Hafa Adai! As part of my commitment to continue to share cultural poems relating to our beautiful island of Guam and its people, here’s Korasón Poem #18 titled Our Beach Day. Enjoy!

Our Beach Day

Every Damenggo* my family and I

Had our very own Beach Day.

Damenggo was our relaxation day

To go to the beach

To barbecue

To swim

To eat

To enjoy!!

Every Damenggo was Special –

Un dia para y familia

To spend quality time together

After working hard all week long.

It was the one day out of the week that I always enjoyed

And one that I will always remember.

© mnrivera and ltgumataotao

*Damenggo: Sunday

*Un dia para y familia: It was our Family Day

Source: Our Native Daughters’ Reflection of Guam and Its People by Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera and Lois Taitano Gumataotao

Hafa Adai! As part of my commitment to continue to share cultural poems relating to our beautiful island of Guam and its people, here’s Korasón Poem #17 titled Fiesta. Enjoy!

Fiesta

It’s fiesta time in the southern village of Malesso!
Come and join us in our celebration after mass.
Grab some hot kelaguen, pan* and steaming red rice,
And if you like, come back for more!
You can have some fish, beef, pork,
Or maybe even escabeche* and titiyas*
And don’t forget that tasty, marinated barbecue chicken
Before it disappears,
Topped with fina’denne’*
You’re also invited to have a good time –
To dance and party with us all night long!
© mnrivera and ltgumataotao

*pan: bread
*escabeche: fish salad
*titiyas: tortillas
*fina’denne’: hot sauce

Source: Our Native Daughters’ Reflection of Guam and Its People by Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera and Lois Taitano Gumataotao

Image source: www.guampedia.com

Hafa Adai! As part of my commitment to continue to share cultural poems relating to our beautiful island of Guam and its people, here’s Korasón Poem #16 titled The Guam Seal. Enjoy!

The Guam Seal

As I reflect on my love for Guam –
Dangkulo i Korasón hu’ para i guinaiya ko ni islako.
I often ponder on the island’s powerful symbols
And in particular, I’m reminded of
The many wonders of the Guam Seal.

I’m reminded of the shape of the Guam Seal
Portraying the outline of the sling stone
Which was used as a weapon.
I’m reminded of the flying proa built by the Chamorros
Portraying the fast and agile transportation
Used in Guam’s waters.
I’m reminded of the trongkon niyok*
Portraying self-sustenance and survival
Under any circumstance.
I’m reminded of the river
Portraying the willingness to share
The resources of the land with others.
I’m reminded of the land mass
Portraying the commitment to the environment,
Be it sea or land.
I’m reminded of the red stripe
Which surrounds the Guam Seal
Portraying the blood shed by Guam’s people.
I’m reminded of the field of blue
Portraying the island’s unity with the sea and sky.

But most of all,
I’m reminded, of how we, as a people,
Unite as one,
To conquer strife,
No matter what may come our way.
Biba Chamorro!
Biba Guahan!
© mnrivera and ltgumataotao

*Dangkulo i Korasón hu’ para i guinaiya ko ni islako: My heart grows for the love of my island
*proa: seagoing canoe
*trongkon niyok: coconut tree
*Biba Chamorro: Hurray Chamorro!
*Biba Guahan: Hurray Guam!

Source: Our Native Daughters’ Reflection of Guam and Its People by Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera and Lois Taitano Gumataotao

Hafa Adai! As part of my commitment to continue to share cultural poems relating to our beautiful island of Guam and its people, here’s Korasón Poem #15 titled Manamko and Parents. Enjoy!

Manamko and Parents

Respetu* for your elders is a must

I’ve often been told

And be sure to amen* them as well.

Don’t talk back to your mother, father, or manamko*

For that is a form of disrespect.

Don’t complain and please obey them too.

Though our elders

May constantly bring up their past disadvantages

And relate it to our responsibilities and advantages

Listen to them, be kind and thoughtful

Because they speak of wisdom and lessons

That they’ve learned from their past.

