibility for their actions. I teach them to write and then I make them write. Keyboarding isn't everything.

I make them read, read, read. I make them show all their work in Maths. They use their God given brain, not the man-made calculator. I make my students learn everything they need to know in English while preserving their unique cultural identity. I make my classroom a place where all my students feel safe. I make my students stand, to say the Pledge of Allegiance to the National Flag, and sing the National Anthem, because we live in this great country.Finally, I make them understand that if they use the gifts they were given, work hard, and follow their hearts, they can succeed in life.'

Mary paused one last time and then continued, then, when people try to judge me by what I make, with me knowing money isn't everything, I can hold my head up high and pay no attention because they are ignorant.....
You want to know what I make?
I MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
What do you make Mr. CEO?'His jaw dropped, he went silent.

Welcome 2011

I can't believe that it is already the end of the second week of 2011. How time flies...Nevertheless I am ready to face the new challenges ahead. 2010 was a very busy year and i had neglected this blog for quite sometimes since I am also managing the school's blog and a few other blogs. Hopefully, I will manage to do better this year. Wish me luck.

Another fresh new year is here . . .
Another year to live!
To banish worry, doubt, and fear,
To love and laugh and give!

This bright new year is given me
To live each day with zest . . .
To daily grow and try to be
My highest and my best!

I have the opportunity
Once more to right some wrongs,
To pray for peace, to plant a tree,
And sing more joyful songs!”

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!