Multilingual Kids

MULTILINGUALISM means using or knowing more than one language. In our modern world today, some parents are obsess in raising a child to be English-speaking people. According to neurobiologists, a newborn’s brain is like a new computer waiting to be programmed. The best "window of opportunity" to learn a second or third language is during the first four years of life until the ages of 9 to 10. The key is that the child hears the language systematically and regularly. Thus, one of the most successful language systems is the One Person One Language (OPOL). Decide who will speak which language to the baby to avoid confusion.  

MYTHS ON MULTILINGUALISM

MYTH: You will confuse a child by raising her with two or more language

FACT: A child’s brain can cope with two languages or more without affecting the dominant languages, as proven by decades of research in many multilingual countries (e.g., Canada, Switzerland, Belgium).

MYTH: Multilingualism is nice but uncommon

FACT: About 75% of the world’s population speaks more than one language.

MYTH: Learn one language first and then teach the other language later.

FACT: This is not only wrong, but totally counterproductive. Studies have concluded that learning a second language simultaneously is magnitudes easier for both baby and parents.

MYTH: Your child will only mix the languages together.

FACT: Yes, mixing will occur, but it is both harmless and temporary. As the child increases  her vocabulary in each language, this phenomenon automatically disappears.

MYTH: At this age, becoming multilingual is too late.

FACT: No such thing! Children can always learn another language at any age, as can adults. It may be easier during the early critical period but a stimulating learning environment will get any child started with another language.


Source: The Smart Mom's Guide To The Toddler Years ( 13 to 36 months)


BOTTOM LINE

I have nothing against Pinoy kids who are fluent in speaking English or any other language. But for me, if a child is good in speaking other language, he should be better in speaking his OWN language. That’s what I insisted on my two nephews who is now residing in New Zealand.  They shouldn’t forget our native language FILIPINO even if they live in a foreign country.  As for my son, I will do the OPOL. He will learn Filipino from me, and English from his Daddy, Ninang Janice, and Tita Anna. But I think I would have to wait a little longer because Riley’s words for now are hi, dede, teddy, daddy, and mama only. :)

Junior Master Chef

I love the tv show Junior Master Chef (Pinoy Edition) on ABS-CBN. I can't help but be awe with these kids! Their cooking skills are unbelievable. They prove to me that cooking is a talent just like singing or dancing or painting. I mean everyone can cook but there are people who are born to do this. And what's even more interesting with this show is that the contestant's age ranges from 9 to 12. When I'm in their age, I don't think I have the enthusiasm they have for cooking. Anyway, as I say, there are people who are really born to this kind of stuff. But me? I learn to cook when I was in college and my specialty is Menudo and Sopas. I can also cook as long there is recipe in front of  me. But in JMC, all the kids prepare their food impromptu and there are challenges that makes the show more exciting. In today's episode their task is to make a meal with the ingredients apple, pumpkin, and frog! I can't wait for more challenges to come.

Watch it every Saturday at 6:45 PM and Sunday at 6:30 PM.

Farewell, Steve Jobs

The death of Steve Jobs, former CEO of Apple Inc., brought a lot of grief among nations. This man is responsible for IPod, IPhone, and iApps such as ITunes and many more. I do not have any of the the said gadget at the moment but I'm sure how great that piece of technology are. He sure inspired a lot of people. Farewell, Steve Jobs, your legacy would forever be remembered!

This are all Steve Jobs quotation and my FB wall are swarming with these wonderful quotes from him.

"The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it."

"Be a yardstick of quality. Some people aren't used to an environment where excellence is expected."

‎"Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower."

"Sometimes when you innovate, you make mistakes. It is best to admit them quickly, and get on with improving your other innovations."

"You can't just ask customers what they want and then try to give that to them. By the time you get it built, they'll want something new."


Steve Jobs biography here.

World Teachers' Day

Some people are meant to build houses, some to answer calls, some to be a leader, some to work abroad, and some to program a computer. Me? I was meant to be with kids, to educate them, to share stories with them. To inspire them to study. I was meant to be a teacher.


