The Real Cowboys (Part 2): What They Used

BY JOLO

There were four equipments that the real cowboys used. The first equipment was a gun. At first they used guns for protection from outlaws and Indians. Afterwards, when there were no more outlaws and Indians, they used guns for killing rattle snakes and putting sick cows out of their misery. Their favorite gun is Colt .45. It has 2 barrels.

The second equipment was the lariat. The lariat is a 60 feet long lasso that is made of tough fiber. The lasso was used to capture cows during roundups.

The third one was a saddle. The saddle should be comfortable and have good quality. The saddle was very important for the cowboys. If the cowboy sold it, it meant that he will retire.

The last one is the horse. Cowboys prefer mustang ponies. They are fast, tough and small.

Jolo likes to play RPG games in his spare time.

Scientific Findings on Egyptian Mummies

By Kiko

Scientific findings on Egyptian mummies are important because we should learn about them and how they lived and died. For example, they found out how some of those pharaohs died. They suffered from sicknesses like heart diseases, malaria, and arthritis.

Scientists should treat the mummies with respect so they could rest in peace. For example, they can use x-rays and CAT-scans in order to see what’s inside them without breaking them.

Kiko likes to go hiking and mountain climbing with his family. He likes pirates and big cats, too.

An Easy Recipe for Chocolate Cake

BY JUANI

INGREDIENTS:
1. Cake Mix
2. Eggs
3. Oil

MATERIALS:
1. Spoon
2. Bowl
3. Spatula
4. Baking Pan

INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Brush oil in the baking pan.
2. Put two eggs, the cake mix, one half cup of water, 3 tablespoons of oil in a bowl.
3. Mix 80-90 strokes or until it is smooth.
4. Pour in the baking pan and cover it with aluminum foil.
5. Put it in a toaster for 35 minutes.

How to check:
Put a toothpick in the center and if it does not come out clean then you have to bake it for 3-5 more minutes.

A Grandma Baseball Player

By Paolo P.

The title of the story that I read was “Zack Files: My Grandma was a Baseball Slugger.” It happened in Chicago. It happened in the present time. The characters are Grandma Leah, Zack, and Babe Ruth. The story started when Zack visited Grandma Leah in Chicago. They found a necklace with a baseball bat pendant that used to belong to Babe Ruth. They found out that it gave Grandma Leah batting powers. The problem started when Babe Ruth wanted the White Sox to win. The problem was solved when Grandma Leah hit a homerun and made the White Sox win the game. In the end, Grandma Leah quit the team while Zack went home to New York and brought the necklace with him but it did not work anymore.

Paolo P. can play the guitar and likes playing soccer.

How To Make Painted Toast

BY JAKEY

To make painted toast you will need:

1. Milk
2. Bread
3. three cups
4. Three kinds of food coloring
5. Plate
6. Paintbrush
7. Toaster

First, place ¼ of milk inside each cup. Second, pour five drips of food coloring in each cup. Third, use the paint brush to mix the food coloring. Fourth, paint the toast with the food coloring. Last, toast the bread for 5 minutes.

Jakey loves building things using Lego. He wants to be a Lego designer when he grows up.

The Three Dinosaurs That I Like

BY ERIKA

There are three dinosaurs that I like. First, I like Tyrannosaurus Rex. It means "King of the Dinosaurs." It had very sharp teeth.

Second, I like the Brontosaurus. It means "thunder lizard." It was tall, long and heavy. It ate plants.

Last, I like the Stegosaurus. It means "covered lizard." It was big and fast. It had hard plates on its back and spikes on its tail.

Erika likes skating and biking. She enjoys reading funny and sometimes scary stories.

THE REAL COWBOYS (Part 1)

BY JOLO

Who were the cowboys? The first cowboys were the Mexicans or the Indians. After the civil war in the U.S., there were discharged soldiers and black slaves who had no jobs. So they decided to become cowboys.

The cowboy trade began in the 16th century in Mexico. The cowboy’s job was to brand cows. They sold cows to have money. Aside from the meat, cows are used for leather, tallow or fat for candles and soap. They need to get the escaping cows using lariat or lasso. They also need to be a vet when a cow is sick and find a lost cow.

