By Panjee Galarpe
Reading Time: 2 minutes
DepEd Memorandum No. 244, s. 2011 declares every November as National Reading Month and designates November 27 as National Reading Day. This was later officially signed into law with “The Araw ng Pagbasa Act of 2013” or R.A. No. 10556 to promote reading and literacy, motivate awareness, and uphold our Filipino heritage and culture.
This National Reading Month, make reading a shared activity through these fun activities with your classmates:
1. Reading List Sharing
Go with a group or a partner to your school library. If you do not have a library, search the web with supervision from your teacher. Browse the shelves or the net for 3-5 books that interest you and regroup with your friends to share your lists. You may ask your librarian or teacher to check your list as well.
2. Storytelling Sessions
Gather in a circle and prepare one story each. Take turns in telling your stories. Remember to listen carefully so you can share what you think after each story.
3. DEAR or Drop-Everything-And-Read
In your class, set aside 15 to 30 minutes in the day where everyone stops what they’re doing, and dedicate the time to just read. It can be books or any reading material available to you. Make sure to be respectful of everyone that participates and read in silence.
4. Kaklase Ko, Sagot Ko
This activity is for those struggling to read and those who want to help. If you are a good reader, find someone who struggles in reading and read a book together. Collaborate to understand what the story is about. Be mindful to be kind and patient with one another.
You may also encourage your family to go on a weekend trip to your local library. Here is a list of libraries with free admission in Metro Manila:
- National Library of the Philippines located at Kalaw Ave, Ermita, Manila
- Quezon City Public Library located at Quezon City Hall Complex
- Manila City Library located at Taft Avenue, Ermita Valenzuela City Library located at MacArthur Highway, Malinta
- Makati City Library located at 8/F, Makati City Hall Building 1 Muntinlupa City Public Library, 2/F, Plaza Central Bldg., Poblacion
- Jose P. Laurel Memorial Foundation’s Library and Museum located at Roxas Boulevard cor. Pedro Gil Street, Ermita
- Ortigas Foundation Library located at 2/F McKinley Building, Greenhills Shopping Center, San Juan City
Reading can often feel like a lonely task, but there are ways to include others and invite them to the wonderful world of books. This National Reading Month, try to share your love of reading to those around you!