What is it about the K12 Program?

K to 12 is KINDERGARTEN and 12 YEARS of BASIC EDUCATION

Kindergarten                           Kindergarten                   (5 years old)


6 Years of Elementary           Grade 1                            (6 years old)
                                                  Grade 2                            (7 years old)  
                                                  Grade 3                            (8 years old)
                                                  Grade 4                            (9 years old)
                                                  Grade 5                            (10 years old)
                                                  Grade 6                            (11 years old)


4 Years of Jr. HS               Grade 7                            (12 years old)       NEW HS Year 1
                                            Grade 8                             (13 years old)       NEW HS Year 2
                                            Grade 9                             (14 years old)       NEW HS Year 3
                                            Grade 10                           (15 years old)       NEW HS Year 4


2 Years of Sr. HS                Grade 11                          (16 years old)       NEW HS Year
                                              Grade 12                          (17 years old)       NEW HS Year

The K to 12 Program covers kindergarten and 12 years of basic education (six years of primary education, four years of junior high school, and two years of senior high school [SHS]) to provide sufficient time for mastery of concepts and skills, develop lifelong learners, and prepare graduates for tertiary education, middle-level skills development, employment, and entrepreneurship.

The adoption of the program is in response to the need to improve the competitiveness of our country’s graduates as the ten-year basic education cycle is seen as inadequate for work and higher education. In fact, overseas Filipino workers are not automatically recognized as professionals in other countries that view the ten-year education program as insufficient. The Philippines is the only country in Asia and is one of only three countries in the world with a ten-year basic education cycle. 

Features

1. Universal Kindergarten Education. Kindergarten has now been integrated into the basic education system to ensure that all grade 1 students are ready for academic learning.

2. Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education. The mother tongue will be the medium of instruction from kindergarten to grade 3. This includes the following: Tagalog, Kapampangan, Pangasinense, Iloko, Bikol, Cebuano, Hiligaynon, Waray, Tausug, Maguindanaoan, Maranao, and Chabacano. Medium of instruction will be English and Filipino starting grade 4.

3. Core Academic Areas. The core academic areas include Math; Filipino; English; Araling Panlipunan; Edukasyon sa Pagpapakatao; and Music, Arts, Physical Education, and Health (MAPEH). These are based on the College Readiness Standards of the Commission on Higher Education and are equivalent to the courses offered under the General Education Curriculum of Higher Education Institutions.

Science will be taught in grade 3, but its concepts will be integrated in other subjects like Health (under MAPEH), Math, and Languages in grades 1 and 2. Edukasyong Pangtahanan at Pangkabuhayan will be taught starting in grade 4. Technology and Livelihood Education and technical–vocational specializations, consistent with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority training regulations, will start in grade 7.

4. Specializations. The additional two years (grades 11 and 12) or SHS will allow students to choose among academic, technical–vocational, or sports and arts tracks depending on their interest, the community needs, and the results of their skills assessment. The SHS will allow mastery of core competencies for lifelong learning and preparedness for work, higher education, middle-level skills development, or entrepreneurship.

For detailed information, please refer to the Official Gazette for the K to 12 Basic Education Program. 

Many has a lot to say about the newly implemented K12 Program here in the Philippines.  Educators and common people alike.  Personally I disapprove of using the Mother Tongue as medium of instruction. While it is true that the said language can be used to teach subjects like Math or Science, the usage, the rules of grammar and skills both in reading and language must be developed and strengthened to appreciate and learn better of the subject areas. 

I'm trying to be open minded about this.  Maybe we need it after all.  How about you? What is your opinion of the K12 Basic Education Program? Let's hear your thoughts.

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Working on Zef's First Birthday

I love birthdays! Who doesn't? Especially if it's our children's birthday that we're talking about.  Whether you have one or ten kids, the first birthday is the most celebrated with the whole family present to take part in a child's 1st year milestone.

