Reflective Essay

Traditional Poetry Informational Book Biography Fiction

Pandesal Saves the Day

Isem in Grumpy Town

Mariang Makiling

Kung Bakit Umuulan (Why It Rains)

Ang Magkaibigan

Si Langgam at si Tipaklong

Ang Tabong Bituin sa Langit

Tamales Day The Hungriest Boy in the World

Tubble Wubble

The Worst Bestfriend

Joseph had a little overcoat

Ella Sarah Gets Dressed

Squirt Magert

Zoo in the Sky: A Book of Animal Constellations

The Umbrella

A Color of His Own

The Tiny Seed

Earthquake

Supremo The Story of Andres Bonifacio

Barefoot in Fire Follow the Dream: The Story of Christopher Columbus

George Washington's Teeth

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

The Cat Who went to Heaven

Dagat sa Kama ni Troy

Owl Friends

A Spider Story

Ang Paglalakbay ni Pepito Piso

The Spectacular Tree

Ang Tsinelas ni Inoy

Local- 8 Local: 2 Local- 1 Local- 2 Local- 6

Foreign- 1 Foreign: 3 Foreign- 4 Foreign- 2 Foreign- 2

Total: 9 Total : 5 Total: 6 Total: 4 Total: 8

Total Books: 33Local: 20Foreign: 13

FICTION:

Annotation No. 1

Title: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs Type: Fiction

Author/Reteller : Judi Barrett Subtype: Fantasy Tales

Illustrator (if any): Ron Barrett

Publisher, Place, and Date of Publication (or its online equivalent):

New York: Atheneum, 1978

No. of Pages: 32 Age/Grade suitability: 9 to 12

Award/sReceived (ifany): none

This book is about a fictional town called Chewandswallow, where there aren’t any food stores because all the food the people need comes down from the sky at mealtimes. However, when floods and storms of giant food come, the residents were forced to leave their town on boats made of bread. They learned to adapt to their new lives in their new place where the weather does not rain food. Upon watching the film adaptation of this children’s book,it has become my personal favorite not only because Food is my life, but also of its humorous and amusing story that is made even more enjoyable because of the illustrations. The transition from reality to fantasy and going back to reality is very effective in the way the illustrator made distinction of color, whereas all became colored when grandpa starts telling the story and gone back to black and white when its about to end.

The book, having food as the main concept, caters to the material needs of the child. It was playfully written and illustrated in dramatic turn of humorous events, filled with actions and surprises which reflects the elements of action, surprise, humor and illustration. The imaginative illustrations expand the story and sparks the imagination of its readers, especially children. There is no conspicuous element of violence, except maybe for some parts where the giant storms of food comes and tears down the town, which in my personal view are actually the ‘spice’ that highlighted the conflict of the story, and which were even made more exciting by how it was presented by the illustrator. With this, along with how the plot, setting and characters were played by the writer, I consider this book exceptional in eliciting emotional and imaginative experience to me as a reader, making it on top of my list.

Annotation No. 2

Title:The Cat Who went to Heaven (Novel) Type: Fiction/ Poetry

Author/Reteller : Elizabeth Coatsworth Subtype: Animal Stories- Novel

Illustrator (if any): Lynd Ward


New York: Aladdin Paperbacks, 1990

No. of Pages: 88 Age/Grade suitability: 9 to 12, Grade 3 to Grade 6

Award/sReceived(ifany): Newberry Medal (1931)

This is the story of a poor young artist who sends his housekeeper to the market to buy food with the last of his money only to return not with food, but with a cat who has been marked as a Devil in Disguise. Soon he was commissioned to paint the passing of Buddha and as he paints and meditates, Good Fortune (the name of the cat) stays always by his side, to show admiration to her master’s work but after the painting is presented, he was not granted the right to have it hung in the temple for he has painted a cat which is considered an unblessed animal for Buddha. After every chapter, there is one beautiful and bitter sweet poem that is written by the housekeeper that is an uplifting message of the power, kindness, and the beauty of the spirit that is all around life. This story looks deceptive and should be read several times as I get caught up by the simplicity of it but it is only second reading where I realized the profoundness of the book and the underlying philosophy of Buddhism.

This book, which entails the story of a lone artist and his love to a cat, tells about the need of to love and be loved. The poems of a housekeeper at the end of every chapter impact the interest of children in terms of dialogue and the revelation after the painting has been finished relates to surprise as reading interests of a child. Moreso, it contributes to the growth of a more compassionate human being. Although there is no serious issue on children’s literature, I think that the discrimination of a cat being compared to an evil animal, relates to racism that makes the children emphatize with the cat.

Annotation No. 3

Title: Dagat sa Kama ni Troy (The Sea in Troy's Bed) Type: Fiction

Author/Reteller :Rene O. Villanueva Subtype: Growing Up Stories

Illustrator (if any): Nap B Dumo


Cacho Publishing House Inc, 1996


Award/sReceived (ifany): Palanca Memorial Literary Awards

This story is about the title character Troy, a young boy who struggles to control wetting his bed at night, while constantly dreaming of being a captain of a ship with his siblings Elena, 5 and Dodong, 3 and being woke up by the screams “We’re getting wet!”. His mother and father helped him to solve this problem by not drinking too much water at night and taking a leak before lying down. At the end, these active solutions have helped Troy fixed his problem and made him dream of being a ship’s captain without wetting the bed and his siblings again. Troy reminds me of my younger brother, whom at the age of 8, was still wetting bed while me and my other brother gets wet as well. If only this book was published and read to us at that time, then my brother could’ve had a great help in fixin his problem even at his earlier age, which makes this book indeed a good read to help children of the same problem.

How the family helped Troy helped his problem of passing urine at night relates to the need of the child to love and be loved. The sequential dialogues enthralled with hilarious actions captures the interests of its readers while contirbuting to a better child concept of a child. There is no noticeable elements that may relate to the issues of child literature. The story also leaves an emotional experience to its younger readers since they can relate to their day to day life experiences and to adults, especially parents, in toilet training their children.

Annotation No. 4

Title: Owl Friends (Novel) Type: Fiction

Author/Reteller : Carla M Pacis Subtype: Growing Up Stories

Illustrator (if any): Yasmin Ong



No. of Pages: 89 Age/Grade suitability: Intermediate Grades to Early High School

Award/s Received (if any):

Set in the aftermath of Mount Pinatubo eruption, this is a story of the lives of two young Filipinos, Amelia and an Aeta boy named Johnny and how both struggle to build new lives and how they have to comfront the reality of discrimination within their own family. It begins with a Amelia’s family’s ordeal in setting up a new life in a new place with which Amelia still has nightmares about the volcano when she begins aschool anew and where she meets Johnny, the best student in the class who also happens to be an aeta boy with the funniest hair she has ever seen. Amelia’s family does not like her to befriend an aeta but due to the Johnny’s unconditional support in helping Amelia’s brother to get well from a sickness, they latter allowed her to continue friendship with her, even apologizing for discriminating them for their race and color of their skin.

