Young Achievers’ School of Caloocan (YASCI) recently celebrated English and National Reading Month 2024 with the theme: “From Words to Worlds: Crafting Meanings Through Vocabulary.” This month-long festivity was a vibrant showcase of the school’s commitment to fostering a love for reading, writing, and creative expression among its students. Every activity throughout the celebration was thoughtfully designed to engage learners across all grade levels, encouraging them to explore the boundless possibilities that words can create.
One of the most anticipated highlights of the celebration was the Book Parade, where Primary and Intermediate learners brought their favorite characters to life. These young students donned colorful costumes inspired by beloved literary figures and animated icons, transforming the school grounds into a living storybook. The enthusiasm and creativity displayed during the parade were truly remarkable, as students not only embodied their chosen characters but also narrated their stories, fostering a deeper appreciation for the world of literature.
This was followed by the Vocabulary Parade, where Senior High School students took creativity to the next level by designing costumes that represented specific words. This unique activity challenged the students to think critically about how to visually represent vocabulary, making it a fun and educational experience that highlighted the power of language.
Adding to the excitement was the Words of War competition, an exhilarating Oxford-Oregon Style Debate among Grade 11 students. Representing their respective strands, participants passionately presented arguments on relevant and thought-provoking topics. Both the Affirmative and Negative teams demonstrated impressive skills in reasoning, rhetoric, and collaboration, proving that structured debates remain an essential tool for developing critical thinking and public speaking. Similarly, the YASCI Podcast Challenge for Grades 7 to 10 tackled the compelling question, “Should Divorce Be
Legalized in the Philippines?” Through extensive research and thoughtful discourse, students presented balanced viewpoints, showcasing their ability to handle complex societal issues with maturity and intellect.
For the younger learners, the celebration took on a magical tone during the storytelling sessions. Preschool and Primary students were treated to captivating narratives in classrooms transformed into cozy, camping-like settings. Teachers went the extra mile by using props and animated storytelling techniques to make the experience unforgettable. These sessions not only nurtured the students’ listening and comprehension skills but also ignited their imagination and curiosity about the world of books.
No celebration of English Month would be complete without the classic Spelling Bee Competition. Students from Grades 1 to 12 competed fiercely, demonstrating their vocabulary prowess by spelling words of varying difficulty levels. This traditional yet ever-thrilling activity showcased the learners’ dedication to mastering the English language, with winners taking pride in their well-earned recognition. Senior High School students also captivated audiences
through their powerful performances in the Declamation Contest, where they delivered moving renditions of “The Substitute Teacher” by M.A.D. Ligaya. Their ability to convey emotion and meaning through oratory left a lasting impression on the judges and audience alike.
The school also organized a Book Fair, which transformed the campus into a haven for book lovers. Students eagerly browsed through a wide selection of literary works and educational materials, rekindling their love for reading. Alongside this, reflective essay writing and poetry recitation contests provided platforms for younger students to showcase their growing command of the English language. From heartfelt essays to expressive poems, the participants impressed their peers and teachers with their creativity and articulation.
Equally inspiring were the Reflective Essay Writing and Poem Recitation activities, where our preschool and elementary learners shone brightly. These young minds showcased their remarkable oration skills and proficiency in
using the English language to express themselves. Their heartfelt essays and poignant poetry highlighted their creativity, emotional depth, and growing command of the language. Each participant delivered their pieces with confidence and passion, leaving a lasting impression on their peers, teachers, and families. These activities reminded everyone of the joy and power of self-expression, especially when nurtured at an early age.
English and National Reading Month 2024 at YASCI was much more than a series of events; it was a celebration of the limitless possibilities that words can offer. It united students of all ages in their shared journey of exploration, learning, and self-expression. As the festivities concluded, the school reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a culture of reading and a deeper appreciation for the written word. Indeed, this year’s celebration was a reminder that words have the power to craft worlds, inspire imaginations, and shape futures. The lessons learned and the memories created will undoubtedly carry forward, inspiring learners to continue their journey into the enchanting world of literature.
