DepEd Opening Block Activities for Key Stage 1 (Grades 1-3): A Strong and Joyful Start to School Year 2026–2027
The Opening Block serves as a bridge between the learners' previous experiences and the start of formal classroom instruction. It focuses on social-emotional learning, classroom management, routines, values formation, and readiness for learning.
What Are the Opening Block Activities?
The Opening Block is a week-long program conducted during the first days of school. Instead of immediately diving into regular lessons, teachers facilitate interactive activities that help learners become comfortable in their new classroom environment.
For Key Stage 1 learners, the Opening Block emphasizes:
Building positive teacher-learner relationships
Establishing classroom rules and routines
Promoting social and emotional well-being
Developing responsibility and cooperation
Strengthening literacy and numeracy readiness
Encouraging learner participation and confidence
Grade 1: Learning Through Fun and Discovery
Grade 1 learners begin their school journey with exciting activities focused on getting to know their classmates, understanding classroom expectations, and expressing their feelings.
Throughout the week, learners participate in:
Introduction and friendship-building activities
Classroom tours and routine practice
Rule charades and classroom rule discussions
Feelings recognition and emotional expression activities
Class helper role assignments
Letter-sound and counting review activities
Goal-setting and class poster creation
The activities help young learners adjust to school life while fostering a sense of belonging and confidence.
Grade 2: Strengthening Routines and Friendships
For Grade 2 learners, the Opening Block expands on classroom routines while encouraging cooperation, friendship, and responsible behavior.
Key activities include:
Partner interviews and self-introduction exercises
Creating classroom agreements
Rule sorting and behavior discussions
Friendship-building games
Emotional awareness activities
Classroom helper role-playing
Reading and numeracy review sessions
Goal-setting and community poster creation
These activities help learners reconnect with school routines while reinforcing positive behavior and collaboration.
Grade 3: Building Responsibility and Readiness
Grade 3 learners engage in more reflective and collaborative activities that prepare them for increased academic responsibilities.
Highlights of the program include:
Classroom orientation and goal-setting
Developing a class agreement
Behavior sorting and decision-making activities
Emotional awareness and friendship-building exercises
Classroom job assignments and role-playing
Reading comprehension and mathematics review activities
Weekly reflection and personal goal-setting
Creation of a Grade 3 Class Promise Poster
The activities encourage independence, leadership, and accountability while strengthening classroom relationships.
Beginning of School Year Assessments
An important component integrated throughout the Opening Block is the administration of the Beginning of School Year Assessments (BOSY Assessments).
These assessments help teachers determine learners' current literacy, numeracy, and developmental levels. The results serve as baseline data that guide instructional planning and interventions throughout the school year.
Why the Opening Block Matters
The Opening Block is more than just an orientation week. Research consistently shows that learners who feel safe, connected, and welcomed in school are more likely to participate actively and achieve academic success.
By dedicating time to relationship-building, routine-setting, and social-emotional learning, schools create a strong foundation for meaningful and productive learning experiences throughout the year.
Preparing Learners for Success
The Key Stage 1 Opening Block Activities reflect DepEd's commitment to nurturing learners holistically. Through engaging, learner-centered experiences, Grades 1–3 pupils are given the opportunity to build friendships, develop confidence, understand expectations, and prepare themselves for a successful school year.
As School Year 2026–2027 begins, these Opening Block Activities remind everyone that learning starts with creating a positive, inclusive, and supportive classroom community where every child feels valued and ready to learn.
Key Stage 1 (GRADES 1-3)
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Reviewed by Teachers Click
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June 06, 2026
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