This is a warm novel of friendship and respect between two different children clearly depicts the need of children to belong regardless of their differences. The story plots on effective exchanges of dialogues and substantive chapters between the two characters and their families which eventually leads to a happy ending and contributes to the growth of a more compassionate human being. Aetas, along with other minorities in our country, have long been discriminated and this is reflected on how Amelia’s parents see Aeta’s as lazy and not God fearing people, with which at the end was justified when her parents realized that their prejudice are wrong. Reading this novel is indeed an emotional reading experience for children, with empathy on both Amelia and Johnny, as they can surely relate to the weaknesses and feelings of both characters.

Annotation No. 5

Title: A Spider Story Type: Fiction

Author/Reteller : Germaine Yia Subtype: Adventure

Illustrator (if any): Liza FLores


Lampara Publishing House Inc, 2004

No. of Pages: 32 Age/Grade suitability:

Award/sReceived (ifany):

This is a story of Bella, a Spider who is unhappy of her plain old web and is envious of her neighbors and their beautiful homes. She wants to create a unique web made of a different material so she left her web and spin her web using hair and spaghetti noodles but both only caused her more trouble. At the end, she realizes that her web is actually the most perfect place because it was hers, she built it with her eight legs and it was made of her own silk thread. I get delighted by how the story playfully make use of simple ideas like hair and spaghetti noodles to make a spider’s web along with its colorful illustrations while leaving a valuable lesson to its readers. On the serious note, this story talks about a difficult emotion like envy which highlights the value of accepting and coping with life’s limitations, even as a young child.

This story caters to the material need of a child to have a safe and comfortable place to live. With Bella’s amusing adventure on finding the best material for her home, along with fun filled actions displayed in illustrations, this book surely grabs hold of the readers’ interests while leaving the message that parents cannot give everything that the children ask for and in taking pride of one’s skills and abilities. This connects to the values of improving child’s concepts and making a child a more compassionate person. There is no noticeable elements that may relate to the issues of child literature. Overall, the story leaves an enticing emotional journey among its readers.

Annotation No. 6

Title: Ang Paglalakbay ni Pepito Piso (Pepito Piso’s journey) Type: Fiction

Author/Reteller : Raymund Garlitos Subtype: Adventure

Illustrator (if any): Jennifer Christine C. Gallegos


Rex Book Store, 1996



1995 Third Prize winner Children’s book contest organized by Rex Oasis of Arts and Culture Foundation

This is a story of Pepito Piso, a young coin who lives with his friends and mother and father, Mang Libo and Aling Daan in Barrio Alkansya. One day, he wanted to go out of their barrio to explore and live in the world and when he was allowed to go out, he traveled to different places until he found himself in a purse which opened in a muddy street and he was stepped and rolled until he become very dirty. When a beggar found him, he was returned back to his owner and was reunited with his family and friends, leaving him a life lesson of being contented with what he already has. The story plot is very simple and quite predictable, but what this teaches me is to become happy and contented with what I already have rather than asking for more and suffer the consequences of pushing myself to the limit.

The book directly relates to the affective needs of the children- the need to be love and be loved. The story’s dialogues and actions relates to the interests of its readers. It teaches the lesson of being contented with what you already have and appreciating and loving your family above all, which contributes to growth of a more compassionate human being. There is no noticeable elements that may relate to the issues of child literature. The value of filial love in terms of family’s understanding and support of a family member’s decision, is shown in the text as well.

Annotation No. 7

Title: The Spectacular Tree Type: Fiction

Author/Reteller : Robert Gunnar Magnuson Subtype: Fantasy/ Adventure

Illustrator (if any):


Lampara Publishing House Inc, 2004



This is a story about the adventure of a young crawling plant who is eager to grow up and dreams of becoming a tall tree, like the towering Acacias nearby. When a storm came, the acacia was badly wounded from a lightning so he needs to be chopped. The tiny plant helped the acacia tree but sewing and wrapping the acacia tree with its crawling, leafy cords of stems, making it a spectacular tree in the end. After reading this book, I learn two life’s valuable lessons- having perseverance and a kind heart. Through the adventures of the remarkable plant, it made me realized how anyone, no matter how small or weak you are, can inspire and lift people up.

The crawling plant, being tiny, felt powerless and unnoticeable and like some children, especially the quiet ones, have the need to belong and be loved. The story unveils surprises that catch the readers’ interests along with hilarious actions and dialogues which eventually contributes to the growth of a more compassionate human being and improving self concept of a child. There is no noticeable elements that may relate to the issues of child literature. The value of perseverance and having a kind heart can also be drawn from the text.

Annotation No. 8

Title: Ang Tsinelas ni Inoy Type: Fiction

Author/Reteller: Renato C. Vibiesca Subtype: Fantasy/ Adventure

Illustrator (if any): James B. Abalos


Quezon City: Lampara Pub. House, 2009



Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature

Mga premyadong kuwentong pambata: Award-winning stories for children .

This is a story of Inoy, a young boy who is used to wearing slippers that are interchanged. Despite the scolding and reprimands of his mother and father, Inoy still prefers to wear mixed-up slippers until one day, he finds himself ina a world where things are reversed. Because things are not in order and confuse him, he wishes to go back home but he needs to find three things that are not reversed to see his family again- a fish which is not swimming back, a bunny which hops rightly and lastly, his slipper that is worn properly. When he wakes up from a dream, he learned his lesson of not mixing up with his slippers again. In my kindergarten class, I have few children (my students whom I consider my own) who still insists on doing things in their way, including wearing their shoes. This story could be a helpful way for them to learn their lesson, through sharing Inoy’s adventure in a reversed world.

This amusing story of learning how to wear slippers properly in an adventurous way\relates to the need for beauty and order. The adventurous scenes filled with actions and interesting dialogues inspired from playful characters connects to the interests of the children which eventually contributes to the growth of a more compassionate human being and improving self concept of a child. There is no noticeable elements that may relate to the issues of child literature. The value of filial love in terms of family’s love for the child and the value of following the elderlies, is shown in the text as well.

TRADITIONAL:

Annotation No. 9

Title: Pan de Sal saves the day : a Filipino children's story Type: Traditional Literature

Author/Reteller: Norma Olizon-Chikiamco Subtype: Folk Tales

Illustrator (if any): Mark Salvatus.