© mnrivera and ltgumataotao

*respetu: respect

*amen: A term used with children when directing them to kiss the hand of an elder.

*manamko: elders

Source: Our Native Daughters’ Reflection of Guam and Its People by Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera and Lois Taitano Gumataotao

Pictured L-R: International Reading Association officers Elizabeth Hamilton, Sandy Liberty and Tina Buendicho; Dr. Catherine Stoicovy and Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, Language Arts Conference (LAC) Chairs. Not pictured is Dr. Clarisa Quan, LAC Chair.


The 20th Annual Regional Language Arts Conference was held last November 16 and 17, 2007 at the University of Guam and the Guam Marriott Resort and Spa. Its theme was “Enhancing Teacher Quality and Literacy in Multiple Ways.” The keynote speaker was Dr. Robert Underwood. The plenary speakers were Dr. John Sanchez and Dr. Chris Schreiner. The LAC was co-sponsored by the International Reading Association, Guam Council.

Hafa Adai! As part of my commitment to continue to share cultural poems relating to our beautiful island of Guam and its people, here’s Korasón Poem #14 titled Flores. Enjoy!

Flores

My favorite flores* is the plumeria
With its sweet smell of serenity
That’ll freshen your day.
Then there’s the pleasant smell of jasmine
That vibrantly lifts your spirit.
The ginger, too, can be smelled
With its strong and flavorful scent.

Guam’s natural beauty also includes
The spectacular bloom of the hibiscus
With its wondrous and colorful sight.
And one can’t forget Guam’s territorial flower –
The puti tai nobio* –
Which gives our island that heavenly touch
Of exquisite hues.
© mnrivera and ltgumataotao

*flores: flower
* puti tai nobio: bougainvillea

Source: Our Native Daughters’ Reflection of Guam and Its People by Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera and Lois Taitano Gumataotao

Hafa Adai! As part of my commitment to continue to share cultural poems relating to our beautiful island of Guam and its people, here’s Korasón Poem #13 titled They Took Our Land. Enjoy!

They Took Our Land

They took my family’s land
It was unjust from the start.
My Tata* couldn’t speak English
And he never recovered from a broken heart.

He helped the Americans during World War II
Sacrificing himself and my Nana*
He wanted to break free
From the cruel Japanese occupation
And thus trusted the American soldiers
Without a second thought.

He was given $50 for his land.
But why did he accept this when he didn’t understand?
The piece of paper he signed was not legal in my eyes
For he signed a paper not knowing what it contained.
He trusted the government and had died in vain.

Someday Tata you will see
Your land will return to the rightful family.
And when it does return to us it won’t sit useless;
It will be cultivated and taken care of with much love.
© mnrivera and ltgumataotao

*Tata: father
*Nana: mother

Source: Our Native Daughters’ Reflection of Guam and Its People by Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera and Lois Taitano Gumataotao

My Familia

Hafa Adai! As part of my commitment to continue to share cultural poems relating to our beautiful island of Guam and its people, here’s Korasón Poem #12 titled Familia. Enjoy!

Familia

My familia*
Oh how I love them so
For they care for me through thick and thin
With sincere gestures that touch my heart
They keep me motivated
To do the best
In all that I do!
Si Yu’os Ma’ase for everything!
I love you all!
© mnrivera and ltgumataotao

*familia: family
*Si Yu’os Ma’ase: Thank You

Source: Our Native Daughters’ Reflection of Guam and Its People by Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera and Lois Taitano Gumataotao

Drs. Matilda Naputi Rivera and John Sanchez present at the University of Guam’s 19th Annual Regional Language Arts Conference: Student Assessment: Utilizing Electronic Portfolios. Their co-presenter was Dr. Catherine Stoicovy.

Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera presents at the University of Guam’s 19th Annual Regional Language Arts Conference: Using Class Blogs to Enhance Writing. Her co-presenter was Lois Taitano Gumataotao, M.Ed.

My Nenis

Hafa Adai! As part of my commitment to continue to share cultural poems relating to our beautiful island of Guam and its people, here’s Korasón Poem #11 titled Neni. Enjoy!