The dangers that they faced are many. They might be run over by a stampede. When they cross a river they might get drowned. They might get killed by lightning and get sick with pneumonia.

Jolo likes to play RPG games in his spare time.

Young Wolf

By Matthew

Young Wolf by Matthew

Young Wolf (from the book by Janice Shefelman) was an Indian boy. He was 10 years old. His father’s name was Eagle Feather. His mother’s name was Voice of the Sunrise. His grandfather’s name was He – Bear. The name of his horse is Red Wind.

The problem started when he wanted to join the buffalo run but his father said no because he was too young. The problem was solved when he had to practice with his horse for the buffalo run, then his father allowed it. In the end, he killed a calf, and then he made friends with Little Big Mouth. Young Wolf learned that it was okay to be afraid because he will become a man when he does things that he is afraid of.

Matthew likes to play soccer with his friends. He enjoys singing and watching movies.

Heartfelt Thanks from the Organizers of the 1st Pan-Asian LD Conference!

Wordlab School, Inc. recently held the 1st Pan-Asian Learning Difficulties Conference from October 25 to 27, 2007 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Ortigas Center, Quezon City, Philippines. Educators, doctors, and practitioners from the field took part in this prestigious three-day event. The conference theme, “Learning Difficulties: An Asian Perspective” enabled experts to exchange their experiences about the understanding, policies and advocacy initiatives, intervention and therapy of children with learning difficulties in Asia. Speakers from the Philippines, United Kingdom, Canada, Singapore, Malaysia, Lebanon, Bahrain, Kuwait, Australia, and China shared their expertise and knowledge on the assessment and instruction of students with LD. The conference program also offered sessions designed specially for families of students with learning difficulties in order to aid parents in supporting their children’s learning at home and in school.

For more details and how to acquire lecture notes and souvenir programs, you can call Ms. Che at +632 724 3871 or +632 416 9285 or email us at panasian.LDsecretariat@gmail.com.

"We would like to thank our good-hearted sponsors--all the companies and individuals--who offered all kinds of support that made this event a fruitful and meaningful one. You are truly appreciated. May God bless you all."

--Wordlab School, Inc.

Archeologists

BY GABE K.

Archeologists do many things. They dig because they know many secrets of the past lie buried beneath the earth’s surface.

They look for pottery, flints, coins, weapons, ancient pictures and jewelry. All these things help tell the stories of the people who used them.

They discovered ancient civilizations. They found the ruined cities of Mayans, Angkor of Cambodia, Troy and Pompeii.
Gabe likes to read books that are fun and humorous like Dan Brown's Arthur series and Dav Pilkey's Captain Underpants series.

Second Parent Education Seminar on December 8

Planning, organization and studying are not only a key part of learning for children with learning difficulties, but also integral in the support procedure for parents. Find out more in the upcoming Parent Education Seminar this December!

The Alabang Reading Clinic of Wordlab School Inc. will hold the Second Parent Education Seminar on Saturday, 8th of December 2007 from 4 to 7 pm. It will take place at the Wordlab Alabang Reading Clinic, Unit 505, Page 1 Building, Acacia Asve., Alabang, Muntinlupa City. Invited speaker, Ms. Hazelle Preclaro, Ma. Ed. will continue her lecture on “Helping My Child Cope with His Learning Difficulty (LD).” Ms. Preclaro who received her Master’s Degree in Reading Education at Columbia University, New York, USA, is currently an assistant professor at the Reading Department of the College of Education, University of the Philippines-Diliman.

Parents who have enrolled their children in the clinic (past or present) are invited to attend the seminar. Family members and their children’s academic tutors are also invited to take part as well. For reservations or inquiries on seminar fee and other details, please call Ms. Lyn at 771-0744.

My Trip to Singapore

by Peter

I went to Singapore for my semestral break. Singapore is very clean, has lots of trees and has more subways. Most of the people who live there are Singaporeans and Indians. While I was there I went to the following places, first would be Jeorm Bird Park, then I went to Singapore Zoo, after that I went to the science museum and last is Sentosa Island. When we’re in the place I rode a cable cart and saw pink dolphins. It was a little bit cloudy but yet sunny.

