Don’t Be Afraid to Learn a Musical Instrument

December 30, 2016 by Leave a Comment

Learning a musical instrument can seem like an incredibly daunting task. That’s especially true if you’re an adult who has never played before. After all, most of the people you know who play anything probably started when they were kids or teenagers.

Whether you’re in your mid-20s or your mid-60s though, you can learn to play any musical instrument you want. While it may require a lot of hard work on your part, learning to play music can be incredibly rewarding.

Keep reading to learn more about how you can overcome your fear of learning to play a musical instrument, as well as some tips on how you can get started. After all, once you get that instrument in your hands and a little practice under your belt, the fear of the unknown is likely to melt away quite quickly.

Buy a Quality Instrument

When young children are learning to play music for the first time, it might not make sense to invest in a decent instrument. However, since you’re an adult with your own income, making an investment in good quality musical equipment makes a lot more sense.

By purchasing something decent to play, you’ll be setting yourself up to learn the fundamentals on an instrument that allows for better performance. That can mean a lot, especially during the first frustrating phase where everything seems impossible.

Purchasing a good quality instrument also means that it should have some resale value on the used market. If you buy a used instrument, you may even be able to sell it for the same amount you bought it for if you decide it isn’t for you.

Image result for piano

Don’t Ignore Music Books

Music books aren’t the only helpful resource for adults learning an instrument, but things like music workbooks can really go a long way for many people. When you’re first learning, basic chord books and scale books can also do a lot for your progress.

Find a local music shop and pick up beginner’s books that look appealing to you.

Beginner Music Workbook - Teachers' Edition The Help BookIntermediate Music Workbook

 

Consider Private Lessons

If you can afford it, private lessons will help you learn your instrument in a fast, efficient way. Even if you don’t take private lessons for months or years, getting a few when you first start can help you master the fundamentals, making learning the rest on your own considerably easier.

Image result for piano teacher

Filed Under: Homeschooling, Kids At Work, PLAYhouse preSCHOOL, Resources

See You at The Biggest Homeschool Conference in the Philippines!

October 3, 2016 by 1 Comment

When we started homeschooling last June, I thought it would be a breeze for me.  I have almost two decades of experience as an academic tutor(yes, I’m THAT old!) . I’ve taught multi-level students in all academic subjects.  My kids are still in grade school, so, how hard could that be, right?

Well, our first quarter was a humbling experience for me.  I think I learned more from it than my kids did.  I was too concerned about meeting the academic requirements that I tried to replicate traditional school in our homeschooling.  We followed the usual school schedule, I had written quizzes and long tests prepared, we read and answered textbooks and worksheets.

However, as I met other homeschooling parents both personally and online, I realized that homeschooling wasn’t about bringing “school” in our home.  It is about molding our children’s values and character. It is about helping our children discover their potentials. It is about equipping them to be productive members of society.

One thing I also realized is how important it is to have support from other homeschooling families.  Now, whenever I can, I attend workshops and seminars to further equip myself in my role as a teacher and a mother and to foster friendship with others who have chosen this same path.

Philippine Homeschool Conference 2016

This month, I will be joining other homeschooling families in the country’s biggest homeschool conference.  Whatever stage you are in homeschooling now or whether you’re still contemplating about homeschooling your children, you shouldn’t miss this year’s conference aptly themed “From Roots to Wings: Homeschooling through the Stages”.

phc-2016-for-social-media-posts-with-logos-as-of-sept-27

Bearing the theme in mind, the PHC 2016’s line-up of speakers includes international and local speakers who are passionate homeschooling advocates, and are also experienced homeschoolers. They will inspire participants to provide their children with “roots,” build their foundation, and give them “wings” so they can soar to greater heights.

  • “Building a Firm Foundation” by Deonna Tan-Chi and her daughter Joy Tan-Chi Mendoza
  • “Motivation: The Art and Science of Helping Children Learn Well” by U.S.-based speaker Andrew Pudewa
  • “Wings to Soar: Leaving a Legacy for Our Children” by Bo Sanchez

(Click here to know more about the keynote speakers)

phc-keynote-speakers

The PHC 2016 also has an amazing line-up of BREAKOUT SESSIONS. New and experienced homeschoolers alike will definitely find something “fit” for their unique homeschooling situation in the practical breakout sessions lined up for the conference.  The sessions will cover topics like the ins and outs of homeschooling in the Philippines, laying the foundation in preschool, homeschooling the high school years, and transitioning to and from brick-and-mortar schools, among others.