Neni -

Neni*, neni…
My neni girl
My neni boys
Oh how I love you three!
You bring meaning into my life
And make it all more worthwhile
With so much to give
With so much love
With so much to learn from
And strengthening a bond that will last a lifetime!
I love you my neni girl and boys.
© mnrivera and ltgumataotao

*Neni: baby

Source: Our Native Daughters’ Reflection of Guam and Its People by Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera and Lois Taitano Gumataotao

Undergraduate students enrolled in the EN 085 Fundamentals of English course completed the semester on August 1, 2008. The course emphasizes writing structure and grammar. Pictured L-R: Lily Reichle; Sue Ann Gogo; Giena Herwin; Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, instructor; Cathy Inchin; and Alvin King. Not pictured are Alicia Taitano and lab instructor Jose Cruz.

UOG Alumni Association members nominated new officers on July 23, 2008. Pictured sitting L-R: Frank Salas for President, Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera for Vice President. Standing L-R: Peter Roy Martinez, UOG Director of Alumni Affairs; Amoretta Carlson, alumni member; James Underwood for Treasurer; Mae Mendiola for Secretary; Lois Taitano Gumataotao, alumni member; and Liwanag Dominguez, alumni member.

The Guam Interagency Coordinating Council (ICC) completed its two-day seminar on May 31, 2008. It provided an orientation and awareness on the regulations for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act for Infants and Toddlers (IDEA Part C), the role and responsibilities of the ICC, and information on services for young children with disabilities. Pictured kneeling, L-R: Dr. Lee Meadows, John Carlos, and Abraham Mora. Back row L-R: Brigette Flores-Lobo; Pat Mantanona; Joseph Mendiola; Arlene Cura; Evelyn Claros; Charlie Harper; Elaine Eclavea, ICC Chairperson; Dr. Nieves Flores; Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera; Lois Taitano Gumataotao; Bing Opena; and Glenda Leon Guerrero.

Presentation: University of Guam Master's of Education students enrolled in the ED647 Special Topics in Language & Literacy and ED661 Second Language Theory and Development courses completed the semester on Dec. 1 with a presentation of their online LiveText portfolios and final self-reflections at the UOG Computer Center. The courses focus on literacy instruction, including selection of existing second language materials, adaptation of materials and development of original materials for use in a second language or bilingual classroom. From left: Vito Calvo; Mary Nolte; Dawn Maka; Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, instructor; Lois Gumataotao; and Shuichi Ema.

Meaningful Book Projects: Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera and her ED894 students completed a 2 credit-hours Microsoft Word course by showcasing their meaningful book projects on March 27 at the GPSS Ed Tech Center in Tiyan. The books created include Around the Globe, Bird Alphabet Book, My Book of Colors, and Tiger Meets Gecko. Pictured L-R: Patricia Perry, Vicky Cruz, Dr. Rivera, Gisela Guile, and Dolores Maxwell.

Language and Literacy Book Fair: Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera and her ED642 students from the University of Guam's School of Education are pictured participating in the Language and Literacy Book Fair, with the theme, "Literature Around the World," held April 17 at the Guam Marriott Resort & Spa. From left: Brigida Agustin; Xylina Torres; R-Lynn Layson; Gemee-Lynn Escuadra; Dr. Rivera; Tressa Rose Cundiff; Rosemarie Castro; and Jennifer Concepcion. Not pictured is Amanda Quan.

Read Across America: Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera (seated), and her ED642 students from the UOG’s School of Education, take part in the Read Across America in honor of Dr. Seuss’ 100th Birthday held on March 2, 2004 at the Hagatna Public Library.

Pictured L-R: Jennifer Concepcion, Brigida Agustin, Amanda Quan, The Cat in the Hat (Victor Palomo), Tressa Cundiff, Rosemarie Castro, Gemee-Lynn Escuadra, and R-Lynn Layson.