The best part of my trip to Singapore would be going to Sentosa because I rode the luge and crashed for the seventh time on wheel. A luge is a square shaped cart that has handle bars that could go up and down. If you pull it up hard it stops and if you hold it up in the air it goes faster down. I don’t really know, every time I am on something very fast or on wheels I crash. But it was fun and painful with scars.

The trip to Singapore was fun and nice. It was great to see my family enjoy it too. Hope I could see them like that again.

Peter is currently the Student Council Secretary of his school. He loves to watch movies and play computer games with his friends.

All Systems Go for the First Pan-Asian Conference on Learning Disabilties in the Philippines!

All is set for the First Pan Asian Learning Difficulties Conference to be held in the Philippines at the Crowne Plaza, Ortigas Ave. cor ADB Ave, Quezon City from 25 to 27 October 2007.

The conference theme, LEARNING DIFFICULTIES: AN ASIAN PERSECTIVE will include topics such as understanding, policy and advocacy initiatives, assessment, intervention and therapy of children with learning difficulties in Asia.

This conference is relevant to all professionals who work with and parents and families of children, adolescents and adults with learning difficulties, and persons with learning difficulties. It will have keynote addresses, paper presentations during parallel symposia, interactive demonstration lessons and poster sessions.

Invited plenary speakers include Steve Chinn, Ph.D. (UK), Dina Ocampo, Ph.D. (Philippines), John Everatt, Ph.D. (UK), Linda Siegel, Ph.D. (Canada), Lourdes Ledesma, Ph.D. (Philippines), and Ian Smythe, Ph.D. (UK).

Interested parties may contact the following details:

Phone nos.: (632) 724 3871 or (632) 4169285

Fax no.: (632) 7279762

Email: panasian.LDconference@gmail.com

Parents of Children with Learning Difficulties are Invited

"How can my child cope in the mainstream?"
"Is my child ever going to be good enough?"
"How do I listen and talk to my child with a learning disability?"
"How do I explain to his siblings that he had LD?"
"How do i get my child to do homework?"
"Will my child ever go to college and become successful?"

Pan-Asian Learning Difficulties Conference can help you find out the answers to these questions. On October 26, 2007, the Pan-Asian LD Conference is offering Family Sessions for all parents of children with learning difficulties. They can learn from fellow parents and the best psychologists, educators, and medical practitioners in the field. This will be held at the Orchid Room of Crowne Plaza, ADB Ave. corner Ortgas Ave., Quezon City, Philippines. Seminar fee is Php 2,500 (inclusive of lunch, snacks, and hand-outs). Register now at http://www.wordlabschool.edu.ph/

Looking for Miss Nelson

By Raffy

Miss Nelson is Missing

The story takes place in school. Miss Nelson is the main character in the story who is a teacher in room 207. A problem occurs when Miss Nelson is missing. Miss Swamp is the new teacher of the day. She forced them to study, to work, and to do their home work. The kids hated her so they went to the police and go to Miss Nelson’s house to find her. The problem is resolved when Miss Nelson came back. The story ends when Miss Nelson taught them a lesson because the kids are behaved when Miss. Nelson came back.

I liked the story because it is a little funny. The best part is when the kids made up comments like she was going to the Mars planet and she was being attacked by enraged butterflies. The least liked part is when the kids thought that Miss Nelson was being eaten by sharks. I would recommend this book to others because I like it.

Miss Nelson is Back

The title of the story is Miss Nelson is Back. The story took place in the school. The main characters in the story are Miss Nelson , the kids and Mr. BlandsWorth. The first problem in the story is when Miss Nelson was gone for a week. So Mr. BlandsWorth came in. The second problem in the story was when the kids hated Mr. BlandsWorth. So the kids hatched a plan. They dressed up like Miss Nelson. The third problem in the story was the kids skipped school. So Miss Nelson dressed up as Miss Swamp to teach the kids a lesson. In the end, Miss Nelson came back and the kids felt happy.

Raffy is a 4th grader in The Learning Child School. He enjoys playing chess and reading books of Captain Underpants.

Parent Education Seminar on Home Support

Wordlab (Alabang Reading Clinic) recently held a Parent Education Seminar last Saturday, October 13, 2007, entitled, “Home Support: How to Help My Child with Learning Difficulties.”