Tuttle Publishing: 2009

No. of Pages:: 24 Age/Grade suitability: 4 to 8


Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature, First Prize Short Story for Children

This is a story of a young, shy, plain little girl named Pan de Sal who thinks of her self so lowly, from her strange name, her appearance, the hut where she lives and the fancy things that her prettier and richer friends Croissant, Muffin and Doughnut have. But it changed suddenly when the school bus they are riding in has a flat tire and Pan De Sal saved the day by sharing her simple meal of rice, fishbroiled, tomatoes and chicken adobo and entertaining her friends through her favorite game “Sipa” and performing “Kundiman” songs. Her talent and resourcefulness win the admiration of her classmates and she finds the confidence that she needs to fulfill her dream of joining a Glee Club. I believe that at some point of lives as children, we felt like an “outsider” and this book brings back my old memories when I was trying to find my self identity and strives for recognition as a young child. This book has effectively illustrate the value of overcoming identity crisis flavoured by the delicious diverse concepts of breads, leaving an inspirational stories that anyone can relate to.

The book caters to the emotional needs of a child, the need to belong particularly as Pan de Sal finds her confidence through her friends in school. The story, including the characters and the dialogues were playfully described and inspired by the delicious varieties of breads, providing a feeling of brevity as the story progresses. The story also imbibes a valuable lesson that contributed to tge growth of a more compassionate human being. Also, there is no noticeable elements that may relate to the issues of child literature. Overall, this story has effectively elicit emotional experience for its readers, be it young or old.

Annotation No. 10

Title: Isem in Grumpy Town Type: Traditional Literature

Author/Reteller : Eugene Y. Evasco, retold in English by Augie Rivera Subtype: Folktale

Illustrator (if any): John Crisostomo


Lampara Pub. House, 2003.



Everyone is grump and bad tempered in the town of Misoot because Datu Rupanget, the town’s chiefforbids laughing and smiling. Until one day, a happy boy named Isem, arrives in town and he was surprised by what he saw. He did stupid things to make the people laugh and when Datu Rupanget heard of this, he asked his soldiers to make Isem stop but Isem continued doing stupid things that also made the Datu laugh. Although the plot is predictable, I appreciate this kind of story as it reminds me how anyone can influence happiness by simply smiling and sharing simple joys and pleasure even to the grumpiest people like that of those Misoot. Isem makes use of slapsticks to free the town from oppression of expressing their feelings, which is indigenous to native literature.The story highlighted the need to respect the expression of one’s feelings- an act for the child to express himself and to his fellow chilren ideas that are not conveyed in mind. Through its dialogues and actions in good illustrations, it brings a feeling of success and happy ending. The story also gives a feeling of assurance where children can relate to Isem’s character which eventually improves their self concept. There is no noticeable elements that may relate to the issues of child literature. Lastly, this book clearly illustrates the values and wealth of Filipino culture in terms of reckoning happiness, sadness and even ruthlessness.

http://catalogue.nlb.gov.sg/cgi-bin/cw_cgi?doSearch+21561+3002+_+//TPan_de_Sal_saves_the_day+-1+-1

Annotation No.11

Title: Mariang Makiling Type: Traditional Literature

Author/Reteller : Rene O Villanueva Subtype: Myth

Illustrator (if any): Aelberto Escarriaga


Children’s Communication Center, 1988



Mariang Makiling is a famous legend of a beautiful and charming deity who lived like ordinary mortals. She likes helping the people of the town and was loved by them including three men who fell in love with her- Captain Lara, a Spanish soldier who always brought her gifts from Europe, Joselito, a Spanish mestizo who was studying in Manila and Juan, a common farmer with whom Maria favoredly loved. Joselito and Captain Lara were very much angry with Juan so they killed him in gunshots accused as an enemy of Spaniards and Maria was very furious of the people and she cursed those men who cannot accept failure in love. Since I was in elementary, I’ve heard and read different versions of Mariang Makiling,and I particularly enjoyed this story of her love. Cheesy and cinematic as it may sound, but I like this line that Maria shouted in the crowd while tightly embracing the lifeless body of her lover, Juan "Why did you not take care of him?" which brings the same feeling when I watch modern romantic movies nowadays.

Like Maria, children needs to be loved and as they learn to receive love, they also learn to give love. The dramatic dialogues of the story brings life to it which actually triggered me to paint a movie of Maria’s love in my mind. Maria, being a kindhearted deity also contributed to the growth of a more compassionate human being to children. There is no noticeable elements that may relate to the issues of child literature. To sum up, this book has influenced my affective domain as a reading that reading Maria’s love story feels like I am watching tragic love story in a big screen.

Annotation No. 12

Title: Kung Bakit Umuulan (Why It Rains) Type: Traditional Literature

Author/Reteller : Rene O Villanueva Subtype: Pourquio

Illustrator (if any): Robert, A. Alejandro




Award/sReceived (ifany): 1990 Carlos Palanca Award Winner for Literature

This is a story of Alunsina, wife of Tungkung Langit who is the great creator of the sun, the stars, the moon, the planets to please his wife. But Alunsina was not please of her husband’s creation and instead desires to create but he would only answer, "I would rather see you smile, fix your hair and stay beautiful" so she left him. Tungkung Langit searched everywhere for his wife until one day, he found her on earth surrounded by trees, flowers, birds and fish which Alunsina created. He pleaded Alunsina to come with him in heaven but she prefers to stay on earth so Tungkung Langit created rain so he can still take care of Alunsina’s creation even though they’re far away from each other. My grandmother used to tell me horrible stories why it rains when I was young (including the wedding of Tikbalang and Aswang), and this piece from Rene Villanueva is a good book to read, especially to children, as it tries to explain how rain evolved in a sweet tale of love rather than storied of weird characters and events.

Alunsina’s desire to have the same power to create as that of her husband caters to the need of the child to achieve. With its dramatic dialogues and illustrations in the story, children can extend their imaginations in how the world is created while at the same time creating a better pictures of themselves through the Alunsina’s character. The story tells how a wife, despite of the husbands consistent disregard, has successfully tamed a powerful God by making creations herself, clearly illustrating the issue of sexism in children’s literature. The criteria of empathy can also be drawn from the female character.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=ntt_athr_dp_sr_2?_encoding=UTF8&sort=relevancerank&search-alias=books&field-author=Robert%2C%20A.%20Alejandro

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=ntt_athr_dp_sr_2?_encoding=UTF8&sort=relevancerank&search-alias=books&field-author=Robert%2C%20A.%20Alejandro

Annotation No. 13

Title: Ang Magkaibigan Type: Traditional Literature

Author/Reteller: Angelita L. Aragon, Lydia P. Lalunio Subtype: Fable

Illustrator (if any): none


Quezon City : LG&M Corp., 2002



The story tells how two unlikely characters, an ant and a dove (Langgam and Kalapati), became friends. As the story unfolds, it describes that Langgam and Kalapati saved each other from near death. Langgam bit the Hunter’s feet that is about to shoot Kalapati, and Kalapati saved Langgam when he almost gets drowned in the river. This simple story of friendship leaves a remarkable lesson to its readers, especially children. I have read this story seera times and reading it agian reminds me that even as an adult, unconditional love for my friends, regardless of our personal conflicts and difference, will still save me at the end.