Presentation: Master of Education students enrolled in the ED642: Seminar in Literature for Children and Young Adults course completed the semester with a presentation of their Portfolio, Children’s Book Log, and Final Reflection at the University of Guam’s School of Education . The course focuses on being familiar with various types of children’s literature through extensive reading. Students read and critically evaluate a wide range of books, linguistic complexity, genre, aesthetics, interest, and cultural diversity. Pictured L-R: Amanda Quan; Jennifer Concepcion; Rosemarie Bacani; Xylina Torres; Gemee-Lynn Escuadra; Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, instructor; R-Lynn Layson; Tressa Cundiff; and Brigida Agustin.

Presentation: Master of Education students enrolled in the ED641 Middle/Secondary Reading and Writing in the Content Areas course completed the semester with a presentation of their online LiveText Portfolio and Final Reflection at the University of Guam’s RFK Library. The course focuses on how to support the needs of adolescent and young adults, helping them develop into confident and independent readers and writers. Further emphasis is on the improvement of literacy skills through meaningful, constructive engagements in reading and writing. Pictured L-R: Brigida Agustin; Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, instructor; Juvy Carino; and Michelle Bednarzyk.

Presentation: Master of Education students enrolled in the ED484G The Art and Craft of Teaching Writing course completed the semester with a presentation of their Portfolio, Final Reflection, and Language & Literacy Newsletter at the School of Education. The course draws on current perspectives in language and literacy acquisition to help teachers set up a process-centered reading and writing classroom. Pictured L-R: Bernie Camacho; Viola Salas; Rosemarie Bacani; Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, instructor; Brigida Augustin; R-Lynn Layson; Gemee-Lynn Escuadra; and Lynn Quezada.

Presentation: Undergraduate students enrolled in the EN100 Fundamentals of College English course completed the semester on May 20, 2008 with a presentation of their creative writing projects. The course is an integrated reading and writing course that prepares students for further English courses and further study at the University. Pictured L-R front row: Malory Cruz; Marsha Sharpe; Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, instructor; and Maria Pennington. Second row L-R: Jeremy Young, Jessica Rosario, Dean Rivera, April Rabon, and Vincent Lujan. Not pictured are Johnedel Ducusin, Shirley Fejeran, Joyceline Hernandez, Virginia Mendiola, and Judy Rosario.

Read Across America: The UOG Early Childhood Program in partnership with the Association Childhood Education International (ACEI) and the Guam Public Library System, hosted a Read Across America event in celebration of Dr. Seuss’ 104th birthday on Saturday, March 8, 2008 at the Hagatna Public Library.Pictured kneeling L-R: Asherdee Rosete, ACEI Advisor and Early Childhood Professor; Beauty Letewaiyal; Suemalee Torres; Viviann Joy Rivera; Bobbie Arevalo; Jona Abaya; and Kimberlie Castro. Standing L-R: Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, ACEI Advisor and Language & Literacy Professor; Jeannie Chapman; Brianne Naputi; Jovonne Aguon, ACEI President; Myleen Ramos, ACEI Secretary; Mariana Santos; Danielle Bansil; Jennifer Blas, ACEI Vice President; Ewalani Escrupulo; Mayrene Huffer; Vaughn Baisa; Alicia Quintanilla; Antoinette Arriola; Julia Tyquiengco; Dr. Marilyn Jackson, ACEI Advisor and Early Childhood Professor; Erika Flores; Marita Pareja; and Kenneth Castro. Not pictured is Lehualani Kahele, ACEI PRO.

Presentation: Undergraduate students enrolled in the EN100 Fundamentals of College English course completed the semester on December 6, 2007 with a presentation of their creative writing projects. The course is an integrated reading and writing course that prepares students for further English courses and further study at the University. Pictured L-R front row: Jessica Ogo; Grace Dimaquibo; Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, instructor; Aileen Bautista; and Ana-Alicia Cruz. Middle row from left: James Santos; Mistee Saralu; Maysha Chargualaf; Raena Purugganan; Henry Holguin; Mark Yu; and Luke Portin. Back row from left: James Camacho; Albert Caldeo; Ace Tanayan; Jose Perez; Frankie Cruz; Antonio Borja; Sean Lowe; Bedrick Briones; and Benedict Notarte.