Invited speaker was Ms. Hazelle Preclaro, Ma. Ed. Ms. Preclaro is the Executive Director of Wordlab School, Inc. She received a master’s degree in Reading Education from Columbia University in New York. She is currently an assistant professor in the Reading Department, College of Education, University of the Philippines, Diliman. Parents of students enrolled in Wordlab attended the seminar.

A Wrinkle in Time

by Raphael

The book A Wrinkle in Time is by L’Engle. The main characters are Meg, Charles Wallace and Calvin. They are chosen to save Mr. Murry from IT. IT is an evil mind that wants to take over the universe. They got help from Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who and Mrs. Which. Mr.Murry tried to save Earth from IT, however he got caught and became a prisoner. They traveled through time and space. They started from earth and able to go to Uriel, Happy Medium’s place, Camazotz and to Ixchel. All of the places they have been to are free from IT except Camazotz, which is a dark planet. They were able to get Mr. Murry, however, Charles was hypnotized by IT. So Meg had to go back to Camazotz to rescue Charles. She was able to save Charles by showing her love for him. In the end they were able to go home.

In my opinion the most important theme in the story is family. The characters have a strong bond together. This bond helped them because they did not give up.

Values are actions that help people face challenges. In the story the characters have values that help them fight IT. First, Meg’s value is her faults. It helped her when she fought being hypnotized by IT. Second, Charles Wallace has the value of being tough, as he tried to get information from The Red Eye Man. Next, Calvin is a good friend that he tried to pull Charles out of the trance. After that, Mr. Murry has courage that helped him when he took the risk on tesseracting to Camazotz. Then, Mrs. Murry tried to be strong by not showing her sad emotions to her kids. Last, The three Mrs.s has the knowledge and they gave it o the three kids. I believe that these values can be applied to everyone. If you do you become a better person.

Raphael has recently finished a public-speaking course and will compete in an upcoming swimming meet.

The Twits

by Patrick

The story takes place in Mr. and Mrs. Twit’s house. Mr. and Mrs. Twit are characters in the story that are smart and bad. Muggle Wump and Roly Poly Bird are other characters in the story that are good and kind. A problem occurs when Mr. and Mrs. Twit eat birds and torture monkeys. The problem was solved when Muggle Wump and Roly Poly Bird wanted Mr. and Mrs. Twit to be stuck upside down. The story ends with Mr. and Mrs. Twit dying because they got the shrinks.

Patrick is a big fan of Pokemon and Yugioh. He also has a twin sister, Anna.

Allen Iverson

by Ken

Allen Iverson is a great player. First, he can crossover any person bigger than him. Second, he can shoot jump shots and make three points. Third, he can steal a ball from any player smaller or bigger than him. Fourth, he is a great point guard. Fifth, he is the fastest player in the NBA. Finally, he is the star or MVP of the 76ers.

Ken is a huge basketball fan. He likewise plays the game in school and in his local league.

EGYPTIANS

by Jolo

Egyptians are brilliant. First, they made a strong coffin so the thieves wouldn’t steal the amulets. Second, they made mummies so the spirit would guide them in the afterworld. Third, they hid Ramses because some broke into the Valley of kings. Finally, but Egyptians are weird because they leave the heart in the body.

Jolo likes to play RPG games in his spare time.

INSANE COMEDY

by Isak

Bruno was ill of T.B. Then, he was trampled by horses. He was found dead in Niagara Falls wearing sunglasses. After that some “Insane Amateur” student operated on him with an Emergency Light. Next the doctor came drunk from the vineyard. Then the doctor sent him in a parasailing trip even though he’s dead. Next the doctor and his assistants went to a veterinarian, she was taken hostage. Then saved herself by taking out her “Magnum Revolver”. Finally she found treasure on Bruno and Dr.William. Yeehaw!

Isak is in the fourth grade and enjoys reading classic literature.

Alone Across the Ocean

by Froi

First, Amelia Earhart is boisterous. She plays what the boys like. Second, she is a dreamer. She dreamt and became a famous pilot. Third, she is famous because she is the first woman passenger to cross the Atlantic Ocean. Last, she is restless because she wanted to cross the Atlantic Ocean as the pilot.

Froi takes pride in his written works and enjoys playing RPG games.

YOUR 1K IS FOR KIDS: Make A Difference! Be a Donor!

