Is there a special teacher that motivated you to excel? Do you owe her/him a wealth of gratitude for imparting knowledge and life lessons that truly made a difference? There’s no doubt that such teachers should be recognized for all that they do to make a difference. Here’s a poem that goes out to all the teachers who have made and continue to make a positive impact in the lives of their students.

A Dedication to My Dearest Teacher

Thank you for everything

For being the best teacher any child can ask for

For without you,

I wouldn’t be where I’m at now

Without you,

I wouldn’t have the confidence and knowledge

I’ve gained this year.

You have truly made a difference in my life

And I can honestly say that I will always remember you

I will always remember how you motivated me

How you never gave up on me

For you demanded the best with special grace

And you knew I had the potential deep down inside

You knew it all along…

I want you to know too

That I knew you cared and I love you too!

©frivera

Tamuning, Guam

INSPIRATIONAL MESSAGE: A teacher who truly cares will not give up on her students.

Source: Guam Poets Club, URL: www.geocities.com/guampoetsonline

Here are a couple of useful literacy resources that you can navigate online to gather more ideas to enhance your instruction:

http://www.literacy.uconn.edu/
http://www.breakthroughtoliteracy.com/

Enjoy, and continue to empower your students to excel!

Words that naturally flow from your thoughts and feelings are a form of art called poetry. It’s a good practice to keep a journal by your side, so that you can write to your heart’s content, no matter where you are. Even when people criticize what you write, you should not be discouraged. After all, we’re all entitled to our own opinions, and just because someone says something negative, our freedom to express our own thoughts and feelings can overpower the naysayers. Believe in yourself, express yourself, and let your poetry flow from the depths of your heart! I hope you enjoy the following poem, which relates to this very subject:


MY POETRY

My imagination runs wild,
As I grab a pen and write away.
The emotions linger about,
Pushing me to set it free.
It shall be set free in the words that I write.
It shall be set free in the feelings that I express.
It shall be set free, just by knowing it is mine.
My own thoughts,
My own words,
My own feelings --
That in itself is poetry,
Whether it is liked by others or not;
I know this to be true,
That as long as it is dear to my heart,
It's as special as can be,
And no one can deny that it is poetry!
©mnrivera


INSPIRATIONAL MESSAGE: Poetry comes naturally from thy heart.

Source: Guam Poets Club, URL: www.geocities.com/guampoetsonline

As an educator and a parent, I know the importance of reading. I encourage others to motivate their children to read, and to be reminded that reading is the key to get ahead in life. I hope you enjoy the following poem that tells us all about this very subject:

READING IS THE KEY

Reading is the key
To take you to places far and beyond
To capture your heart
To gain a wealth of knowledge
As you journey into an exciting world
Filled with meaningful words
Found in a book
Found in a magazine
Found in a newspaper
Found in a journal
Found in a comic –
Found in anything with print.

Take the time to read.
Read here
Read there
Read anywhere and everywhere
For the stories never cease
And the reading never ends
For the reader with the passion
To read, read, and read!

So if you want to go to worthwhile places
And reach the pinnacle of success
You can possess the winning ingredient
By taking the time to READ!
©mnrivera

INSPIRATIONAL MESSAGE: Reading is important to get ahead in life!

Source: Guam Poets Club, URL: www.geocities.com/guampoetsonline

There’s no doubt that we have to take care of ourselves, so that we may lead happier lives. It won’t be easy, as you must discipline yourself to eat the right foods, exercise, and get enough rest. It’s certainly tough for me, but I’m doing my best to gain the strength to move forward day by day. I wish you the best of luck in doing the same. Enjoy the following poem, which I hope will inspire you to maintain your health.

YOUR HEALTH

Live each day with care,
And take time to smell the fresh air.
Don’t overwork yourself –
Take care of thyself.
Eat the right foods,
For it does affect your moods.
If you have a problem, tell a friend you trust,
For you’ll feel better at the end.
Exercise each day,
In a suitable way.
Get enough sleep,
But don’t oversleep.
Remember that your health,
Is your greatest wealth.
©mnrivera

INSPIRATIONAL MESSAGE: Take care of thyself to live a more vibrant life!

Source: Guam Poets Club, URL: www.geocities.com/guampoetsonline

It’s true that with age comes wisdom. However, it’s important to remember that despite your age, you’re never too young or too old to make a difference in this world. Every action we take is dependent on what we decide, so let’s reflect on what matters most. Remember that if you put your mind to it, you will succeed! Enjoy the following poem relating to this very topic.