The book directly relate to the affective needs of the children- the need to be love and be loved, as well as the need to belong. Making friends, even to an unlikely person, can make a big difference and the dialogues and action with how Langgam and Kalapati saved each other is of great interests to them which contributes to their growth as more compassionate human beings as well. There is no noticeable elements that may relate to the issues of child literature. Filipinos are known for their courage in defending their friends despite all odds and this value can also be seen in the context of unconditional love, even to those whom you haven’t even known so well.

Annotation No. 14

Title: Si Langgam at si Tipaklong Type: Traditional Literature

Author/Reteller: Alberta Angeles Subtype: Fable

Illustrator (if any): Renato Gamos


Adarna Publishing House Inc, 2003



Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature

Mga premyadong kuwentong pambata- Award-winning stories for children .

This is a story of Tipaklong, who enjoys his lazy life and Langgam, who keeps on finding for food despite of easy and favorable circumstance. Tipaklong doesn’t understand why Langgam has to look for food all day. When the rains come, Tipaklong realizes the wisdom in Langgam’s industry and foresight. I recalled acting in a classroom play about this timeless story and this has actually brought me to ponder about why and how I am living my life now. A simple, yet very remarkable character of Langgam served as a refresher, inspiring story for me to contemplate why I need to work so hard these days, as at the end, I will surely reap the fruit of my labor.

This story connects to the needs of a child to achieve through Langgam’s underdog character but whose hardwork was recognized and highlighted at the end of the story.The dialogues and actions between these two characters are packed in fewer words, contributing to the brevity of the text of a happy ending. There is no noticeable elements that may relate to the issues of child literature. The story teaches the values of hardwork and preparation for the darkest times which relates to the value of Filipinos as hardworking people.

Annotation No. 15

Title: Ang Tabong Bituin sa Langit Type: Traditional Literature

Author/Reteller: Zenaida S. Badua Subtype: Legend

Illustrator (if any): Lydia P. Lalunio


Quezon City : LG&M Corp., 2003



This is a legend that tells the love of a little girl named Bituin for her sick grandmother, Impong Ana and her determination to make her well. With a dipper made of coconut shell, she went to a stream and get some water. On her way back home, she met an ailing cat and an old man with whom she willingly shared water with despite of her thoughts about her grandmother who needs water as well. Surprisingly, the water from the dipper made her grandmother feel well, and as she puts back the dipper to the pot, it goes up the heaven and formed the constellation that we know now as the Big Dipper. One of my favorite subjects during my younger years was astronomy that I can still recall the images that can be formed from the stars at night, with which, Big Dipper is my favorite. I only knew Big Dipper as a constellation, but this story has now given me a warm charming story of a grand daughter’s love whenever I look at the sky again.

Bituin’s love for her grandmother relates to the child’s need to love. Despite of her struggle in finding water for her grandmother, she has also helped others with which the element of surprise and action connects to the interests of the child. Moreso, Bituin, being a loving grand daughter whose willing to sacrifice, gives an inspiring, heroic image to its readers. There is no noticeable elements that may relate to the issues of child literature. The value of filial love towards the elders is clearly shown in the text as well.

Annotation No. 16

Title: Tamales Day Type: Traditional Literature

Author/Reteller: Didith Tan Rodrigo Subtype: Folk Tale

Illustrator (if any): Arnel Mirasol


Manila: Tahanan Books gor Young Readers, 1998


Award/s Received (if any): none

This is a book about a Filipino traditional food called “Tamale” that is being prepared during the first Saturday of December in line with the celebration called “Tamales Day”. The story unfolds in the family of Coring, Andoy, Mameng, Bina, Kiko, Tessie and Flor who worked together in making Tamales for their visitors, from their trip to the market, cooking and wrapping of Tamales. At the end of story, Tamales Day is described as the most tiring day of the year for their family, yet the most special. Reading this book reminds me of how we are, as a family, prepares our native delicacies for special occasions together and how we celebrate the joys of Philippine hospitality for our guests and visitors. The best part of this book is the free recipe of tamales and the illustrations of the ingredients at the last pages of the book, which also serves as an informative source for any food goers like me.

This story, that honors a family tradition that revolves around food, love and the ties that bind, caters to both the material needs (food) and emotiona needs (to love and be loved) of a child. Through its rich and vibrant illustrations along with the actions displayed as the family prepares for the Tamales Day, it relates to the growth of a more compassionate human being and a better self concept of a child. There is no noticeable elements that may relate to the issues of child literature. The value of filial love in terms of family tradition is clearly shown in the text as well.

http://tahananbooks.com/books/index.php/talents/view/61


Annotation No. 17

Title:The Hungriest Boy in the World Type: Traditional Literature

Author/Reteller : Lensey Namioka Subtype: Folktale

Illustrator (if any): Aki Sogabe


USA: Holiday House, 1st edition (March, 2001)

No. of Pages: 32 Age/Grade suitability: 4 to 8, Kindergarten to Grade 2

Award/sReceived(if any): none

Set in Japan, this is an old time folktale about a boy who has a bad habit of putting everything in his mouth which causes him to swallow the Hunger Monster and made his appetite so rampant that he consumes everything from fish guts and netting up to his own bed quilt. His parents frantically seek assistance from the doctor, the village priest, and a medium, but Jiro snacks on the doctor's medicines, the priest's prayer beads, and the medium's hair. The story eventually reaches a clever and happy solution when a traditional Japanese story about food and eating is told economically that the Hungry Monster got out of Jiro’s mouth, leaving him a lesson of not to overeat again.The story is a personal choice for me because it humorously highlighted a sin that I am most guilty at- excess and gluttony. I might also have a Hunger Monster in my tummy as most of the time, i’ll grab anything edible to my mouth, that just remembering this story reminds me of consequences of overeating again.

This story, that evolves within the family, caters to both the material needs (food) and emotional needs (to love and be loved) of a child. The story is filled with witty and humorous dialogues and actions that surely capture the interests of its readers. It teaches the lesson of controlling eating habits, even as a young child that relates to improving of a child’s self concept. There is no noticeable elements that may relate to the issues of child literature. The value of filial love in terms of family’s love and support in times of need, is clearly shown in the text as well.

POETRY

Annotation No. 18

Title: Tubble Wubble : the clumsy little turtle Type: Poetry

Author/Reteller: Gidget R. Jimenez Subtype: Descriptive

Illustrator (if any): Pepper Roxas.