If I had only realized this sooner, it would have saved me 7 years of unproductive college years. I should have taken child psychology, or special education or preschool teaching or even social work right away! Not that I regret anything. But sometimes I wonder why didn't I know what I really wanted back then. What leads me to conclude that if I took Computer Engineering I would be happier? I guess I was blinded by the opportunities because computer courses are really in demand. Anyway, it's not too late. So when I had the time to take up uniting in Education I grab the chance. So yeah, I am part of the 900 billion community of teachers all over the world who is celebrating World Teachers' Day today! :)

I can't even begin how teachers play a vital role in every one's life. Without their patience and devotion for teaching young minds the basics of learning, we wouldn't have doctors, or lawyers, or engineers, and even presidents! It doesn't matter who they are, they can be in the form of a a mother, a sister, a friend, a child, or a stranger, as long as there is that burning passion of bestowing knowledge, anyone can be called a TEACHER. So it's appropriate to SALUTE and THANK them for the service they rendered.

This is our day! Thank you to all my teachers in the past! And to the my wonderful sisters, Janice and Ate, here's to more years of teaching! Cheers!

Another Typhoon (on my birthday)

It's the first day of October and as of the moment Typhoon Quiel is felt here in Bulacan. According to PAGASA, Bulacan and some province in Central Luzon is Signal Number 2. It's just sad because we haven't recovered yet from the onslaught of Pedring and now here's another typhoon. :( I've been following the news ever since Pedring and I am devastated how it affected the Bulakenyos particularly in Calumpit, Hagonoy, and Paombong. The flood and water is 8 feet high! Some houses are immerse completely and only the roof is seen. And the water is getting higher and higher so government officials are ordering evacuations of residents of the affected area.

For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV

Let us continue to pray for the safety of everyone. And may the upcoming typhoon won't harm anyone. That's my only wish on my 30th birthday. God bless everyone!

The New 7 Wonders of the World

You only have 42 days to vote for the new Seven Wonders of the World. It would be reveal on November 11, 2011 who among the 28 finalist will be included in the Top 7. I know it's hard to choose only 7 because our planet is bursting with amazing and breath taking places. I'm happy and proud too that one entry is from my home country, Philippines!

The sole entry of the Philippines - Puerto Princesa Underground River

Unfortunately for me, I've never been here but I  know one day I'll be able to visit this along many other beautiful places in my country. Don't pass this chance to vote. You can vote via text or by website. Here's the official link to their site: http://www.new7wonders.com/vote-2?lang=en

Typhoon Pedring

September 27, 2011 I woke up with the sound of strong wind and our roof's banging sound. Oh no! Another typhoon to hit the Philippines! I was scared of the wrath of Typhoon Pedring and I was worried that our roof might give up. As I check my Facebook I am not the only one who feels that way. I wanted my mom, who still manage to go to work, to come home. I watched the news to get updated and the situation are worst in some part of Metro Manila. Then at around 12:00 pm, one of our neighbor shout "Patayin nyo ang fuse nyo, nasusunog ang Romers!" Romer's Trading is a fabrics store just across the street and at that moment it is burning. We were terrified! Good thing, fire trucks from different municipality started arriving and after four hours of putting off the fire, it was declared stabilized and so everyone breathe a sigh of relief.

So from then on, electricity is cut off, with no news to listen to. I want to be prepared next time so I will buy a mini radio that runs in battery in case power electricity is down again. I am also glad that I thought of charging our flashlight and my cellphone before electricity is cut off. We also have reserved mineral water so it is not a problem. Now that another typhoon is looming in the view, I hope that everyone would be more ready and equipped. Click here for some tips we should remember in times of typhoon.

And here's the official websites of PAG-ASA  and PAG-ASA twitter for more weather reports.

The best defense in this kind of calamity is be prepared and be aware. I hope we learn our lesson during the Ondoy times. Be safe everyone!