(Click here to know more about the breakout sessions)

Aside from these, there are also Kids’ Activities, a great Expo, and lots of Raffle Prizes during the conference.  There are really so many awesome reasons why you should attend this conference!  Register early to avail of the regular rate of P1000, or the group rate of P4500 for 5. Walk-in or on the day payment will be P1200.  So, see you on the 22nd of October at the SMX Convention Center, SMX Aura Premier in Taguig City.  Registration starts at 7am.

(Click here to REGISTER to the PHC 2016)

from-roots-to-wings

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Follow the following social media accounts to get updates and help spread the word about the PHC 2016:

Or look for the hashtags #PHC2016 and/or #fromrootstowingsphc

For more details of the PHC 2016 registration process, program, speakers’ profiles, and other details, please visit the PHC 2016 event organizer’s website www.educatingforlife.co

ABOUT THE PHC 2016 ORGANIZERS

The Homeschool Association of the Philippine Islands (HAPI), is a non-stock, non-profit organisation that aims to equip homeschooling groups and organisations in growing the national homeschooling movement. HAPI has partnered with Educating For Life (EFL) to mount the Philippine Homeschool Conference 2016. EFL was founded by homeschooling parents to support families who have courageously decided to take the path less taken in educating their children.

Filed Under: Homeschooling, Kids At Work, PLAYhouse preSCHOOL, Resources

Acquiring Materials to Help Students Learn Better

March 10, 2016 by Leave a Comment

Math is a subject with which many students struggle. They fail to understand material that they must know in order to move onto the next grade level. When you want to help students learn complex math lessons better, you may use a variety of resources like base ten blocks worksheets and other materials that outline the subject and also show various ways to working out the math problems. You can order these teaching supplies and other educational resources online.

In-Depth Explanations of Mathematical Theories

As a skilled tutor, you may find it difficult to reach students who have an obsessive fear of math. The traditional methods of teaching that instructors use in public schools fail to produce the results that students need to succeed on tests. Rather than utilize those same methods, you may find it more helpful to use materials that you can buy online. These resources may show a different way to work math problems and also walk students through the problem solving process step by step until they catch onto the concepts.

The books for sale online are illustrated so that students have the visual cues they need to understand complex math topics. Many students, even those in college, are visual learners. They need illustrations to refer to when learning multiplication, factoring, and other theories in math.

By seeing the pictures in the book, students can associate abstract terminology and solving mechanisms with illustrations that show them step by step how to solve a math problem. These visual clues also can help them learn the concepts that they need to pass standardized tests and to be promoted into the next grade level.

The book also comes with worksheets that you can copy and provide for your pupils. The worksheets give them extra practice mastering skills they need to learn as required by the state.

Other Subject Matters

Along with math, students often struggle when it comes to learning science as well. The site offers teaching resources for science subjects like zoology.

You can also order three-dimensional visual aids designed for hands-on learning. These visual aids come at prices that any teacher or tutor should find affordable.

Students sometimes struggle to learn complex subjects like math and science. They learn faster with illustrations and visual cues. You can buy teaching materials that provide a new way of learning when you shop online.

Filed Under: PLAYhouse preSCHOOL, Resources

Raising Game Changers with iACADEMY

October 19, 2015 by 1 Comment

I am envious! So very green with envy.  I envy the youth of today whose lives are made more convenient with all the advances in technology.  I envy them for the vast opportunities they have to make their lives better.  What triggered this feeling?  A tour and an orientation of a school which I found sooooo amazing.  It made me want to wish that I were born several years later.

So, what’s the school that made me want to wish I were a teenager again?  iACADEMY!

iAcademy Logo

Aside from being the official partner school of Project Runway Philippines, here are the reasons why iACADEMY has me yearning to go back to the future.  These are also what sets them apart from other institutions:

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Press Release, Resources Tagged With: ,

The Philippine Homeschool Conference 2015: Ready for the World!

October 7, 2015 by Leave a Comment

Have you already signed up for the largest homeschooling conference this year? Whether you have been homeschooling for years or have yet to decide if homeschooling is for your family, this conference is something you should not miss.

