Teaching Practice Enrichment

In the meeting held on March 3, 2023, the Department of Education (DepEd) and the school
staff at Naparaan Elementary School in Salcedo, Eastern Samar, discussed several important
aspects to enrich teaching practice. One of the main concerns raised was related to
instructional materials construction. It was highlighted that the lack of visibility and
attractiveness of instructional materials negatively affected student engagement and
participation during class discussions. To address this, the resolution was to prepare visible and
attractive instructional materials, which can effectively motivate pupils to participate and be
more involved in the learning process.

Another significant point of discussion was lesson planning. It was observed that lesson plans
were being prepared and checked late by the cooperating teacher, which might have impacted
the quality of teaching and learning. To improve this, the resolution was to ensure that lesson
plans are submitted two days before the actual teaching, allowing ample time for review and
enhancement. This emphasizes the importance of effective time management, which was
another concern raised during the meeting. Teachers were urged to manage their time wisely
and attend to classroom routines promptly before and after class. By addressing time
management issues, teachers can create a more structured and productive learning
environment.

Moreover, the meeting highlighted the role of pre-service teachers in the classroom. It was
noted that some pre-service teachers failed to submit class Monitoring and Performance Sheet
(MPS), leading to a lack of assessment and feedback for both the teachers and students. It was
agreed upon that pre-service teachers should consistently submit class MPS to their
cooperating teacher for effective evaluation and performance tracking. Additionally, the
importance of maintaining a professional and authoritative teacher-student relationship was
emphasized. Some pre-service teachers were perceived as too friendly with the students,
resulting in poor classroom management. Setting a clear boundary between teachers and pupils
was proposed to establish a conducive learning atmosphere.

In conclusion, the meeting provided valuable insights into enhancing teaching practice at
Naparaan Elementary School. The resolutions emphasized the significance of visible and
attractive instructional materials, timely lesson planning, effective time management, and the
establishment of professional teacher-student relationships. By implementing these
resolutions, the school aims to improve student engagement, academic performance, and
overall classroom management.
 Reading Approaches (Reflection)

The School Learning Action Cell (SLAC) conducted by Naparaan Elementary School focused on
different approaches to beginning reading, aiming to enhance teachers' competence in
teaching reading using phonics in the primary grades, particularly in Grade 1. The session
covered three main approaches: Marungko, PVOSBM, and Fuller. One key reflection from this
activity is the recognition of the importance of reading skills in a student's learning journey.
Effective reading instruction is essential for pupils to communicate effectively in both written
and oral forms. As educators, we must acknowledge the diverse approaches available and
assess their suitability for our students' needs.

Incorporating these varied approaches, such as Marungko, PVOSBM, and Fuller, into our
teaching practice can significantly enrich the learning experience for students. Each approach
offers unique strategies to build phonemic awareness, decoding skills, and vocabulary. For
instance, the Marungko Approach emphasizes letter sounds and proper pronunciation, laying
the foundation for reading development. On the other hand, PVOSBM empowers students to
attack unfamiliar words by breaking them down into individual sounds. Additionally, the Fuller
Approach introduces consonant sounds through stories or poems, making learning more
engaging and memorable. By understanding and utilizing these approaches effectively, we, as
educators, can create a more inclusive and comprehensive learning environment for our
students, nurturing their reading abilities and fostering a love for learning. This SLAC session has
underscored the significance of continuous professional development and collaboration among
teachers to explore innovative techniques and approaches in enhancing teaching practice.

Enrich Teaching with KWENTA

The meeting minutes provide valuable insights into the plans to enrich teaching practice
through the KWENTA project focused on improving numeracy skills in Naparaan Elementary
School. The objectives are clear, aiming to develop students' knowledge and proficiency in
arithmetic operations, specifically addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. One of the
strengths of the plan is the emphasis on differentiation, tailoring activities to suit learners'
individual needs. By providing differentiated activities, teachers can address diverse learning
styles and abilities, ensuring that all students have opportunities to succeed. Additionally, the
use of manipulatives and counters is highlighted as an effective strategy to aid students'
understanding of mathematical concepts. Incorporating visual aids can enhance comprehension
and engagement, especially for young learners.

However, the plan could benefit from further detailing the implementation strategies for each
grade level. While it mentions that numeracy tests will be administered after the enhancement
activity, more information on ongoing formative assessments could be included to monitor
students' progress continuously. Regular assessments would enable teachers to identify
students who may require additional support and adjust instructional strategies accordingly.
Moreover, the plan could explore incorporating real-life contexts into the activities to help
students understand the practical applications of arithmetic skills. Relating mathematics to
everyday situations can foster a deeper appreciation for the subject and enhance students'
motivation to learn.

Generally, the plans to enrich teaching practice through the KWENTA project show promise in
developing students' numeracy skills effectively. By focusing on differentiation, manipulatives,
and ongoing assessments, the teachers at Naparaan Elementary School can create a supportive
and engaging learning environment that nurtures students' mathematical abilities. The project's
success will rely on consistent implementation and adaptability, ensuring that students receive
the necessary support to thrive in their arithmetic journey from Grade 1 to Grade 6.

Enriching Reading Practices

In reflecting on the plans to enrich teaching practice through the Project READ - Reading
Enhancement Activity for Development, several key points stand out. Firstly, it is evident that
the Department of Education (DepED) in the Philippines is taking a proactive approach to
improve reading skills among students. By implementing a structured program with specific
objectives for each grade level, they aim to address reading challenges effectively. The focus on
both Filipino and English languages highlights the importance of bilingual literacy, catering to
the diverse linguistic needs of the students.

Furthermore, the plans show a comprehensive and progressive approach to teaching reading.
The use of different materials, such as Marungko and Fuller Approach, indicates the integration
of various teaching methodologies to cater to different learning styles. The emphasis on
introducing letter sounds, letter names, and word families, followed by reading exercises and
comprehension questions, showcases a well-rounded strategy to develop reading proficiency.
Additionally, the consideration for slow readers by providing appropriate reading materials and
activities demonstrates an inclusive approach to ensure every student's progress.

Moreover, involving teachers and the school head in planning these activities indicates a
collaborative effort to enhance teaching practices collectively. The inclusion of a reading
assessment after the program's implementation highlights the commitment to monitor and
evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention. This reflection on the plans indicates a genuine
commitment to raising the standards of education, particularly in the crucial area of reading,
and sets a positive example for other educational institutions to follow.

The plans to enrich teaching practice through the Project READ initiative demonstrate a
commendable effort by the Department of Education in the Philippines. By providing a
structured and comprehensive approach to enhance reading skills, they show a commitment to
the development and success of their students. The focus on collaboration, inclusivity, and
evaluation further strengthens the potential impact of the program. As these plans are
implemented, continuous monitoring and improvement will be essential to ensure the best
possible outcomes and foster a generation of proficient and confident readers.