An open letter from concerned parents of a child with learning difficulties:

Dear Friends,

Everyday, we see our son agonize over the lack of understanding of his teachers about his dyslexia and its effect of how he learns. He's a smart 13 yr old who is a gifted musician and an avid boxer. But he needs more explicit and systematic instruction to learn his school subject matter content because dyslexia affects how he perceives language in both written and oral forms. The frustration he lives with everyday as he attends one of the best boys' schools in the country is hard for any parent to bear.

The most crucial factors for the successful education of children with dyslexia and learning difficulties are better informed and compassionate teachers and schools. This is why our whole family has thrown all its support behind our young man and for the Pan Asian Learning Difficulties Conference in order to advocate among teachers and schools about dyslexia and learning difficulties and how these affect the learning of otherwise very clever and intelligent children and adults. We appeal to you to do the same. Send help to the organizers of the conference, Wordlab School, Inc so that it can offer more free slots for teachers to attend the conference.

You can send your donations directly to us. One donor line is equivalent to only P1,000.00. Just send a text message with your name, address and the amount your sent so we can give these to the organizers. They in turn will send you the receipt.

Help us send more teachers to the conference and make a difference in the lives of thousands of children with dyslexia and learning difficulties. Thank you for listening and we look forward to your affirmative response.

All the best,

Che and Dina Cristobal

Deposit Peso Donations at:

Bank of the Philippine Islands-Aurora Branch CA# 3151-0466-56

Land Bank of the Philippines - G. Araneta Branch SA# 0681-0702-81

Kindly address all check donations to Wordlab School, Inc. Email or text us after you've made your donation. The KIDS would want to thank you by name!

email: panasian.LDsecretariat@gmail.com or text (+63915)4338160

When Harry Gets Teased

By Matthew

The title of the story is "Harry’s Got a Girlfriend!" by Ulli Schubert. It happened in a birthday party in the present time. The characters are Harry, Steve, Tony, George, Michelle, Tanya, Nancy, Julia, and Christine.

The story started when Harry was in the locker room with his friends. They were Steve, George and Tony. George got Harry's bag. When Harry was able to chase George, George tossed Harry’s bag to Steve. After that, Steve gave back the bag when Harry stopped by the door.

The problem started when the boys saw the girls. Michelle gave an invitation to Harry. When Harry opened the invitation, there was a drawing. After that, Steve saw something at the back and there was something written on it. It said, “Dear Harry, I would like to invite you to my birthday party….” When George and Tony said that it was a girl’s birthday party, they started to tease Harry. So Harry got upset and got back the invitation and went home. When he went home, he told his mom that Michelle invited him to her birthday party. When Harry went to the toys store, he saw lots of toys like a toy monster truck and a robot warrior. When Harry saw a racing track, he saw his friends, Tony, George and Steve who were still teasing him. That night, Harry talked to his dad. His dad said that he can go to the party and leave when he wants.

The problem was solved when Harry woke up in the morning. He made a gift for Michelle. When Harry got there, he saw the girls. When they started the party, they were eating. They were played games, then, they made flew a kite. And next was they played Blind Man’s Bluff. Harry felt happy.

In the end, Harry went home but first, Michelle kissed him in the cheek. Then finally, he saw his friends. They stopped teasing him because they wanted to go to the party, too. So now, they became friends again.

Matthew likes soccer and High School Musicals 1 and 2. He doesn't have a girlfriend...yet.

Helen Keller

by TJ

Helen Keller was born on June 27, 1880. When she was a baby, she had a fever that caused her to be blind and deaf.

Anne Sullivan was the teacher who taught her how to communicate using her hands. Before Anne Sullivan came to Helen Keller, she was an inconsolable, perverse, willful and selfish child. When Anne Sullivan came, she taught her everything has a name. She made her hold a bear and told her what it is. Helen also came to love Anne Sullivan. Helen developed the sense of love for her family and the sense of being an eager student, affectionate, caring and generous.

Her achievements were many for a blind and deaf woman. At the age of 16, she went to Radcliff College. She became a writer and lecturer for the disabled and this resulted in the creation of many more special services for the blind and deaf people.

She is a very determined person to get what she wants even though it may seem impossible.

Early Bird Registration Extended for Pan Asian LD Conference!