Manila : Tahanan Books for Young Readers, c1998

No. of Pages:: 22 Age/Grade suitability: Preschool, 3 to 6


“Tubble Wubble Turtle Thinka Thinka do, Surely here is something right that you can do” is a boisterous, thumping verse from the story that tells about a turtle who can’t do anything right and is always in trouble because of his clumsiness. He had a trouble doing chores and catching fishes until one day, he bumped into a shivering Mary Mouse Macmertle who is tired and very cold. Tubble Wubble used his shell to cover her which made him finally do something right and make his parents very proud. This books is so delighting and useful in helping the children to build self confidence so I used this book to my class and the children like it so much, especially when we recite the verse about Tubble Wubble together. The book is printed in big, bold text with appealing illustrations which made it even more effective for my class!

Being a clumsy turtle who could not do anything right, Tubble Wubble can surely relate to some children who feels the need to be reassured and recognized, filling their needs to achieve. The illustrations are described in funny verses that suggests movements affords delights and senseof involvemen and the story that teaches the vaue of helping a friend in need which contributes to the growth of a more compassionate child. There is no noticeable elements that may relate to the issues of child literature. The basic concerns of text selection can be drawn in the empathy to the main character and the value of helping friends as the story progresses.

http://catalogue.nlb.gov.sg/cgi-bin/cw_cgi?doSearch+21561+3002+_+//TTubble_Wubble+-0+-1

Annotation No. 19

Title: Squirt Magert : the fraidy frog Type: Poetry

Author/Reteller: Gidget R. Jimenez Subtype: Descriptive

Illustrator (if any): Pepper Roxas.


Manila : Tahanan Books for Young Readers, 2000.

No. of Pages: 22 Age/Grade suitability: Preschool, 3 to 6

Award/s Received (if any):

“Oh me, oh my! Oh me oh my! I think I’m going to cry!” is what Squirt tells when he lacks courage and feels scared and he even feel more fraidy when he was chosen by the Boy to run the the frog race along with the bigger frogs. As the frog tumbles down the hill, a rain pours down and suddenly, a great big river crash towards them and Gil, his friend was swept into a drain. The drain is filling up with the rain but Squirt rescued his friend and he was finally happy as he conquered his fear and even helped a friend. This story of a frog’s adventure with life, fear and friends is a good material for read aloud with children in preschool to help children build a sense of confidence. I am planning to use this in my class and I know this will surely deliver smiles and giggles among my children.

This book, filled with delighting sounds from the verses, caters to the affective needs of a child- to love and be loved and to belong. Along with the Squirt’s action filled adventures and surprises, this is an interesting piece for the young readers which surely delights and the delighting verses can be accompanied by movements fostering a sense of involvement among children. There is no noticeable elements that may relate to the issues of child literature. The book’s readability appeals to the children, with its big and bold text and funny, mind popping illustrations.

Annotation No. 20

Title: Joseph had a little overcoat Type: Poetry

Author/Reteller : Simms Taback Subtype: Descriptive/ Picture Book

Illustrator (if any): Simms Taback


New York: Viking Juvenile, 1999, first published in 1977 key Random House


Award/sReceived (ifany): Caldecott Medal (2000)

This is a sequential story about a Yiddish farmer, Joseph and his well loved, old and worn overcoat that he cleverly reinvent into a jacket, then into a vest, to a scarf and continous until nothing is left of the original garment. The books ends in a line that the author quotes "Which shows... you can always make something out of nothing" with which he decided to write a book about his favorite quote since he had nothing left of it. The author make inventive use of die-cut pages that is crammed with fanciful, funny details and sparse text. Upon the first reading, I instantly liked this book due to its vibrant and few lines that made up the simple story and still makes it very effective repetition with an abundance of visual humor.

Joseph’s frugal way of saving his favorite coat caters to the material need of a child in having clothes to wear. The striking, fun filled illustration coated with the element of surprise as each page unravels is connected to the interests of the children and the rhythmic lines affords delights and sense of involvement among children. There is no noticeable elements that may relate to the issues of child literature. The way that the author/ illustrator created the character, the rhymes, illustrations and the whole content of the books clearly illustrates his great craftmanship that surely move its readers.

Annotation No. 21

http://catalogue.nlb.gov.sg/cgi-bin/cw_cgi?doSearch+21561+3002+_+//TSquirt_Magert+-0+-1

Title: Ella Sarah Gets Dressed Type: Poetry

Author/Reteller : Margaret Chodos-Irvine Subtype: Narrative/ Picture Book



Orlando, Fl: Hancourt/ Red Wagon Book, 2004


Award/sReceived(ifany): Caldecott Honor Book, 2004

This is a story about Ella Sarah, a young girl who has a clear idea of how she wants to look and she is determined to have her own way despite of her parents effort to convince her to wear a more conventional outfit. Her Mom, Dad, and her Big Sister offer alternate clothes, saying that Ella Sarah's outfit is "too dressy" and "too silly," but Ella Sarah insists on her own choice and knows exactly what she wants to wear: pink polka-dot pants, a dress with orange and green flowers, purple and blue striped socks, yellow shoes, and a red hat. When her young friends arrive for a tea party and all are attired just as wildly as Ella Sarah does, the parents knew then that she has actually justified the motif. This is a simply and delightfully written and illustrated book, which captures a universal childhood struggle of choosing their own clothes to wear. I used this book to my class, adding facial expressions and movements as we repeatedly chant Ella Sarah’s list of clothing and my children liked it so much!

This book, which tells about a child’s insistent defiance to wear a clothes of her choice, caters to the material need of the children and their need to achieve. The repetition of what Ella Sarah wants to wear in the form of chant suggests funny gestures that surely affords delights and sense of involvement among the children. There is no noticeable elements that may relate to the issues of child literature. The text that is made accessible for early readers, along with the large, colorful illustrations that contributes to the craftmanship of the author and the readability of the whole text as well.

Annotation No. 22

Title:The Worst Bestfriend Type: Poetry

Author/Reteller : Alexis O’Neill Subtype: Narrative/ Picture Book

Illustrator (if any): Laura Huliska-Beith


Scholastic Press, 2008

No. of Pages: 32 Age/Grade suitability: 4 to 8, Kindergarten to Grade 2

Award/sReceived(ifany):

This action-packed picture book is a story about bestfriends, Mike and Conrad who can do everything together until a new kid, Victor arrives in their classroom. Being a self-involved braggart who excels at sports, Victor captivates Conrad's attention, leaving Mike feeling left out but one day, Victor cruelly told Conrad that he's too small to help their team win so Mike, being his bestfriend and the other captain, chooses Conrad. Ultimately, Conrad apologizes and the boys make up. Although this tale of young friendship is predictable and a bit slick, I had fun reading it mainly due to the brightly colored illustrations which move the action along and provide funny details. The characters are too lightly drawn for readers to become fully engaged in the story as well.

