The Philippines is an archipelago in Southeast Asia consisting of more than 7,000 islands. Boasting diverse ecosystems, a rich history, and a unique culture, the nation offers ample learning opportunities for students of all ages. Educators looking for an enriching subject to teach should consider incorporating a study of the Philippine Islands into their lesson plans. In this article, we will outline the key aspects to cover when teaching students about the Philippines and its remarkable islands.
Geography and Ecology:
Begin by providing an overview of the Philippine Islands’ geography. Discuss how each island’s size and location play a role in shaping its natural resources and environments. The Philippines Island boasts diverse ecosystems such as volcanoes, mountains, forests, and coral reefs. For instance, Palawan houses underground rivers and caves while Bohol has fascinating geological formations called Chocolate Hills.
Dive into the country’s rich biodiversity by discussing the various endemic species unique to specific islands or habitats. The tarsier, Philippine eagle, and Visayan warty pig are just a few of the many extraordinary indigenous animals that can be found in this archipelago.
History:
One essential aspect students should grasp when examining the Philippines is its complex history shaped by various cultures. Delve into the ancient history of indigenous people inhabiting these islands before touching on colonial influence from Spain, Japan, and America. Cover topics such as trade relations with neighboring countries like China during pre-colonial times and discuss historical events such as World War II.
Culture:
Immerse your students in Filipino culture by highlighting its combination of indigenous traditions with foreign influences from centuries of colonization. Introduce them to major cultural festivals like Sinulog, Kadayawan, and Pahiyas – each having their unique aspects that celebrate regional heritage.
Help students appreciate Filipino cuisine – a blend of Malay, Chinese, and Spanish flavors. Discover dishes like adobo, lechón, sinigang, and halo-halo as well as regional delicacies that showcase the rich culinary diversity across the islands.
Language and Communication:
Teach students about the linguistic diversity of the Philippines. With over 150 languages spoken throughout the islands, help them understand how Filipino (Tagalog) and English have become official national languages. Engage them in learning basic conversational Filipino phrases while emphasizing the differences in dialects across various regions.
Arts and Literature:
Introduce students to various forms of traditional Filipino art like visual arts (i.e., weaving, pottery), architecture (i.e., bahay kubo houses), music (i.e., rondalla ensemble), and dance (i.e., tinikling). Expose them to Filipino literature – ranging from folktales to modern poetry, short stories, and novels by prominent writers like Jose Rizal, Nick Joaquin, and F. Sionil Jose.