We are pleased to announce the extension of the early bird registration period for the Pan Asian Learning Difficulties Conference. The new cut off date is 5 October 2007. Please visit our website www.wordlabschool.edu.ph for registration information.

So What's Lurnind Dificolyt?

It's somethind mey avet on n per staup to betyer.*

(*So what's learning difficulty? It's something we have to understand together)

THEN IT'S DIFFICULT NO MORE!

This is such a great chance for us to exchange ideas, insights and learning. (There will be specialists from the Philippines, Canada, the UK, etc.) The difficulties need not be insurmountable. We just need to understand them. Tara! Let's do this together! Please check online, < http://www.wordlabschool.edu.ph> call Wordlab School, +632 724 3871 or +632 416 9285 (look for Che).

The GREAT thing about this is we get to understand the issues – like Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, ADHD, Comprehension Difficulties, etc. - in our Asian context. See You There!!!

The Twit's Tricks

by: Jakey

The Twits are very tricky. Some of their tricks were funny. First, Mrs. Twit put her glass eye in Mr. Twit’s mug. Second, Mr. Twit put a frog in Mrs. Twit’s bed. Third, Mrs. Twit put worms in the spaghetti of Mr. Twit. Finally, Mr. Twit put a little wood on Mrs. Twit’s stick to make it long. Mrs. Twit thought that she was shrinking. I like the glass-eye trick in Mr. Twit’s mug because it was funny.

Jakey had a blast reading this book. He is also fond of reading Captain Underpants Books. His favorite movie is "The Simpsons."

Sharks

By: Anton

There are different kinds of shark. The first is the Hammer head shark. The hammer head shark’s name comes from its head, which is shaped like a hammer. Hammer head also never sleeps and never stops swimming.

The second is the dwarf shark. It is no bigger than your hand.

The third is leopard shark. It grows at four feet long.

Fourth is the carpet shark. It lies like a rug at the sea floor.

Fifth is the whale shark. It has lots of teeth more than other sharks because it has 3,000 teeth. It is so big, bigger than a bus. It is so gentle to us so it won’t eat us. The food that whale sharks eat is shrimp and fish.

For me, the best shark is the whale shark.

Anton loves playing Playstation and watching National Geographic Channel.

Reading Oliver Twist

By Paolo P.

The title of the story is "Oliver Twist." It happened in the past, around 1800’s. It happened in the United Kingdom. The main character is Oliver Twist. He was a little poor boy in the story and he was an orphan. It was written by Charles Dickens. Dickens was born England in 1812 and he was considered as one of the best novelist of his time. He liked to write about hardships in the 19th century.

The story began when his mother died. He went to a workhouse. His problem started when he was in the workhouse. The people in the workhouse were bullying him. Next, he asked for food and the people in the workhouse got mad. Then, they sold him to an undertaker. The workmate of Oliver was beating him up and so Oliver ran away. He went to London and joined a gang of stealers. They wanted him to steal but he did not want to. His problem ended when a lot of people helped him like Mr. Brownlow, Mrs. Maylie, Rose and Nancy. The villains, Fagin went to jail while Bill Sikes died.

I think the story adapted by Kathleen Costick was fun at the start but wasn’t so thrilling in the end. Of all the people in the world, Oliver ended up in his aunt’s house. I think it is so unreal!!! I think that Costick made the story easier to read because the words were so big and story was short. However, the cover art was wrong because it showed Oliver stealing but he never stole. I think Dickens wrote the story to make people become aware of what’s happening to orphans and other poor people.

Paolo P. can play the guitar and likes playing soccer.

Your Guardian Angel

Your Guardian Angel
By: Michael

When I see your smile, tears run down my face
I can’t replace, now that I’m strong I have figured out how this world turns cold
And it breaks to my soul and I know
I’ll find deep inside me I could be the one

CHORUS:
I would never let you fall (let you fall)
I would be with you forever
I’ll stand up with you through it all (through it all)
Even if saving you sends me to heaven

It’s okay, it’s okay, it’s okay
Seasons are changing and waves are crashing
And stars are falling all for us
Days grew longer and nights grew shorter
I could show you you’ll be the one

CHORUS

‘Cause you’re my, ‘cause you’re my, my,
My true love, my whole heart
Please don’t throw that away
And ‘cause I’m here for you, for you

Use me as you will, pull my string just for a thrill
This is all for you while my sky is turning gray

CHORUS 2X

Interpretation:

This is a song about a guy telling the girl he loves that she is his guardian angel. He is telling that girl that it should be him that she chooses because the guy thinks that he is the right person for her. The chorus explains that he will take care of the girl and he will never let her fall. Another stanza explains them trying to date and realizes weird things happening like seasons are changing and waves are crashing, etc.