This story of friendship caters to the need of the children to belong. The brightly colored illustrations move the action along and provide funny details which interests its readers and at the same time contributes to the growth of a more compassionate child. There is no noticeable elements that may relate to the issues of child literature. The book teaches the value of friendship that surely is something that children an relate to and wants to talk about.

Annotation No. 23

Title:Zoo in the Sky: A Book of Animal Constellations Type: Informational Book/ Picture Book

Author/Reteller : Jacqueline Mitton Subtype: Content Area- Astrology

Illustrator (if any): Christina Balit


Washington, DC: National Geographic Children’s Book, c.1998



This picture book introduces the constellations that are named for animals--Leo the Lion, the Great Bear and Little Bear, and many more. Each constellation is showcased against a deep blue background with animals positioned in the dark night sky and the individual stars, imposed upon them. Each image is accompanied by a short, dramatized description of the group of stars and the legends surrounding it. Going through the pages of this book brings back my favorite hobbies as a young child- looking up at the stars while seeking patterns and identifying the names of each constellations. This is a good book in introducing astronomy, especially that children are interested in topics about animals and the heavenly bodies at the same time and can also be used by parents while they enjoy looking up at the sky.

This book caters to the need of children to know and fulfill their curiosity and inquisitiveness about the outer space. It is visually stunning, and the way the information pertaining to the constellation is written in story form can be easily understood by the children, thus relating to the interests of the children. The star charts at the back of the book is also useful for children even when they are older and become more interested in finding constellations in the night sky, which offers a storehouse of infomation and opens to the wonderland of words. There is no noticeable elements that may relate to the issues of child literature. The author and the illustrator show craftmanship to this book, as it is very colourful and well-written book for young readers and can even be enjoyed by adults with interests in astronomy like me.

Annotation No. 24

Title The Umbrella Type: Informational Books

Author/Reteller : Jan Brett Subtype: Concept Books- Animals



Putnam Juvenile, 2004


Award/s Received (ifany): The New York Times #1 Children's Picture Book Bestseller List, October, 2004

This is about a young boy names Carlos, who hopes to spot animals in the nearby rain forest. These animals, like frog, toucan, kinkajou, tapir, quetzal and monkey are actually making themselves at home in the leaf umbrella of Carlos, while he tries to look for them on top of a big fig tree. The animals argue over the available space until the weight of a hummingbird tips the whole umbrella over. The story has a very simple plot, but it is Brett's gorgeous, detailed watercolor illustrations that makes this book striking. Each pages provides an enticing glimpse of the creature that will appear next, making it an entertaining visual puzzle for children as well.

This book caters to the need of children to know and the basic concepts about animals in the rainforest. Each page of the book includes extra illustrations on the sides, giving readers a fun extra glimpse at what the other characters are doing which nicely relates to the interests of the children. Beautiful detailed illustrations show tropical animals climbing into a young boy's leaf-umbrella without the boy's knowledge and using it for a great adventure, extending the imaginative powers of children and at the same time developing the appreciation for beauty from the vivid illustrations. There is no noticeable elements that may relate to the issues of child literature. Jan Brett, an award winning author and illustrator is well-loved for her elaborated and ornate illustrations which justifies her expertise and craftmanship in the making of this wonderful book.

Annotation No. 25

Title: The Tiny Seed Type: Informational Books

Author/Reteller: Eric Carle Subtype: Content Area- Science



Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing (August 20, 1991) No. of Pages: 40 Age/Grade suitability: 4 to 8


This picture book tells the fascinating story of the life cycle of a flower illustrated through the adventures of a tiny seed. Carried by the autumn wind, the tiny seed, along with other bigger seeds, travels far over the world where the journey is dangerous: one of the bigger seeds is burned by the sun; another falls into the ocean; still another is eaten by a bird. one small plant is stepped on; one little flower is picked; but the tiny seed keeps growing almost unnoticed. I got this book from the library of my preschool center and I used this in introducing the concept of a flower’s life cycle which surprisingly cheers up my children. Even though days had passed, they can still remember the exciting tale of the tiny seed and one of them even asked me to tell the story again.

This book caters to the need of children to know and fulfill their curiosity and inquisitiveness about the plants, particularly with its life cycle. The bright colorful collage illustrations relates to the interests of the children and simple but dramatic text along with what these illustration conveys offer a storehouse of infomation. There is no noticeable elements that may relate to the issues of child literature. Eric Carle’s craftmanship is very evident to this book, as it is vibrantly illustrated, the story twist about the subject matter is relevant along with the appropriate format and organization.

Annotation No. 26

Title: A Color of His Own Type: Informational Books

Author/Reteller: Leo Lionnie Subtype: Concept Books- Colors



Dragonfly Books, 1997

No. of Pages:: 32 Age/Grade suitability: Preschool, 3 to 6


This is a story of a chameleon who goes in search of a color of his own as he is not pleased with his changeable appearance. He thinks that "If I remain on a leaf, I shall be green forever, and so I too will have a color of my own” but of course,what he doesn't take into account is the changes wrought by autumn, and soon the green chameleon is yellow, then red, and then tumbled to the ground for the long black winter night. It isn't until he befriends another older, wiser chameleon that the chameleon begins to find inner peace, even as his outer surface is transformed again and again. Leo Lionni is once again astonishing in this book in which he introduces color concepts in an exquisite and touching story with a lesson of self-acceptance and friendship. This book is enjoyable for my Nursery class but would have been more effective if the colors are repeated for concept recall and there’s a bit confusion in colors.

This book caters to the need of children to know about the basic concepts of color. Lionni's signature watercolors in the illustrations relates to the interests of the children and the basic concept underlying offers a storehouse of information to the children’s prior knowledge. There is no noticeable elements that may relate to the issues of child literature. The author/illustrator is able to showcase his craft with expertise, being known as children's book creator extraordinaire.

Annotation No. 27

Title: Earthquake! Type: Informational Books

http://www.amazon.com/Nancy-Elizabeth-Wallace/e/B001IO9VIE/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

Author/Reteller: Maria Elena Paterno Subtype: Content Area Books



Manila: Tahanan Books gor Young Readers, 1994


Award/sReceived (ifany): National Book Award- Manila Critics Circle

This book takes its readers on a trip deep inside the planet Earth, where they can learn how and why earthquakes happen. It also describes the worst earthquakes in the history of the Philippines and how scientists measure the intensity of earthquakes. Some helpful tips on what to do during this phenomenon is also incuded, with useful glossary at the back pages of the book. Although the subject about earthquake has been presented in different books already, the author was able to present the same topic in a different way, where children can easily relate to with the help of appropriate illustrations. This book is ideal in introducing topics about the earthquake, for children from Grade 4 to 12.

This book caters to the need of children to know about the earthquake. The plentiful illustrations and diagrams along with detailed contents, a glossary and index illustrations relates to the interests of the children and concepts about earthquake presented offers a storehouse of information to the children’s prior knowledge. There is no noticeable elements that may relate to the issues of child literature. The author/illustrator is able to showcase her craft with expertise, and the material itself has good readability.

