August 16- G. Claros

Our team was able to create our own blog page. The blog name is awesomely appropriate. We also had the opportunity to finalize our recipes and start our drafts. We just need to do some finishing touches and add a little sparkle here and there. I’m really excited to showcase what we have worked on.

August 16 Blog Reflection by R. Tablan

 

My team is so awesome.  We worked together to finalize the flashcards and we also spent time working on our project.  I like how we were able to share many great ideas and how we were able to easily agree on which will be included in our project.  I look forward to meeting with them again this weekend to finalize everything.  

Aug 16 Blog Reflection

 It was great meeting with my team and getting to finalize what kind of blog we wanted to do and how we wanted it to look like.  We also discussed what kinds dishes we were going to do for our blog and how many we should each do.  I'm excited to see the outcome!

August 16 - Blog Reflection - J. Ocampo-Dela Cruz

It was great that our team met to discuss what we needed to do and to finalize the translation of the flashcards. Even though I used google translate for the Filippino flashcards. I had to verify the translation with my parents and surprisingly a few were not accurate. I love how our team collaboration is positive and how ideas help with the flow of our blog idea. Awesome job team! 

August 16 -Blog Post Renee Lynn Sanchez

This Saturday session we finalized the flashcard translations so that it could be uploaded to our Blog this week. We decided to upload each Flashcard as a separate post so that it would be easier for teachers who would like to use them to find them on the BLOG . When uploading the flashcards we also wanted to use the correlating flags as another method for making it easier to access. As a teacher ,I love to utilize resources that are quick , easy and simple. Lastly we decided to upload a blank flashcard template to make for teacher who want to add to their flashcard collection or use it as a resource. It was fun communicating via whatsapp and sharing our ideas and progress.

8/16 Ritter-Cruz Blog Reflection

 8/16 Blog Reflection 

In lieu of Saturday's class, I did some research on other recipe blogs to see their layout and the different styles of the various blogs. Our group finalized what recipes we will be including in our blog and any additional posts. I appreciate the time set aside for us to work on our projects!  

Aug 9 Reflection

 My biggest take away today was how it’s important to teach our students about diversity in the classroom and how it’s important to respect all cultures.  Yes, it starts at home, but we need to remember that not all home environments may be doing this. As teachers it’s important that we continue this or at least start it in the classroom so our students are aware and learn about diversity at an early age. 

Reflection- Grace Claros

I enjoyed today's discussion about the multicultural classroom as well as integrating. technology. I think both are very important in this day and age. My ESL classroom, I’d like to 

think, is a safe space for my English learners. I try to incorporate (as best as I can) the use of or reference to their native language and cultural aspects in my lessons in hopes that my students do not feel shy or embarrassed to share their stories with me. 

Picture 1: These are my beautifully diverse ESL students having completed one school year of the ESL program. 

As for technology in my classroom, I use it every day. I empower them to use laptops independently through writing and/or research amongst many other things.  

Picture 2: Using technology by reading online books on the website Epic Books 

GQ's Reflection on August 9, 2025 Session

 I enjoyed listening to the different perspectives about multicultural languages and learning.  I agree that technology is important because it can effectively impact and motivate students; however, they require constant guidance and monitoring. 

Reflection -8.9.25 J.Dela Cruz

Today was another great session. I learned many new things about incorporating multicultural diversity in the classroom (as well as at home)…like Dr Rivera had stated in class  “Parents are the first teachers!” 🤍 so when the child goes to school, teachers (like you and me) need to continue to educate our children on diversity and respect of other cultures. 😁

Class Photo - Aug. 9

Reflection R. Tablan

I really enjoyed today’s session. I agree that multicultural education is essential, and teaching young children about different cultures is especially important. As I mentioned earlier in class, our preschoolers are naturally innocent and accepting of one another. Introducing them to diverse cultures at this early age helps them understand and appreciate differences. This kind of early education fosters respect, empathy, and a foundation for inclusive thinking as they grow.

 REFECTION Renee-Lynn Sanchez

The takeaways I have from todays class session is the fact that technology is a tool for teaching students from diverse backgrounds. There are many possibilities when using technology especially when accessing content quickly and in real time. An example would be accessing online books from various cultures, researching translations for words, or even just finding unique facts and traits of a group to better understand classroom behaviors. It is essential as educators to be role models for demonstrating value and respect for all students from all backgrounds, because it is absorbed by all students in the classroom. As teachers if we take opportunities to celebrate and embrace students cultures the rest of the class will follow suit.