SURPRISE GUEST VISITOR: Kathryn W. Takara, Ph.D. an associate professor from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, made a surprise visit to the University of Guam. She was the keynote speaker in Saipan for the Martin Luther King Jr., national holiday celebration. Takara visited UOG’s School of Education (SOE), where she was honored with an evening fiesta sponsored by two SOE student organizations, Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI) and Future Educators of Guam Association (FEGA). She visited with students, faculty and friends, and spoke of her family and her personal experiences during the civil-rights movement.

Pictured seated L-R: School of Education professors Dr. Mary Jane Miller and Dr. Jacqui Cyrus; Takara; SOE professors Dr. Marilyn Jackson, Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, and Dr. Lou Ferrer. Standing L-R: Audrey Certeza, FEGA PRO; Vanessa Perez, FEGA President; Dr. Patrick Leddy, School of Education Executive Director; Anna Wignaraja, Harmon School of Montessori; Jovonne Aguon, ACEI President; Jennifer Blas, ACEI Vice-President; Myleen Ramos, ACEI Secretary; Melissa Hernandez, ACEI & FEGA member; and Veronica Ramirez, ACEI Treasurer. Back Row Standing: Fred Jackson and Jessica Candaso, FEGA Secretary.

Secondary Education Presentation: Students enrolled in the ED465-24 Strategies for Secondary Teachers course pursuing their teaching credentials from UOG’s Fast-Track Teacher Program, completed the summer semester on August 11 with a presentation on issues relating to secondary education, including classroom strategies for motivating middle/high school students, strategies for improving parental involvement & teacher communication with parents, student rights, and legal issues affecting teachers. Pictured kneeling L-R: Jon Aguon, Dominador Diaz, Todd Theisen, and Walter Stanley. Standing L-R: Darlene Quichocho; Arceli Quilla; Amelita Lansing; Monique Baza; Senator Judith Guthertz; Dr. Patrick Leddy, School of Education Executive Director; Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, instructor; Christina Gumataotao; Vincent Leon Guerrero; Parvaneh Sabeti; and Lisa Hoyer. Back Row L-R: Steven Levin, Steven Taylor, Andrew Martin, and Neil Pendon. Not pictured are Raymond Alicto, Pamela Cruz, and Joshua Blas.

Presentation: Language and Literacy Master of Education students enrolled in the ED646 The Organization and Supervision of Reading Programs course completed the semester on May 16, 2007 with a presentation of their online LiveText Portfolio and Final Reflection at the University of Guam ’s Computer Center . The course introduces students to organization, administration, and supervision of school reading programs (K-12). Students examine roles of reading personnel, evaluate major reading programs, and develop, implement, and evaluate a reading program at the classroom and school level.

Pictured L-R: Crystal Franquez; Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, instructor; and Barbara Jacala.

Presentation: Master of Education students enrolled in the ED641 Middle/Secondary Reading and Writing in the Content Areas course completed the semester on May 14, 2007 with a presentation of their online LiveText Portfolio and Final Reflection at the University of Guam’s Computer Center . The course focuses on how to support the needs of adolescent and young adults, helping them develop into confident and independent readers and writers. Further emphasis is on the improvement of literacy skills through meaningful, constructive engagements in reading and writing.

Pictured L-R: Richard Rafan; Charlene Sakisat; Mary Ferris; Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, instructor; Crystal Franquez; and Albert Caasi.

Presentation: Master of Education students enrolled in the ED484G The Art and Craft of Teaching Writing course completed the semester on May 15, 2007 with a presentation of their online LiveText Portfolio, Final Reflection, and Language & Literacy Newsletter at the University of Guam ’s Computer Center . The course draws on current perspectives in language and literacy acquisition to help teachers set up a process-centered reading and writing classroom. Pictured L-R: Charlene Sakisat; Geraldine Quitano; Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, instructor; Lalainne Reyes; Mary Ferris; and Barbara Jacala

WebQuest: Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera and her ED894 students completed a weeklong course on December 22: “Creating an Inquiry-Based WebQuest to Enhance Instruction” at the University of Guam ’s School of Education Computer Lab.