Playing Favorites

Playing Favorites
Composed by: Michael

This the most that I can do
Is make a call and tell you the truth
Sing the words and the melody
And hope that you’ll believe me
Here’s another song for you
So this one this one makes two
I still don’t know where to begin
I’ll just leave it at this.

CHORUS
I’m sure you always feel my eyes on you
But I wish that you will never feel unwanted
Wait for me to move out west its okay if you don’t
I hope you know you’re my favorite thing about the west coast
I wish I stayed I hope you wait so here I am counting down the days
‘till California comes.

This is the least that I can do
you know I’m bad at calling you
the best way I can extend the lonely word
“I miss you”
I’d say it but I’m sure you knew
You're what I look most forward to
I’m coming back to where I’ve been
I’ll just leave it at this.

(Back to CHORUS)

Interpretation by Michael :

This song is for a special girl whom I like and who is my classmate. The song is all about a person waiting for his chance to court the girl. The chorus explains the guy going somewhere and telling that person that he likes her so much and that she is his “Favorite Thing” but he could not say it personally. The guy tries to call her but he knows he is bad at doing that so he did it by writing her a song. My favorite line is “I hope you know you’re my favorite thing about the west coast” for the reason that I want her to know my feelings. (NAKS!!! By teacher phnas)

Michael loves to write songs. He has made 20 songs already and counting. He knows how to play a classic and bass guitar and can sing his compositions as well. :)

A Medieval Tale

By Tux

The title of the book is “The Whipping Boy." The author is Sid Fleischman. The story took place in a castle during the medieval ages. The characters in the story are Prince Horace, A.K.A Prince Brat, and Jemmy. Jemmy is a talented kid but he has a bad job as a whipping boy while Prince Brat is obviously a BRAT.

The story started when Prince Brat did a horrible mess but the king called the Whipping Boy and gave him lashes to his back. Meanwhile, Prince Brat can’t get hurt because he is a prince! The problem began when Prince Brat ran away from home because he was bored, taking Jemmy with him. Suddenly, highwaymen caught them and took them as hostages. The problem was solved when the highwaymen ran away because rats were biting and scratching them. They ran very fast and ended up in a boat heading to prison. In the end Jemmy and the Prince became good friends. The king said to them, “If you run away again, make me come with you."


I think the story is fantastic and amazing. My favorite part in the story is the part when the highwaymen found the Prince and Jemmy in the hot potato man’s cart. They thought that the Prince is Jemmy and Prince Brat was the Whipping Boy. Prince Brat was then tortured by lashes (whip hitting his back). I think the author is an imaginable man with good sense of adventure and suspense. The most valuable lesson I learned from the story is never ever be a BRAT and don’t let everyone do your work or you will suffer the consequences. BWAHAHAHA! GAW!!!

Tux is fond of reading stories about princes, adventures, and magical powers. His favorite snack is nachos with cheese dip.

Photo courtesy of T. Leslee

Balto, a Brave Dog

By Matthew

The name of the dog is Balto. He lived in Nome, Alaska. He was a lead dog in a dog sled team. He worked for a mining company by delivering food and supplies. His master was Gunnar.

Clay sculpture of Balto by Matthew

In 1925, the people of Nome got sick and they needed medicine. But the train got stuck in the snow. If the train doesn’t get to Nome in time it will not deliver the medicine and the people will die. So they had a dog sled relay with 21 teams. Balto was part of it. The weather was snowy and very cold. When Balto's team had arrived, Gunnar gave the medicine to the doctor and the people got well.

