Cope, Match, and Catch: An Innovative Supplementary Material towards Enhanced Implementation of Catch Up Friday

Abstract

The Department of Education through the DM No. 001 series of 2024 has mandated the implementation of Catch-Up Fridays to respond to the need for literacy and numeracy enhancement among learners.  Catch-Up Fridays is essential to respond to low proficiency levels in reading and the urgent need to intensify Values, Health, and Peace Education. It supports the goals outlined in the MATATAG: Bansang Makabata, Batang Makabansa agenda, and the Eight-Point Socioeconomic Agenda.

Catch-Up Fridays is implemented to help address learning gaps and reinforce foundational, social, and relevant skills necessary to successfully implement the basic education curriculum. It aligns with the National Learning Recovery Program and focuses on the National Reading Program, Values, Health, and Peace Education. All Fridays were designated as Catch-Up Fridays, with the first half of the day on the National Reading Program and the second half on Values, Health, and Peace Education. The Homeroom Guidance Program was also included. The time allotment for each learning area on a Friday is used to enhance learners’ knowledge and skills in and appreciation of reading, values, health, and peace education.

The researcher embarked on this study for its potential benefit among the learners of Soldiers Hills IV Elementary School with an innovative supplementary material which will further enhance the implementation of the Catch-Up Fridays.  This study helped in assessing the effects of the Catch-Up Fridays in the learning engagement of the learners.  This greatly contributed to make the learning experiences of the learners more meaningful and worthwhile.