“Catch-up Fridays” was introduced by the Department of Education (DepEd) as a program that schools must implement to reinforce students’ foundational skills, which is a key objective of the basic education curriculum. These skills are crucial for both students’ academic success and their daily lives.
Catch-up Fridays initially centered on “Drop Everything and Read (DEAR),” a program designed to encourage students to engage with various printed materials, particularly literary works.
Photo courtesy: DepEd Philippines (FB)
Schools and teachers have adopted different approaches to implement DEAR. Educators have utilized their creativity and imagination to engage students and inspire a love for reading.
Many teachers and schools have embraced this initiative, showcasing their creativity in how they bring it to life.
Award-winning writer and college professor Genaro Gojo Cruz, renowned for his children’s literature, believes that the implementation of Catch-up Fridays should remain straightforward.
He pointed out that some seem to treat it like a party or as if they are already participating in the “Palarong Pambansa.”
Gojo Cruz urges that the program stay true to its original purpose and not become overly complicated. He expressed concern that it might eventually turn into a beauty pageant.
“Pakiusap po!,” he said on his Facebook post last February 11, 2024.
“Iwasan po ang kung ano-anong ipinagagawa sa catch-up Friday sa inyong paaralan. Iyung iba nagiging parang party sa Jollibee, at ang iba naman, palarong pambansa. Ang ikinatatakot ko, baka maging beauty contest na itong programa sa pagbasa!” he emphasized.
The Palanca awardee offered suggestions on how to keep the DEAR activity simple while still achieving its intended purpose.
“Simple lang po talaga sana. Kumuha kayo ng banig. Maupo kasama ang mga mag-aaral. Magkuwento kayo ng isang aklat-pambata sa kanilang wika.”
“Pakiusap po!”
“Ito lang po ang gagawin sana po ninyo:
“Gawain bago magkuwento”
Gagawin ng bata habang nakikinig (dapat guided sila ng objective/malinaw sa kanila bakit nila kailangang makinig).”
“Gawain pagkatapos magkuwento (processing, tahi-tahiin ang ginawa bago magkuwento at gawain habang nakikinig).”
“Diyos ko po naman.”
“Ang nasabi ko na lang talaga!” he added.
Photo courtesy: Pexels
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