I think Balto was a strong dog because he was able to travel 53 miles to deliver the medicine. He was also a brave dog because he did not panic when the other dogs sank in the snow. I think he was also smart because he stopped when he saw that the ice was cracking. Last, Balto was a hero because he helped Gunnar deliver the medicine to the village.
Matthew enjoys playing soccer with his friends. He does not have a dog now but if he had one, he would name it Gassren.
Photo courtesy of T. Leslee

The Mummy's Gold

By Erika

The title of the story is “Mummy’s Gold” by Kate McMullan. It happened in the movie house. The characters are Jake, Henry and Max. Jake is a small boy. Henry is the big brother of Jake. Max is the friend of Henry.

The story started when they watched a movie about a mummy. The problem began when Max and Henry ran fast and left Jake. Next, Jake felt someone was following him. It was a mummy! But it was Henry. Then Jake heard the mummy wail, “I want my gold!” But it was Max. The problem was solved when he called Uncle Rob, and said, “Pls. Uncle Rob, come to the movie and dress like a mummy.” Then Henry and Max got scared of a mummy. In the end, Jake learned that the mummy was real and it was not Henry, Max or Uncle Rob.

I like the story because it is a good story but I did not feel scared of the mummy. My favorite character is Jake. I like him because he is cute and kind. I did not like Henry and Max because they are bad and they want to get the money of Jake. I think Kate McMullan is a good writer. I also liked the drawings of Jeff Spackman.

Erika likes skating and biking. She enjoys reading funny and sometimes scary stories.

Illustration courtesy of Erika

Making a Choice

By Raphael

I read two books by Lois Lowry, “The Giver” and “Gathering Blue.” “The Giver” is about a boy named Jonas, who is living in a utopian community in the future. “Gathering Blue” is about a girl, Kira, who is living at the same time as Jonas but in a different community.

The books, “The Giver” and “Gathering Blue,” are both held at the same time. Jonas and Kira are both living in a type of community, where the council kills a person secretly because of the mistakes the person did. Jonas and Kira both have special roles in their respective communities. They are chosen to do their roles because they have powers. Jonas’ power is to receive and keep memories. He was the chosen one to be the Receiver in his community. The Receiver’s job is to receive and keep all the memories from the Giver. Meanwhile, Kira’s power is to see the future through her magical weaving.

These are the differences between “The Giver” and “Gathering Blue.” Kira’s community is barbaric; they live for money, don’t care for others, and are not well educated. On the other hand, Jonas’ community is civilized; they have fine jobs and are well educated. They are also well fed and appear to be happy all the time. But after Jonas knew that the Council kills people, he wanted to leave the community and try to save a baby who was supposed to be killed. Meanwhile, after Kira knew that the council was trying to kill her father and other people, she, however, decided to stay and tried to change the ways of the council.

I prefer the book “The Giver.” It is more entertaining than “Gathering Blue.” If I were to choose who I would want to follow, I would chose Kira's decision. I would choose it because if I leave the people, they would suffer. And if I help make a difference, the council would probably change.

How about you? Would you choose to stay like Kira or leave like Jonas?

Raphael is 13 years old. He is the oldest among three children. He plans to read more of Jonas and Kira in Lois Lowry's "Messenger," the third book from this trilogy.

TAKE PART in a MAJOR PAN-ASIAN CONFERENCE on LEARNING DIFFICULTIES!

Wordlab School, Inc. is excited to organize the First Pan Asian Learning Difficulties Conference to be held in the Philippines at the Crowne Plaza, Ortigas Ave. cor ADB Ave, Quezon City from 25 to 27 October 2007.

The conference theme, LEARNING DIFFICULTIES: AN ASIAN PERSECTIVE will include topics such as understanding, policy and advocacy initiatives, assessment, intervention and therapy of children with learning difficulties in Asia.

This conference is relevant to all professionals who work with and parents and families of children, adolescents and adults with learning difficulties, and persons with learning difficulties. It will have keynote addresses, paper presentations during parallel symposia, interactive demonstration lessons and poster sessions.

Invited plenary speakers include Steve Chinn, Ph.D. (UK), Dina Ocampo, Ph.D. (Philippines), John Everatt, Ph.D. (UK), Linda Siegel, Ph.D. (Canada), Lourdes Ledesma, Ph.D. (Philippines), and Ian Smythe, Ph.D. (UK).

Interested parties may contact the following details:

Phone nos.: (632) 724 3871 or (632) 4169285

Fax no.: (632) 7279762

Email: panasian.LDconference@gmail.com