AGE IS BUT A NUMBER

Age is but a number.
It is not an obstacle or barrier;
But it is something which,
Should not really matter.
For the world belongs to anybody who will,
Recognize that now is the time and,
Here is the place to show how you feel.
So regardless of your age,
The world can be yours if,
You take action in every stage.
©mnrivera

INSPIRATIONAL MESSAGE: You can do anything if you put your mind to it!

Source: Guam Poets Club, URL: www.geocities.com/guampoetsonline

Life is not perfect, so we may experience challenges that will test our strength. If we open our eyes to the beauty within ourselves, we can free ourselves from worries and conquer the challenges that come our way. I encourage you to often reflect on the beauty of life, as it is a gift from God. Enjoy the following poem, which serves as a reminder that we can all find the way to happiness, despite the road bumps in life.

LET US FIND THE WAY

Let us find the way,
As hard as it may seem.
These fierce emotions I feel,
Are bending and twining me.
I want to be free;
Please let it be--
Can't stand this feeling of melancholy.
As I open my eyes,
I am burdened in deep stings;
That rush through my veins,
Stabbing my heart with no remorse.
Then lo and behold?
I hear those words saying,
"Let us find the way."
Am I hearing right?
Is there really a way to that special light?
A light that shines bright,
Ever so genuine and heavenly-filled.
Lo and behold?
There is such a light!
You grabbed my hand,
You touched my soul,
You touched my heart,
And never did let go.
You told me that we would find that way,
If I could only see within myself,
That a stinging heart is not forever;
For I can be happy--
I can fly freely;
As free as the heavenly angels that fly;
As free as the wind that blows in the air;
As free as the water that runs in our seas.
To be free is to live freely,
Without worries that depress our souls;
We need to see the light and open our minds,
To the beauty embedded within each of us;
For that is the essence that will help us find the way;
The essence of life as it ought to be!
©mnrivera

INSPIRATIONAL MESSAGE: All is possible for those who believe! YOU CAN DO IT!

Source: Guam Poets Club, URL: www.geocities.com/guampoetsonline

Let’s continue to live our lives to the fullest, despite the challenges that are set before us. Do your share to make a difference, and you will be rewarded twofold and beyond. Whatever obstacles may come our way, be rest assured that there’s an angel looking out for us, so live each day without fear. Enjoy the following poem relating to this very topic:


ANGELIC EYES

Angels are among us now
Giving us a special feeling
Endowed with hope and happiness
Lifting our spirits naturally
In all that we do
Capturing the essence of true virtue.

Each day the angels are watching
You and I

Ensuring that we are safe from harm
So that we may be blessed
With another wonderful day!
©mnrivera

INSPIRATIONAL MESSAGE: The angels abound us and are right by our side.

Source: Guam Poets Club, URL: www.geocities.com/guampoetsonline


Check out my angels singing the "Itsy Bitsy Spider!"

Students are preparing for a world in which technology affects everyday facets of life. Technology resources are therefore necessary to effectively enhance classroom instruction and enable students to be effective users of technology. To keep up with the Technology Age, it’s important to provide increased educational technology opportunities to impact student learning. With this in mind, enjoy the following poem titled Educational Technology.

EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY

E ducational Technology
D ives into a wonderful world of opportunity
U sing technology as a tool that
C aptures the interest of all who
A ct upon the unique needs of our students.
T eaching them effectively by
I ntegrating technology in the curriculum
O pens a global outreach to all by
N avigating with ease
A s communication is enhanced with
L inks that can assist you with a touch of a button, anyday, anytime.

T eaching
E ducational Technology
C an facilitate learning in the classroom by
H olding resources that can reinforce skills as we
N avigate
O n the threshold of our Technology Age.
L earning is enhanced with
O pportunities and information resources that
G ive our education a significant boost
Y ou and I can learn from and be proud of!
© mnrivera

INSPIRATIONAL MESSAGE: Be abreast of the wonderful world of technology. Embrace it and you will be endowed with Educational Technology that will enhance your learning, and so much more!

Source: Guam Poets Club, URL: www.geocities.com/guampoetsonline

Here’s a poem titled Family Literacy that is meant to encourage you to support family literacy activities, as it is imperative in a child’s literacy development. Enjoy!

FAMILY LITERACY

F amily Literacy
A lways will remain
M eaningful as can be
I n this ever-changing society.
L isten, read, write, and learn with each passing day --
Y ou can do it!


L et your life be enriched
I n literacy and beyond because,
T ogether as a family
E verything will naturally work out for the better.
R emember...
A bove all...
C onsistency is the key.
Y ou and I can make positive things happen for Family Literacy!
©mnrivera

INSPIRATIONAL MESSAGE: Family Literacy is essential in today's society.
Together, we can do it! Let's make positive things happen!

Source: Guam Poets Club, URL: www.geocities.com/guampoetsonline

Happy New Year! May the year 2009 bring you many blessings filled with much love, joy, peace, and happiness!

