May 31 saw a handful of volunteers waking up bright and early to assist in reading exercises for about 35 public school children in Maximo Estrella Elementary School, Makati. The energetic volunteers transformed the public school classroom into a cozy book nook with banigs and throw pillows. Reading sessions were conducted by Ruby Calo, one of the volunteers. They underscored the importance of phrase reading and imagination, both aimed at improving reading speed. Sounds heavy for an activity for 7-9 year-olds, doesn't it? Well, the children didn't think so. The sessions were lively and kept the children interested and on-task.
They liked the activities so much that even before they were given the option to stay behind to choose their own books (donated by generous friends of BASA!), many of them asked permission to choose their own books while waiting for instructions in between sessions. It was a lovely sight!
Fr. Ted Gonzales, SJ shared to the kids Jose Rizal's fable, Ang Pagong at ang Matsing, and challenged the kids to make wise investments in the future, through reading, just like the turtle did.
To end the activity, the kids were handed books donated by Adarna.
Concomittantly, the Center for Family Ministries sponsored a talk for the parents of the children and some of their teachers. BASA distributed to them copies of Learning to Love Books, an article that emphasizes healthy reading attitudes over reading aptitudes for preschoolers, as well as a primer on BASA's past activities. Email us if you would like to receive a copy of the handout or if you would like to help in future reading activities.
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Volunteers in May 31, 2005 Reading Program. Gladiola Room in Maximo Estrella Elementary School, Makati (Top L-R): Trina, Pepper, Cris, Ruby, Syd; (Bottom L-R): Edsel, Banjo, Thryza, Twinky, Frannie, Victoria. Not in picture: Fr. Ted Gonzales, SJ, Marifel, Jovi, Tet S
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There's rhythm in singing and rhythm in reading (a pre-reading activity)
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Banjo and Edsel distribute the selection Celia Studious and Conrad Cat for First Circle
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The kids during silent reading for First Circle. Afterwards, they were asked questions about their selection.
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Mrs. Ruby tells the children how she noticed that they used to word-for-word reading which bogged down their reading time. She offers an alternative: phrase reading.
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Volunteers Twinky and Tet mimic reading habits observed in the children during First Circle. Mrs. Ruby (not in photo) explains why some of the habits hinder silent reading and are to be avoided.
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Mrs. Ruby asks: How do you read? (A) from right to left, top to bottom (B) from left to right, top to bottom or (C) from left to right, right to left, then left to right again
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Syd flashes a white board with a phrase written on it. The children try to read the phrase before it is jerked out of sight. It takes a while before the children get the hang out of it.
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Action songs allow a smooth transition from snack time to Second Circle
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Second Circle: The children read a story about a goldfish written by Mrs. Ruby's daughter when she was eleven years old. Cris whispers some friendly reminders to one of the children about silent reading. Afterwards, Mrs. Ruby tells the children that their reading time improved compared to their first circle reading, and the quality of their responses (items recalled) increased. Phrase reading and exercises using imagination worked!
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Free Choice time: Twinky watches one child read a book on hammerhead sharks
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Fr. Ted Gonzales, SJ shares to the children Jose Rizal's fable, Ang Pagong at ang Matsing, challenging them to make wise investments in the future, just like the turtle did in the story.
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Hideyaki and Jason couldn't wait til free choice time to leaf through a book. They asked for permission to choose books while waiting for the rest of the participants to finish with their small group activity on imagination and eye movement during reading.
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The volunteers prepare to distribute some brand new books donated by some generous benefactors. You could be one of them!
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Edsel (BASA president) distributes some of the books to the participants
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The participants take a bow! (A goodbye song led by Mrs. Ruby)
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Victoria, our youngest volunteer, helps distribute some of the books to the participants
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Thryza checks out a photo exhibit at the Maximo Estrella library. BASA aims to help fuel reading in public schools by assisting libraries. Conducting library visits and supporting librarian conventions (see April archives for BASA's participation in PASL convention) are two ways BASA hopes to help.
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The kids with their brand new books from BASA's generous donors
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Reading Center at Maximo Estrella school
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A reading corner at Maximo Estrella library.
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Encyclopedias at the Maximo Estrella library
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Fr. Ted Gonzales, SJ reads a handout for distribution to the children's parents entitled Learning to Love Books, detailing practical ways to introduce toddlers to the joy of reading. The handout also includes information on BASA (Please write us for a free copy of the handout) For more pictures during the May 31 Reading activity, click here.
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