I also found this framework from the video that was shared to be very insightful. 

I really enjoyed todays session !

8/8/25 Ritter-Cruz Reflection

 The biggest take away from today was how powerful it is to include all cultures in the classroom. Like Grace said, we want our classrooms to be a safe space. Finding ways to incorporate different cultures into our lessons or daily instruction is crucial to helping those students feel seen and comfortable so that those basic needs are met and can focus on their lessons. 

Reflection of 8/2/25 Session

 I enjoyed today's session.   Participants appeared to be engaged as they responded to what they were viewing and hearing.  They were given the opportunity to contribute their thoughts and ideas.   Additionally, some of the stories were especially appropriate for this time of the year when students and teachers will be experiencing a new school year.   Ms. Diaz's story was very welcoming.  She had many encouraging messages to students that learning can indeed be fun.

Reflection by Grace Claros

 Hafa Adai! My name is Grace Claros. I am the ESL Coordinator/Teacher at Harry S Truman Elementary School in the beautiful village of Santa Rita where I reside. Today’s read loud activity in the library and online  was really fun. The stories were meaningful as they welcomed students back to the classroom. I really liked how we got to read along with the guest readers through the slideshows. I was a little worried that I wouldn’t be able to hear the reader so it was a great addition. My favorite book today was “Pout, Pout Fish Goes to School” as our ESL students sometimes feel lost and out of place. 

Also, I am a very musical person so I love engaging my students with music. The ‘“Goodbye, Farewell” song from Disney’s Out of the Box is one of my personal favorites. I excitedly did the clap along with the video. This was a wonderful experience and I’m looking forward to the next one. 

Day One Reflection - Renee-Lynn Sanchez 

I really enjoyed todays session. This was my very first experience with something like this and I see the endless possibilities of using interactive read a louds in my classroom. I love the idea that guest readers can be invited to participate even if they do not live on Guam. I truly enjoyed the back to school themed books as they set the tone and excitement of starting a new school year. I felt that this session was so engaging and loved the little details like the prizes or even allowing parents to help the little ones ask questions so everyone is encouraged to participate. I am excited for the next class!  

Day 1-Reflection

 I really enjoyed our first class session.  It was nice seeing familiar faces as well as meeting new people.  I loved the stories that were shared by our star readers.  I like how they were not too long and they had really nice and colorful pictures.  The stories are age appropriate for my class and for my little preschoolers. 

Reflection - J. Ocampo-Dela Cruz

 This was an awesome experience today. I enjoyed how it was so engaging both on a face to face aspect as well as online. From a teacher's point of view the use of the slides during the read aloud was great. It makes it more life size for the students who are sitting in front of the reader. The students don't have to strain to look at a regular size book. I gathered so many ideas I can use in my class. Thank you for the experience.💕

First Day Fun Aug 2 Reflection

Hello!  My name is Estella Saloma-Magbitang.  I teach at Harry S. Truman Elementary School.  I really enjoyed our first day of class.  It was a learning experience for me as I was able to get new ideas that I can utilize in my classroom.  The books that were read aloud today were really amazing.  Many of which I never knew of before, but will be sure to use this year in my classroom.  Technology is an amazing tool when used correctly.  I hope to be able to acquire new skills through this course that will assist me in using technology in more fun ways in my classroom.

Using Class Blogs to Create Meaningful ESL Anthologies - Cohort II

Amber Ritter-Cruz Introduction

 Hafa adai! My name is Amber Ritter-Cruz. I’m from the beautiful village of Santa Rita! I am the Gifted and Talented Education teacher at Harry S. Truman Elementary School! This school year will be my 14th school year! My hobbies include spending quality time with my family and friends and traveling whenever possible!

I enjoyed the read alouds and informative videos. The books were timely, as students are heading back into the classroom and it gives them that extra boost of excitement or the ability to shake of the first day of school jitters. As I mentioned during our class, the local story about Maria's first day of school was my favorite part because it's important for children to see themselves in media and literacy. I look forward to the rest of our classes!