Pictured L-R: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivers his "I Have a Dream" speech, in Washington D.C., Aug. 28, 1963; and President-Elect Barack Obama takes the stage at Denver's Invesco Field.

Image source: AP Photos, abcnews.com

TO THE POINT: UOG’s Association for Childhood Education International is sponsoring an island-wide poster contest in recognition of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Celebration. The contest theme is Fulfilling the Dream. It is open to all school children in K-12 grades.


No person in the entire history of African America has made as great an impact on the nation as did Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. – a preacher, civil rights advocate, moral leader, idealist and realist.Since many young people had not yet been born during Dr. King’s lifetime, and may be too young to remember, it is our duty as a community of parents and educators to teach our children of the life and work of Dr. King.

In addition, Barack Obama, will be the nation’s first African American to be elected president of the United States. As America’s 44th president, the 47 year-old junior senator from Illinois now must bear the hopes of an entire race, live up to the expectations of an entire nation and lead the free world in a time of great uncertainty.

In recognition of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Celebration on January 19, 2009, the University of Guam School of Education student organization, Association for Childhood Education International (UOG-ACEI), is sponsoring an island-wide poster contest. The contest theme is Fulfilling the Dream. It is open to all public, private, and DODEA school children in K-12 grades. Posters must be submitted no later than Thursday, January 15, 2009 at UOG’s School of Education, second floor, between 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. See secretary Anita Palomo or contact her at 735-2440, atpalomo@uguam.uog.edu. Late entries will not be accepted.

The goal of the poster contest is to raise, enhance, and broaden awareness and knowledge levels of students about the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and about the significance and application of the major tenets of non-violence; and to look toward the future of the nation’s newest president, Barack Obama. The basic requirements for the poster include 9x12 inches (minimum size) to 12x18 inches (maximum size), any art medium, and no tracing. Criteria include technical skill, creativity, originality, theme adherence, aesthetics, and use of space. Students must include on the back of the poster their full name, age, grade, teacher, school, and contact number. The grade levels to be judged include Kindergarten to 2nd grade, 3rd to 5th grade, 6th to 8th grade, and 9th to 12th grade.

An exhibit of all posters will be displayed at the Agana Shopping Center beginning Saturday, January 17-19, 2009 and at UOG’s School of Education and RFK Library. Announcement of all winners will be January 19, 2009 at 12:00 p.m., Center Court, at the Agana Shopping Center.

ESL Presentation: Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera presented an ESL workshop titled, "Using Graphic Organizers to Empower English Language Learners," during the International Reading Association’s “Engaging English Language Learners in Literacy” Professional Development Day on October 11, 2008 at the Guam Marriott Resort and Spa. She received a certificate of appreciation from the organization in recognition of service and valuable contribution.

UOG Distinguished Service Award: Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera was honored with the University of Guam Alumni Association Distinguished Service Award for 2007 for her exceptional volunteer work. She was selected by a panel of four judges, including Speaker Judith Won Pat; Col. James Montague, Commander Air Guard; Al Almira, Comptroller, TakeCare Asia; and Cathleen Moore-Linn, UOG Director of Integrated Marketing and Communications. Other nominees included School of Education Associate Professors Dr. Marilyn Malloy Jackson and Dr. Catherine Stoicovy.

Members of the GPSS ELL/ESL Standards Cadre 2008 presented the Guam English Language Proficiency Standards at the University of Guam’s 21st Annual Regional Language Arts Conference held November 14 and 15 at the University of Guam and Holiday Resort & Spa. The theme of the conference was Reading and Writing Across the Content Areas: Empowering English Language Learners. The cadre’s presentation titled Guam English Language Proficiency Standards (GELPS) introduced the English Language Standards that were developed for social, intercultural, and instructional purposes; language arts; mathematics; science; and social studies. The standards were developed to address the needs of GPSS English Language Learners, close the achievement gap for ELLs, and help ELLs attain English proficiency, or do the same for CHamoru Language Standards. An introduction of the Enhanced Assessment Grant (EAG) Project was also introduced to demonstrate the close relationship between the Standards and the EAG.

