EMPOWERING READERS: A TEACHER'S INSIGHT INTO CATCH-UP FRIDAYS IN THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

ANDREA A. LANDAYAN-SALIDO

As an educator navigating the challenges of modern classrooms, the introduction of Catch-Up Fridays by the Department of Education (DepEd) has emerged as a beacon of hope and innovation, especially in the realm of reading. As a teacher, I believe that this strategic endeavor represents a radical change in how we address learning gaps and bolster the foundational reading skills of our learners. Catch-Up Fridays are not merely an additional day in the academic calendar; they are a time set out for focused interventions that help us improve our teaching strategies and give learners who might be having difficulty in reading.

Catch-Up Fridays are centered around the intentional growth of literacy. It's a day where we, as teachers, delve into the nuances of teaching reading and modify our curricula to fit the various needs of our learners. Guided reading sessions develop into more than just a routine; they become an effective instrument for determining each learner's reading level, comprehension skills, and areas that need more focus. Through engaging phonics exercises and vocabulary-building activities, we aim not just to bridge learning gaps but to fortify the very foundations upon which our students will build their academic futures.

What sets Catch-Up Fridays apart is the recognition that literacy is not confined to the classroom walls. It's a movement in culture that promotes a love of reading outside of required reading lists and standardized assessments. It brings me great satisfaction as a teacher to see the smiles on the learners’ faces when we have book clubs, storytelling sessions, and reading competitions. Catch-Up Fridays give us the chance to develop a comprehensive appreciation for literature and create a culture where reading is valued as a lifetime endeavor rather than merely a skill to be learned.

Catch-Up Fridays put a focus on professional development, giving teachers a special chance to hone their skill. We can negotiate the changing terrain of education with the help of workshops on effective reading instruction, strategies for treating reading issues, and integrating technology into literacy lessons. The focus on lifelong learning recognizes that, as teachers, we are always striving for excellence, and Fridays are a time set apart specifically for our professional development.

Additionally, the program acknowledges the pivotal role parents play in their child's reading development. Through literacy workshops, family reading nights, and collaborative sessions, Catch-Up Fridays actively involve parents. By bridging the gap between the home and the classroom, this cooperative method creates a cohesive support system for the child's academic success. As a teacher, I can attest to the shared duty we have in forming the next generation of readers and learners when I see parents actively involved in their child's education on these Fridays.

In conclusion, teachers see Catch-Up Fridays as a revolutionary approach to the DepEd’s literacy development. It's a day that extends beyond traditional classroom education, offering a platform for tailored learning, career development, and the cultivation of a genuine love for reading. Catch-Up Fridays are a cooperative effort that empowers teachers and learners as we traverse the intricacies of education, confirming our commitment to raising a generation of fluent readers and lifelong learners.