PHC2015 Speakers

READY FOR THE WORLD!

Homeschool Association of the Philippine Islands, Manila Workshops and The Learning Basket bring you the largest homeschooling conference this year – “The Philippine Homeschool Conference 2015: Ready for the World!”

From 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on October 17, homeschoolers will be filling the Samsung Hall and SMX Convention Center of SM Aura. Those who are considering homeschooling their kids are strongly encouraged to attend this conference which is also a precursor to the “Global Home Education Conference” (GHEC) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in March 2016.

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

Homeschool advocates and esteemed speakers will be gracing the event to inspire, to inform and to empower homeschoolers and those who are exploring homeschooling.

  • Michael Donnelly – Director for Global Outreach of the Homeschool Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) and Secretary of GHEC 2016
  • Rachael Carman – mother of seven and best-selling author and publisher of popular homeschool science curriculum Apologia.
  • Davis Carman – the President of Apologia
  • Edric Mendoza – host of On The Money and homeschooling dad of five
  • Chinkee Tan – motivational speaker and wealth coach

 

CONFERENCE VENUES

This year’s conference is definitely bigger than the past years’ homeschool conferences.  It’s so big that “Ready for the World!” will be held at THREE venues at SM Aura Premiere. Keynote talks will be held at the Samsung Hall, while smaller workshops and the much awaited homeschool expo will be in two different halls at the SMX Convention Center.

ALL ACCESS PASS

A minimal investment fee of Php 1,200 is all you need to shell out to get an All Access Pass to all three venues including the exposition venue.  Come in groups of 5 and you can avail of the group rate of Php 1,000 per person. Register and pay before October 10 to avail of the Early Bird Rate of Php 1,000 per person.

EXPO OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

The exposition venue where you will find various learning providers, educational tools, toys, books, and other learning materials will be open to the public.  Those who do not have an All Access Pass need only to pay an entrance fee of Php 50 per head. Check the expo out and I’m sure you’ll be able to tick off several names on your Christmas list.

WORKSHOPS FOR KIDS

While you are learning more about homeschooling and enriching your parenting and teaching skills, your kids can have their own learning experiences through various arts & crafts workshops. Participation in each workshop is only Php 500 per person, and that already includes materials! Wonderful, right?!  They will accept only 25 students per class so better register your kids today.

String Art by DMC (9:00 to 11:00 a.m.)

Kids will hammer away to create different colorful figures, abstract or representational, using just wood, nails and various threads. For ages 13 and up.

Mandala by DMC (9:00 to 11:00 a.m.)

Learn how to create beautiful hanging ornaments by mixing patterns and colors with just your thread. For ages 13 and up.

Cross Stitch by DMC (12:30 to 2:30 p.m.)

Remember the cross-stitch craze? Introduce your child to this absorbing hobby that can produce beautiful home wall decors with clean and precise X’s. For ages 9 and up.

Dream Catcher by DMC (12:30 to 2:30 p.m.)

Native Americans believe that dreams can be caught. Kids will love making their own dream catchers with a hoop, threads and eye-catching decors arranged in a web for a good night’s sleep. For ages 13 and up.

Basic Calligraphy by Little Ms Printer Marj Liwag (Morning: 10:00 – 12:00 a.m. / Afternoon: 2:45 to 4:45 p.m.)

Let your kids learn to write in beautiful calligraphy in this workshop to be facilitated by Marj Liwag of Little Ms Printer. For ages 13 and up.

Don’t miss out on everything this conference has to offer!  Register now and avail of the Early Bird rate of Php 1,000 per person. This promo ends on October 10 (that’s this weekend already!), so do get your tickets now at ManilaWorkshops.com.

 

PHC2015 Media Partners

 

ABOUT HAPI

Homeschool Association of the Philippine Islands (HAPI), a non-stock, non-profit advocacy of Filipino homeschoolers, together with Manila Workshops, a company dedicated to continuing education for professional and personal goals, and The Learning Basket, an advocacy that inspires parents to be their children’s first and best teacher, offers an event jam-packed with information and inspiration about homeschooling that will help parents get their kids ready for the world.

Filed Under: PLAYhouse preSCHOOL, Press Release, Resources Tagged With: ,
Next Page »