Cadre members who presented were Rosa Salas Palomo, Project Director/Coordinator of the Guam ESL Certification Plus Project; Zander David Refilong, Program Coordinator; Gene Dydasco, Education Specialist with the Pacific Resources for Education and Learning (PREL); Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, ESL Teacher/Coordinator with the Guam Public School System (GPSS) & adjunct professor for the Language and Literacy, TESOL, and Instructional Technology Programs & Department of English and Applied Linguistics at the University of Guam; Keith Juarez, Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) teacher with GPSS; and Guadalupe (Faye) Camacho Kaible, school program consultant with GPSS. Among the audience members who attended the presentation were Maydelene C. Ganan-Flores and Risa Jade S. Miguel, administrative staff of the Micronesian Language Institute; Menang Diaz, GPSS State Program Officer; GPSS teachers Bobbie Manibusan, Dawn Maka, Cynthia Manibusan & Vina Johnson. Cadre members not pictured are Dr. Margo Gottlieb, LN494/G Instructor & Illinois Resource Center; Lucia C. Leon Guerrero, GPSS School Administrator; Chamoru teachers Teresita C. Flores, Cecilia C. Bermudes, Marilyn R. Perez, Roy M. Leon Guerrero, Jocelyn T.Santos, Rufina F. Mendiola; June E. Taitano from GPSS Special Education; Kirk S. Drygas from Project Hatsa; Dr. Jose Q. Cruz from the Guam Education Policy Board; GPSS ESL teachers, Lois Taitano Gumataotao, Lorena M. Montague, Priscilla C.T. Perez, Melissa R. Pablo, and Marife G. Fernandez.

Presentation: Undergraduate students enrolled in the EN100 Fundamentals of College English course completed the semester on December 2, 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: Pictured L-R front row: Francis Manuel, Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, and Michael Figuerres. Back row: Ikol Suda, Christiana Cruz, JovieAnn Quitugua, Maria Machie, Kristine Pabunan, Cheysser Rodriguez, and Keith Guerrero.

Language and Literacy Master of Education students enrolled in the ED643 Literacy Assessment course completed the semester on December 1, 2008 with a presentation of their online LiveText Portfolio and Diagnostic Case Report at the University of Guam’s School of Education Literacy Center. The course focuses on using a range of formal and informal assessment tools and methods to diagnose and assess individual learners’ reading and writing development, to guide instruction, and to involve the learner in self-assessment.

Pictured L-R: Lorna Gonzalez; Kate Pappano; Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, instructor; Lucille Linder; and Ceferino Duarosan Jr.

University of Guam School of Education professors presented at the university’s 21st Annual Regional Language Arts Conference held November 14 and 15 at the University of Guam and Holiday Resort & Spa. The theme of the conference was Reading and Writing Across the Content Areas: Empowering English Language Learners. The professors’ presentation titled Jumpstarting Reading Comprehension for English Language Learners introduced the reader’s schema and its importance in comprehending, learning, and remembering ideas in stories and text.

Pictured L-R: Dr. Kate Mastruserio Reynolds, conference keynote speaker and associate professor of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages in the departments of foreign languages and curriculum and instruction at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire; Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, Dr. Catherine Stoicovy, Dr. Kelle Murphy, and Professor Julie Fee (sitting) from the University of Guam.

Graduate students enrolled in ED638: Teaching with the Internet presented at the University of Guam’s 21st Annual Regional Language Arts Conference held November 14 and 15 at the University of Guam and Holiday Resort & Spa. The theme of the conference was Reading and Writing Across the Content Areas: Empowering English Language Learners. The students’ presentation titled Using Internet Tools to Enhance ESL Instruction explored web sites aimed at enhancing ESL and content area instruction, writing, collaboration, professional development, instructional technology, website designing, blogging, and assessment.

Pictured L-R: Paul Sekine; Ceferino Duarosan Jr.; Dr. Kate Mastruserio Reynolds, conference keynote speaker and associate professor of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages in the departments of foreign languages and curriculum and instruction at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire; Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, instructor; Kate Pappano; and Gregory Mamay.

Hafa Adai! It has been a pleasure sharing the various cultural poems from the anthology Our Native Daughters’ Reflection of Guam and Its People. Today marks the last day of sharing the poems, as we’ve finally reached Korasón Poem #57, the last poem contained in the anthology. In this poem, titled Delicious Pumpkin Treats, you’ll experience the virtual taste of our pumpkin treats of Buchi Buchi and pastet. I hope you’ll enjoy it! Si Yu’os Ma’ase’!

Delicious Pumpkin Treats

Buchi Buchi or pumpkin pastet* –
What’s the difference?
They’re both made almost the same way
And they taste so delicious –
I can’t even tell the difference.
Okay, so I can, but why should it matter?
The only difference is the way it’s cooked.
Buchi Buchi is fried pumpkin turnover
While regular pumpkin turnover is baked.
They’re both made of sweet dough and pumpkin filling
And it takes about an hour or so
To cook a dozen of them.
These are among my favorite deserts
And I’m sure if you try them you’ll agree with me
That they are delicious pumpkin treats!
Gof manngé!
© mnrivera and ltgumataotao

*pastet: turnover
*Gof manngé: Tastes very good.

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