Ode to Dumbledore

"It is our choices that show what we truly are far more than our abilities."

- Albus Dumbledore

I chose this quote because its from one of my favorite fictional characters in literary history. Albus Dumbledore was the wise wizard who served as Harry's father figure in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series. By far, it is still my favorite work of modern fantasy fiction.

This quote has always resonated with me. When one's abilities and talents are not properly utilized, they can go wasted and unrecognized. As teachers, we want our students to use these abilities to succeed in life. We want to guide our students in making the good choices, the smart choices in life. I strive to inculcate those values into my curriculum, hoping and believing that it will lead to success beyond academia.

My First Quote

"Learning is finding out what we already know. Doing is demonstrating that you know it. Teaching is reminding others that they know just as well as you. You are all learners, doers, and teachers." -- Richard Bach

My first class was fun and full of laughs. I'm so happy to be around wonderful people in the Language and Literacy program. Thank you for all the help and encouragement.

This quote reflects my experience today in class. I already know that I can make it through this class with all the support and confidence. All I need to do is continue to do what I love best...to learn. My goal is that at the end of this semester, my classmates will benefit from what I had to share with them. I'm a learner, a doer, and most especially a teacher at heart.

Sarah's test

Thank you for helping me blog.

WE ARE INSPIRED

The following quote is the epitome of what drives me to belong to the language and literacy program.  As John F. Kennedy so eloquently puts it: "Let us think of education as the means of developing our greatest abilities, because in each of us there is a private hope and dream which, fulfilled, can be translated into benefit for everyone and greater strength of the nation.” 

This quote takes me back to a specific question that was posed to me on the first day of my very first language and literacy course.  The question was “why did you choose the language and literacy program?”  While in my heart I knew that becoming a reading specialist was what I desired, I really did not have a “solid” response.  Today I do.  I think that I’ve always known that my passion was reading.  I just never could understand why it wasn’t everyone else’s.  I now know that I chose the language and literacy program because I truly do have private hopes and dreams to utilize my developed abilities to romance the people of Guam so that they too can find their love for reading like the way I do.  


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From Where Are You Thinking?

It's great that our class is online this semester! I am going to enjoy what we all have to say to one another through our moodle sessions and our blogging. See you online!

"I think a hero is an oridnary individual who finds strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles." Christopher Reeve

I am my hero! My three graduate classes this semester is going to become my overwhelming obstacles but if I am committed to being organized, continue to stay on task, I will persevere through it all.

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January 22, 2010: 1st Day in ED647

It was a good first day and a great reunion.  I am feeling really good about this course and cannot wait to learn more strategies so that I can use them in the classroom and in the literacy lab.  I am also feeling great about the opportunity to be able to work with my classmates:  Yolie, you have always been such a great support and now Simon, I finally have a colleague that I can share high school strategies and experiences with. 

Well folks, here is my inspirational quote for the day: "Don't limit yourself. Many people limit themselves to what they think they can do. You can go as far as your mind lets you. What you believe, you can achieve." -- Mary Kay Ash

“Don’t limit yourself” has got to be my motto for 2010 because day and night In my mind I can see my goals materializing and believe that with the right plan, tools, support and desire achievement will be attainable. 

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Welcome to ED647!

Dear ED647 Students,

Welcome to class! This semester we will engage in various reading strategies that you will find useful in the classroom. There's no doubt that you will be "On Solid Ground" when you authentically empower your students to experience the various literacy activities that will be introduced to you. Good luck!

Best regards,
Dr. Rivera