My fourth child, Zef, will be celebrating his birthday this coming July and though I'm not all for big party celebrations, as financial capabilities restrict me, I'm still looking forward to making my son's first birthday a fun filled, more personalized and DIY-ful celebration with him.  I don't have anything to show right now but I promise you that a lot of crafty idea's in my sleeves.  With the help of  Pinterest, a social bookmarking site where users collect and share photos of their favorite, events, interest and hobbies.  I have created a board and pinned some birthday ideas for Zef which I'll be using for some of the preparations.  Everything's on the works and I'm really super excited.  Watch out for next month's post on my little boy's birthday party.  :-)

My son is 2 and he won't eat

My ZJ is in his "terrible 2" stage.  I can even say that my attention's more towards him than my 11 months old baby, Zef.  I have just realized that I have blogged about ZJ for a few times now but none to Zef yet.  Am I being unfair or having favoritisms maybe? Ah no! I don't think so because my next post is about my baby boy and all the preparations or ideas i'm mustering for his 1st year birthday next month! Well, enough of that for now and let's get back to my "problem child".

I have four children but still I always ask help from the expert, my mom, who raised nine of us.  There are times that I even trust her more than my kids' pediatrician.  Next in my help list is the ever reliable internet where I look up for a behavior or a phase that my kids are going through that I don't have ready answers at hand.  That's what I did recently for my toddler.  He's just not the most cooperative during meal time.  He skips a meal or doesn't eat anything at all! And I don't remember running around with my two older kids when they were ZJ's age just to make them eat.  With this one, sometimes he even has this attitude where asks me to cook for his favorite viand like egg or hotdog and when it's there he won't eat it at all.  Frustrating huh?!  Glorious are the days when he himself asks for food when he's hungry and really eats like he hasn't eaten for two days. This behavior really got me confused and worried so I consulted Mr. Google and typed in "my two year old won't eat".   I heaved a sigh of relief when I found this:

"Many toddlers are picky eaters. Being picky about food is a normal behavior for many toddlers. There may be times when your child wants to eat a particular food again and again for a while, and then not want to eat it at all."

I also found some forums where mothers discussed the same dilemma they have with their toddlers and so the more I became comfortable with the thought that my child's normal after all.  Just to set my worries and doubts aside, we did went to his pediatrician (ok, I might have exaggerated a bit on the not-trusting-the-pedia thing) and she gave me the same assurance that toddlers his age normally go through this kind of behavior.  To help boost ZJ's appetite, she also recommended Appebon 500 syrup.  It has a bit of an awful taste though so I have to mix it with his milk or juice.  We have only tried it for a few days yet so I can't say something solid as of this time but I'm quite positive that it's doing him pretty good.

I also found helpful tips to improve my son's eating habits which I thought is worth sharing.  This doesn't only imply for toddlers but for older kids too.

• Offer your child food that is tasty and looks good, and offer the right amount. A good rule of thumb is to offer 1 tablespoon of each kind of food for each year of your child's age. If your child is still hungry, you can serve more. Don't force your child to clean his or her plate.
• Try not to bribe your child to eat (such as offering dessert as a reward). Threats or punishments aren't good ideas, either. If your child doesn't want to eat, accept his or her refusal. Even though you may be concerned, don't show your child that you are upset by this refusal to eat. 
• Give your child a heads up. Ten to 15 minutes before mealtime, tell your child that it will be time to eat soon. Children may be so tired or excited from play activities that they don't feel like eating. Letting your child know that it is almost time for a meal will give him or her a chance to settle down before eating.
• Establish a routine. Children are more comfortable with routines and predictability, so set regular mealtimes, have people use the same seats at the table or create a tradition to have each person talk about something fun or interesting that happened to them during the day.
• Reserve mealtimes for eating and for spending quality time with your family. Don't let your child play with toys during mealtimes. Reading books or watching television shouldn't be allowed during mealtimes either. Explain to your child how good it is to eat together and ask him or her to stay at the table until everyone has eaten.
• Make mealtimes pleasant. If mealtimes are pleasant, there is a good chance that your child will begin to look forward to eating with other family members. Try to avoid arguments during mealtime.
• Manage your expectations. Don't expect manners that are too difficult for your child. For example, don't expect a child who is 3 years old to eat with the proper utensil. For many children, a spoon is much easier to handle than a fork.
• Setting a good example for your child can help. If your child sees you eating a variety of healthy foods, he or she will be more likely to give them a try.

