Tuesday, May 31, 2005 @9:16 PM
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.