BIOGRAPHY

Annotation No. 28

Title Supremo The Story of Andres Bonifacio Type: Biography

Author/Reteller : Sylvia Mendez Ventura Subtype: Straight Biography

Illustrator (if any): Egai Fernandez


Tahanan Books for Young Readers 2001



This is an undocumented life of Bonifacio, from his tragic humble roots to his tragic execution at the hands of his own Katipunero brothers. Andres Bonifacio although remembered as the Father of the Katipunan, wrote little and lost most of his possessions that the author’s effort in researching about his life is comprehensive and far reaching. The dramatic illustration also suggests an extensive twist about one of the most pivotal and blood-stained chapters in Philippine history. Since elementary grade, I have been exposed to the accounts of our national heroes’ life including Andres Bonifacio’s works and contribution that I found reading this book quite predictable and boring. Although this is a good material to use in discussing about the great life of Andres Bonifacio for children in late elementary levels, the way the information is presented is more likely the same from the other reference books I read about Bonifacio.

This book caters to the need of children to get to know the life and works of one of the greatest filipino hero, Andres Bonifaciio. Some illustrations, dramatically sketched along with detailed contents relates to the interests of the children and offers a storehouse of information to the children’s prior knowledge. There is no noticeable elements that may relate to the issues of child literature. The author/illustrator is able to showcase her craft with expertise, and the material itself has good readability for children ages 10 to 12.

Annotation No. 29

Title Jose Rizal Type: Biography

http://en.wikipilipinas.org/index.php?title=Katipunan

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/591909.Maria_Elena_Paterno

Author/Reteller : Sylvia Mendez Ventura Subtype: Straight Biography

Illustrator (if any): Yasmin Almonte


Tahanan Books for Young Readers 1992



This book showcase the life story of our National hero, Jose Rizal, from his earlier life to his execution at Bagumbayan known now as Luneta. The writer explored Jose Rizal’s life in clear, easy-to-read prose which contains authentic historical photographs adn relevant illustrations. Being exposed to different accounts of Rizal’s life, writing and works, this book appears to be quite predictable and boring for me just like the book above about Bonifacio, but of a great reference book for younger learners in grade four to six.

This book caters to the need of children to get to know the life and works of our national hero, Dr.Jose Rizal. Relevant photographs can be seen in the text, which gives interests to its readers and offers a storehouse of information to the readers’ prior knowledge about Rizal. There is no noticeable elements that may relate to the issues of child literature. The author/illustrator is able to showcase her craft with expertise, and the material itself has good readability for children ages 10 to 12.

Annotation No. 30

Title: Follow the Dream: The Story of Christopher Columbus Type: Biography

Author/Reteller : Peter Sis Subtype: Biographical Fiction



Random House Children's Books, 2003


Award/sReceived(ifany): The New York Times Best Illustrated Children’s Book

This picture book illustrates the life of Christopher Columbus from his boyhood to his first landing in America. quoted Though his minimal text often reads like a rushed summary, the author/ illustrator’s artwork is stunning with rich, earthy hues and fine cross-hatching and, in many instances that recall the maps, charts and paintings of Columbus's own era. The illustrations, executed in a variety of media, show scenes from the explorer's life as well as some of the many imaginary creatures that can also be a great introductory material about the history of America. If not for the vibrant illustrations, I could’ve get bored of this book but Peter Sis has successfully made a life’s history interesting for its readers.

This book caters to the need of children to get to know the life and contribution of Christopher Columbus, being the first person to discover America. The interest of readers directly catches to the fascinating, artistic presentation that also offers a storehouse of information to the readers’ prior knowledge about Columbus. There is no noticeable elements that may relate to the issues of child literature. The author/illustrator is able to showcase her craft with expertise, and the material itself has good readability for children ages 10 to 12.

Annotation No. 31

Title: George Washington's Teeth Type: Biography

Author/Reteller : Deborah Chandra and Madeleine Comora Subtype: Fictionalized Biography

Illustrator (if any): Brock Cole


Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR), 2003



This book tells the the dental difficulties that plagued George Washington as he gallops to war, crosses the Delaware, and, with only two teeth left, takes his place as leader of the country. The story ends happily ever after with the crafting of a nice new pair of ivory false teeth however, he would still be deeply troubled by his teeth until the day he died. An annotated timeline at the end includes quotes from the leader's letters and diaries chronicling his relentless efforts to hide his dental problems and the extent to which they caused him chronic pain and embarrassment. This carefully researched, very funny, charmingly illustrated picture book is a good book to read aloud for children with its rhyming verses and bustling narratives.

This book caters to the need of children to get to know the jaws of American history by examining the mouth of America's first president, George Washington, while narrating how he lose his teeth during the revolutionary war. The hilarious illustrations, along with the funny narratices connects to the interests of the young readers and offers a storehouse of information . There is no noticeable elements that may relate to the issues of child literature. The author/illustrator is able to showcase her craft with expertise, and the material itself has good readability for children ages 10 to 12 and can be a useful material to use in introducing the lives of America’s presidents.

Annotation No. 32

Title: Barefoot in Fire Type: Biography- Novel

Author/Reteller: Barbara-Ann Gamboa Lewis Subtype: Biographical Fiction

Illustrator (if any): Barbara Pollak


Manila : Tahanan Books for Young Readers, 2005.

No. of Pages: 207 Age/Grade suitability: 9 years and up


Product Description

This novel tells of the life of the author and her family in Manila during the period of the Japanese occupation of the Philippines and the period when the Americans come back and drive the Japanese out. Her childhood was full of love, adventure, nature, confusion, and learning while growing up in a biracial Philippines. Playfully illustrated in a cartoon style by the author’s daughter-in-law, Barbara Pollak, this book explores the magic and wonder of childhood without shrinking from the particular difficulties her experiences. Although a story about the war sounds like another weary story again, this book is not a story of war atrocities or family tragedy but a tale of hope and the strength of the human spirit founded within a family setting. This is a very powerful story that reminds me of Anne Frank’s life during the World War II and how she still holds for hope despite of the bustling war going on.

This book caters to the need of children to love and be loved and to belong. The well wriiten life account of the author is filled with emotion and vivid memories that caters to the emotional needs of the children and eventually contributes to the growth of a more compassionate human being and improves self concept of a child . There is no noticeable elements that may relate to the issues of child literature. The value of filial love in terms of love and support for each other despite of a terrible situation is highlighted in the novel.


http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=ntt_athr_dp_sr_2?_encoding=UTF8&sort=relevancerank&search-alias=books&field-author=Madeleine%20Comora

http://www.amazon.com/Deborah-Chandra/e/B000APG2KC/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

REFLECTIVE ESSAY

DIFFICULTIES INSIGHTS1. Starting my personal adventure2. Source of Local Books/ Texts3. Annotating

- Identifying the book type- Summarizing my personal review into 2

sentences- Identifying the basic needs etc...