My Dad..a Holy Man

Today, I made my daddy cry by posting a message for him on Father's Day.  Let me just share it with you.

"You are a provider, a supporter, a disciplinarian, a mentor, a coach and a friend. You were the one who made my speech when I ran for a position in the student council at school which I won. You always made drawings that are so picture perfect that my teacher taught it's made by Picasso himself. You always searched for me when I was lost. It was the first time I saw you cry when I had Troy. You are my human ATM when I'm financially down. You never stopped loving me despite my failures. You're doing all these because you are my Daddy and I wouldn't have it any other way because I love you so much. Happy Father's Day Jose Numeriano Villarta! ♥"

I can't remember a time that I hated my dad.  Everywhere you go or anybody who knows him, when asked about him would definitely say that he is a good man.  He surely is.  He has been serving the church as a Charismatic Speaker and a lay minister since I can't remember when.  We grew up going to seminars also.  When I was in my younger days I was the one who always tags along with him to nearby and not so far villages where he's assigned to give out Charismatic talks.  That made me very close to my dad being aside from the fact that I'm the eldest among nine.  

There was I time that I became rebellious and got into few bad stints.  Some would say that it was a result of my father being a strict disciplinarian.  But I never blamed him for any of my wrong doings.  In fact,  It was him who searched for me when I was lost emotionally and spiritually.  He never stopped searching for me til I found my way home.  And with all the trials he had gone through he always asks God to be with him.  His bond with HIM is just unbelievable.  Yes, that's how he is - having a very close relationship with God that we call him at home "The Holy Man".  That you can almost see a radiating light coming out from him.

Oh! He's a stage parent too.  He is, up to now at 60, a karate instructor at Japan Karate Association.  He all got us into karate actually.  He coached us for belt rankings, trainings and tournaments.  He was starting to mold my Troy as Batang Pinoy and got him to brown belt at the wee age of six.  But it was him also who persuaded my son for Dance Sport when he found out that there was a summer workshop at a university few years ago. He also has the nicks for dancing and loves the jive in particular.  My dad is so many things.  I grew up admiring him and wishing that I'd meet a guy as perfect as him.  With his guidance and persistent  fervent prayers, we all became successful in our own ways.  He is to this day, together with my mom, supports and loves us unconditionally.  I could never imagine life without my daddy.  

Calmness in Blogging

Ok. I'm just done with the comment exchange for the first half on BC Bloggers.  I have even sacrificed an hour or two of sleep in order for me to accomplish the activity but no regret coz it's so much fun that I can't wait for the next half! I admit, I'm green with envy for some who has beautiful designs and layouts on their blog site.  I kept telling myself that I'll have mine designed soon. Today, i was inspired to change AGAIN my layout which I just got from the Blogger Designs.  Yeah, they're all pretty and nice too but I'm looking for something that would really fit my personality or something that would co-relate with my blogging ideas.  That, got me thinking, what am I really blogging about? What is my niche?  I admit that at times I hesitate in writing a post.  I get lots of crazy ideas but then I step back and I think.  Yeah, that's how I am. I THINK a LOT.  But I guess that's what's blogging about right? To pour our ideas and thoughts.  Coz really, I wish I can be one of those who writes so intricate words. It's like they're weaving or something. I'll do this slowly til I'd get very comfortable with it.   I honestly find solace in writing my own thoughts. I'm in my own time and space when I write but still the presence is there because I'm writing something familiar to me which is about my family.  Without a doubt, I want to write and share stories about my children.  I guess I'll just have to go with the flow and keep on writing.