Front row, from left: Liwayway Anicas Nueva, Gaylene Cruz, Rivera, Therese Crisostomo, and Rosine Guerrero. Second row, from left: Luis Frank Cabral, Raymond Mantanona, Cina Hume-Forbes, Zhanienne Davis, Jolinie Somera, Brigette Flores-Lobo, and Sandra Leon. Back row, from left: Jovita Mateo, Francine Clement, Esther Yanger, and Darlene Taimanglo.

Digital Storybooks: Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera and her ED894 students completed a three-day course on December 20 on “Using PowerPoint to Create Meaningful Digital Storybooks” at the University of Guam ’s School of Education Computer Lab.

Pictured front row, from left: Liwayway Anicas Nueva, Rivera, Therese Crisostomo, and Rosine Guerrero. Second row, from left: Raymond Mantanona, Luis Frank Cabral, William Calori (in back), Jolinie Somera, Cina Hume-Forbes, Darlene Taimanglo, Sandra Leon, Brigette Flores-Lobo, and Diana Tenorio.

Course Completion: Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera and her ED640 students completed the fall semester with the presentation of their Literature Reviews and LiveText online portfolios on December 5, 2006 at University of Guam Computer Center. The students gained knowledge about the theory and practice of literacy development and instruction across the K-12 school years.

Pictured L-R: Crystal Franquez, Dawn Perez, Debra Shimizu, Eddie Cameron, Rivera, Geraldine Quitano, Grace Nasis, and Barbara Jacala.

Technology Presentation: Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera and the St. John’s cohort in Instructional Technology completed the fall semester with the presentation of their WebQuest and LiveText online portfolios on December 6, 2006 at school’s Linux Computer Lab. The students gained knowledge on the role of advanced technologies in education, such as telecommunications and interactive media in the instructional process.

Pictured L-R: Marcelle Diambra Odi, Rachel Kerr, Araceli Nelson, Rivera, Benjamin Barton, Arlene Chua, Thomas Petra, and Norman Babia.

WebQuest Training: Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera and her ED894 students completed a week-long course on April 14 titled, “Creating an Inquiry-Based WebQuest to Enhance Instruction,” at the GPSS Educational Technology Center in Tiyan.

Pictured Front Row L-R: Gary Guerrero, Evangeline Mendiola-Ulloa, Laura Kho, Dolores Gumataotao, Rivera, Computer Lab Coordinator Carl Blas, and Rick Santiago.

Digital Storybook Training: Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera and her ED894 students completed a 3-day course on April 12 titled, “Using PowerPoint to Create Meaningful Digital Storybooks,” at the GPSS Ed Tech Center in Tiyan.

Pictured Front Row L-R: Evangeline Mendiola, Laura Kho, Rivera, and Patricia Perry. Second row L-R: Anne Sengebau, Dolores Maxwell, Dolores Gumataotao, Rosalind Taitingfong, Jonathan Delfin, and Hermie Villa. Back Row L-R: Ricky Santiago and Gisela Guile. Not pictured is Gary Guerrero.

Fast-Track: Students enrolled in the ED465 Strategies for Secondary Teachers summer course at the University of Guam pursuing their teaching credentials from UOG’s Fast-Track Teacher Education program for those who hold bachelor’s degrees and desire to pursue careers as classroom teachers are pictured, front row, from left: Kimberly Dobrowolski; Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, instructor; Pamela Mabazza; and Joanie Tomasiak. Back row, from left: Catherine Castro; Manny Villavicencio; and Estrella DeVera.

WebQuest: Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera and her ED894 students completed a week-long course on December 30 titled, “Creating an Inquiry-Based WebQuest to Enhance Instruction,” at the Ed Tech Center in Tiyan. Front row, from left: Lois Gumataotao and Rivera. Second row, from left: Arlene Libao and Roderick Hidalgo .