4. Time Constraints- External Noise

5. Recalling and Relating to Module- Supplying info for the 2nd paragraph- Reviewing the Criteria in Selecting

Texts6. Selecting Texts from at least 50 varied

choices7. Synthesizing

1. Personal experience on the wide range of children’s literature

2. Finding simple pleasures in reading literature meant for children

3. Develop love for reading

“I've traveled the world twice over, Met the famous; saints and sinners, Poets and artists, kings and queens,

Old stars and hopeful beginners, I've been where no-one's been before, Learned secrets from writers and cooks

All with one library ticket To the wonderful world of books. “

~ Anonymous

As my mind wonders and contemplates on how to officially end my academic journey, I came across this quote that best summarizes an overwhelming experience that I’ve just gone through. This annotation task, although strenous and time consuming, has become an opened door of opportunity for me to start my quest with the wonderful world of children’s literature, and I am still astounded by after effect of the books I read. Reflecting on what C.S. Lewis wrote in his dedication for the book The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, "Some day you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again", I feel so privileged that despite of difficulties, I manage to hop into an adventure with the wonderful world of books and been to different places that no one has ever been and meet great people that only few has met. No wonder that euphoria, not a heavy heart, preoccupies my thoughts while I’m about to d end an academic reading experience. There is more wonders to explore, more heroic characters to befriend with, more emotions to linger and there is no reason for me to stop. This is just the beginning.

For less than a month, I have read 74 books with which 53 I have annotated, 32 I have formally chosen to include in this assignment, certainly the most number of books I have ever read in my entire life. Onset of my personal adventure, the first thing that hindered me is my source of resources, especially with the local text selections. Living in a foreign land without even knowing where to find the basic requirements of this task brought me to find achievable options in real time such as going through different sites for possible online text, going to the community libraries of Singapore for foreign selections and even seeking help from my friends in the Philippines for local distribution. Knowing where to at least get my resources has lead me to another problem of choosing at least 20 text from thousands of varied choices. I’ve gone through different sites and printed lists of the award winning and recommended children’s books, I looked for these text in the children’s section of the library only to end up stumbling with numerous books that I’ve browsed without annotating details. Children’s books entertained my childlike self so much that three weeks had already passed and more than 70 books have slipped in my hands before I really read academically.

As a visual learner, I internalized reading experience more in printed materials than online sources. I remember information better when I have them written down or highlighted. I know exactly where the words I needed by looking at the first page of the book or magazines. I have to print the online articles for this assignment so that I can understand the contents better. Being aware of my learning style has helped me remember information and comprehend difficult texts by using appropriate techniques and methods in reference to my prior knowledge. This module has developed my interest in discovering the learning preferences of my students for a better learning experience and more effective teaching too.

It took me 2 days to look for relevant articles to complete this assignment. I had at least 30 articles saved but only 8 of them qualified to the requirement. At first, it was hard to sort which articles are suitable since I had like 3 topics in mind before searching. This made me more confused so I settled on my topic with which has more options to choose from. But accessing the full details of the articles I wanted was even harder since I had to register and become a member of some sites. I had to exert extra effort to google in the net until I had enough. When I had the list of the possible helpful articles, I had to consider how they relate to the reading factor I’d be working on (Learning styles) along with the date it was published or written and the reliability of the source where they’re taken from. Also, I have to consider the availability of the information I need for the bibliography entry. The whole process was really time consuming and demanding but I would say that I am quite satisfied with the articles I searched (although there might be better articles I wasn’t able to access). I should’ve set my mind to the specific topic I’ll be working on so I won’t need to go through numerous articles where mostly weren’t helpful.

I tried reading the articles online (first reading) for a while but as soon as I get impatient in going back from one paragraph to another, I had to print it. At first, I tried dividing the article into stages of thought for me to summarize it better but it went off in my learning preference. I am more comfortable in highlighting texts in printed form and getting the important ideas and key terms of what I read by encircling or taking notes. Some articles are too long to be summarized in 100-150 words so I had to use certain strategies. I labeled some sections of articles and use a separate paper to write brief summaries and it served as the brief outline of the articles. When I finished listing the information I needed to sum each articles, my next problem was to turn the list I made into a sensible, yet clear and concise summary. I spent overnight to finish the annotations of the five articles and I just felt relieved when I looked back at what I wrote. I didn’t sleep for the two pages annotation so I was really glad that I was finally able to finish a part of it. I should’ve not spent a lot of time in making notes and dividing articles into stages of thought. I could only write few sentences for each summary anyway.

Since I was able to organize and take notes of the relevant key terms in the articles to the factor I chose to discuss pretty well, I was able to finish writing the synthesis, conclusions and implications of the assignment in s shorter span of time (as compared to first two steps). It took me nearly 2 hours to complete it. The biggest problem I encountered in synthesizing was combining these articles of different setting as a whole unitary concept. Although the five articles pertain to learning styles, it was difficult to relate the broad concepts of learning styles into a specific reading performance. I used the advantage of being a visual learner to get the information I needed. The highlighted texts and notes I made from these articles helped me to show the points I made and avoiding repeating what has been discussed. It was also hard to write the conclusion part because it feels like I had nothing left to say, and yet, the sum of the paper is even more worth that the previously written parts. I wrote sentences to sum how the ideas from the articles work with the concepts introduced in the book and I chose which of those necessary to conclude. When I read what I wrote, I sighed deeply as I know I only had one more task left to finish. Overall, I would say that I did well because it was easier for me to relate my prior knowledge to what I was writing. I know I could do better if I had more time to finish everything but I’m already satisfied. I should’ve done this earlier so I got enough sleep for my work shift the next day.

The whole experience of doing this assignment is indeed an exhausting task to accomplish for a very person like me, but it is incomparable to the sense of fulfillment I feel while writing the last paragraph. It was an experience of self discovery that has greatly contributed to my personal and professional development. Finding out the different learning styles helped me better understand and see the differences of my students, my co teachers and friends in a different light. It triggered my interests to discover the learning styles of other people too. It feels like I have become a more flexible teacher that I am more capable in giving interesting lessons to my students that they can get lots of possibilities for learning and exploring.

Readers may be divided into four classes:

1.) Sponges, who absorb all that they read and return it in nearly the same state, only a little dirtied. 2.) Sand-glasses, who retain nothing and are content to getthrough a book for the sake of getting through the time. 3.) Strain-bags, who retain merely the dregs of what they read. 4.) Mogul diamonds, equally rare and valuable, who profit by what they read, and enable others to profit by it also. ~ Samuel Taylor Coleridge ~

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Reflective Essay