Stage mom as I am

Up to this very day, i feel so low with the result of the Pacquiao-Bradley fight.  I thought to myself that day that I'll have something nice to post in my blog because I was so much anticipating that our PACMAN would win.  But to my dismay, he didn't.  It was the same feeling I had when Jessica Sanchez was placed second on American Idol.  I know these people deserved the title to win because it's what's due for them. Because they're good at what they do, if not the best!  And for the case of our champ, Manny Pacquiao, clearly he was robbed.  It was supposed to be a sure win for him according to statistics but everything went crazy and he lost.  But a rematch would be highly exciting.  It was just funny when Mommy Dionisia, after so many times of persuading his son to retire from boxing, had then said that she's already allowing him to do a rematch.  Clearly, it's because she wants to see her son win. I guess it's always a parent's pride to see their children win in any field they choose.  In my case, as a parent of kids who are in a very competitive sport, I had my own share of applauding them on their winning moments and consoling them when they cry over their losses.   Children as they are they they tend to play around during practice.  That's why I push them more to train. I just wish that I have someone like Coach Roach as their trainer.  Don't get me wrong.  I don't see myself as a strict stage mom who only wants winners as my children.  Really, Troy and Tracy doesn't have like a real coach who trains besides them all the time.  Yes, they have some Seniors in the studio who corrects or teaches them from time to time.  But if they have someone who tells them what to do, someone who has a clear understanding of their body language, not someone like me who only encourages them or gives them one or two advice on some moves, then I'm sure they'd be able to execute more and better of their dance routines.  Then they'd have more chances to land first place.  Yes, I want them to win because that is also their goal.  It is their passion, it's their dream and I'm only a mere tool to help them achieve that dream.

I'm a new BC Blogger!

My blog's been around for awhile now but I noticed that there seems to be no one who's interested to comment or take a peek even.  With my ignorance with the blogosphere, I don't even know how to "beg" for links.  Good thing I stumbled upon Mommy Paula's blog at Mommy Diary and found an effective and fun way to connect with other bloggers who are mostly moms like me.   I'm more than excited to participate in the link and comment exchange with fellow bloggers soon and hopefully to meet them in the near future.  I'm still hovering and learning my way in and out so please bear with it.  But most importantly have fun with my blog posts! :-)


P.S.  It would mean a lot to me if you add yourself up by liking me page on Facebook or following me on Twitter. Thanks a bunch!

DanceSport with a Cause

Here's an article from Sun Star Dancesport for Free dated June 7, 2012 which I'd like to share for two reasons.  One, my kids are there on the first picture.  That's my boy Troy on the right side.  Tracy cannot be seen though coz she's behind him. Second reason is that here it's written how they started.  What I love about Dancesport is their unrelenting effort and passion to give back to the community specially to the less fortunate children.  Every summer, dance teachers including my 12 yr. old Tracy and  14 yrs. old Troy, are grouped together with their colleagues, to be assigned to some villages here in Cebu to teach children the basics of dancesport for free.  As an end result, these children realizes and cultivate their love for dancing.  Most importantly, it keeps them away from vices and drugs.  As for the teachers, the program teaches them the value of team work and humilty.

Nappy-Nappy time baby!

I just got off from putting my baby Zef to sleep.  By the time I was done "dancing" with Zef, my 2 yr. ZJ old has dozed off as well ,on his own, with his favorite Nemo pillow half covering his face.  Just how important is a nap for children?  Essentially, sleep is a major requirement for good health.  Especially for children who are physically and mentally developing in their growing years.  For a parent, kids' nap time is a brief oasis during the day and time to finish household chores.  Even as a baby, ZJ has always been the long sleeper. Like he really sleeps almost 13 hours at night but only naps shortly during daytime.  I have to confess though that I'm a strong influence because I usually sleep so late at night.  His tendency is, when he still sees people moving around the house then he does his thing as well.  But when it's all quiet, he has no choice but to lay in bed and sleep. That got me guilty and so I slowly changed his sleeping time at night.  Since it won't be til next week that Troy and Tracy will go back to school, I still implemented a house policy that TV be turned off til 11pm the most and lights off in the room by that time.  As an end result, ZJ wakes up early like 8 or 9am the next day. Then nappy time at 2 or 3pm.  There! I've succeeded. As for my 11 months Zef, at times I still have to cradle him to put him to sleep but nothing I can handle.  It's always just a simple joy to put a baby in your arm and feel the closeness the warmth and beating of two hearts of a mother and child.