WE NEED WATER

JOY F. BANGAYAN

Do you have students who constantly make excuses? Do they try to blame away poor grades and behavioral infractions on their teachers or fellow students without assuming any responsibility for their actions? Do they mischaracterize their mistakes while recounting the day’s activities to a parent? Is there anything you can do to change their ways?

Making students accountable for their own success isn’t easy, but fortunately your colleagues have some tried and true approaches to help students step up to the plate and become responsible learners, and creating a positive and respectful group atmosphere for students

One place to start is creating a classroom atmosphere that is conducive to accountability and responsible learning. “Establish, practice, and enforce expectations and consequences,” says Kate Ortiz, a retired teacher and classroom management expert. “The goal is for students to take ownership of their own behavior. Creating a positive group identity and helping each student know that they are part of the group helps.”

By treating their students as adults, but also reminding them that they are part of the larger class, and so believes that teachers who work to create a respectful group mentality will have a greater chance of promoting personal accountability in their students. Think it is important message through your demeanor and tone that you care about the students. Much the same way you are happier and more willing to work for a principal who values your work ,students respond better to a teacher who work hard into ‘these are the worst students’stigma and instead tries to get to know them and models respectful behavior, even when responding to disrespect.”

— oOo—

The author is Teacher III at Talimundok Elementary School, Division of Mabalacat (P)

EUNICE C. GALANG

I have read Water Therapy book and I’ve learn a lot from it. Water is a miracle liquid that can cure a lot of illnesses and diseases. Other than this book I have read a lot of articles from magazines, newspapers and other journals regarding water benefits.

Teachers like us seldom drink water as we are too engrossed with our school/ paper works or sometimes our room is far from the restroom. So we end up short to the required 8 glasses of water per day.

Now, let me share with you summary of what I have learned;

Did you know…

1. People who drive while dehydrated makes many of the mistakes in judgment and are largely at the same risks of accident and injury as are individuals who are drunk. 2. Up to 60% of our body weight is made of water.

3. The heart is approximately 73% water.

4. The lungs are about 83% water.

5. The skin is 64 % water.

6. Muscles and kidneys are 79% water.

7. Bones are watery at 31%.

8. Water aids in the elimination of toxins and wastes through the kidneys and liver. 9. As the brain is 83 % water, the liquid needed is simply water, without good hydration, thought processes can be slower. An under hydrated brain can result in headaches, tiredness, irritability and even depressed moods.

10. Sluggishness of the circulatory system can precipitate the onset of heart disease in those who do not routinely hydrate themselves.

11. Some other functions of water within the body;

> Lubricating the joints

> Regulates body temperature

> Keeping the skin / lips moist and healthy.

> Helps in the development of strong muscles.

> Acting as shock absorber to the brain and spinal cord.

Tips that will help us hydrate in our working place.

1. Infuse your water with herbs or a refreshing combination of cucumber slices and lemons to your water’s taste and appeal.

2. Use a straw and you’ll drink more and faster.

3. Don’t wait until you are thirsty, this is an indication the body is already dehydrated.

4. When driving a distance, hydrate well before leaving and drink water along the w ay.

Now my friends let us drink more water as it gives life just like the LIVING WATER that refreshes our soul.

The author is Master Teacher — oOo—

I at Pampanga High School