Have you ever wished you had a step-by-step guide to make reading easier for your students? I’ve had that thought too, especially when I see kids struggling but eager to learn. That’s why the ARAL Reading Tutors Guide is such a helpful tool—it gives teachers practical ways to support learners and make reading more fun.
What Is the ARAL Reading Tutors Guide?
The ARAL Reading Tutors Guide is part of the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program by the Department of Education (DepEd). It is designed to help Key Stage 1 learners (Grades 1–3) who face reading difficulties.
Here’s what makes it important:
-
It ensures learners can still access lessons, even after calamities that damage books.
-
It works in partnership with FILCOLS to legally reuse educational resources.
-
It helps tutors focus on boosting confidence—not just fixing weaknesses.
With this guide, tutors don’t just teach reading—they inspire children to love it.
Using the Home Language as a Bridge
One of the main highlights of the tutors guide is translanguaging, where teachers use the learner’s home language to support Filipino or English learning.
Tutors can do this by:
-
Allowing learners to express ideas in their first language first.
-
Using bilingual texts or glossaries for difficult words.
-
Encouraging peer talks in the home language before summarizing in the target language.
-
Translating tricky terms and then reinforcing them in Filipino or English.
This simple approach makes reading less overwhelming and more relatable for children.
Building Confidence Through Positivity
The ARAL program believes every small progress deserves recognition. That’s why the guide encourages tutors to:
-
Celebrate strengths, whether decoding words or storytelling.
-
Use verbal praise, stickers, or certificates to highlight achievements.
-
Create a safe, supportive space where mistakes are treated as learning opportunities.
Confidence is key—when learners feel appreciated, they try harder and enjoy reading more.
Encouraging a Growth Mindset
Another big part of the ARAL Reading Tutors Guide is promoting the belief that skills grow with effort. Tutors help learners see that:
-
Mistakes are normal and part of learning.
-
Progress may be slow, but it’s always progress.
-
Reading improves with patience and consistent practice.
This mindset keeps children motivated, even when the task feels tough.
Focusing on Learners’ Strengths
Instead of always pointing out weaknesses, the guide suggests maximizing what learners are already good at. Some ways include:
-
Assigning reading tasks based on their interests.
-
Letting them teach peers a skill they excel at.
-
Giving them the freedom to choose some reading materials.
-
Acknowledging every bit of effort to build perseverance.
This makes learning more personalized and engaging.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD ARAL READING TUTORS GUIDE KSA 1
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD ARAL READING TUTORS GUIDE KSA 2
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD ARAL READING TUTORS GUIDE KSA 3
Personal Insight
I remember helping a young learner who loved stories but struggled with decoding words. Instead of pushing him too hard, we started with short picture books he liked. His excitement grew, and eventually, he tackled more challenging texts with confidence. That’s exactly what the ARAL Reading Tutors Guide encourages—meeting learners where they are.
Why You Should Download the ARAL Reading Tutors Guide
The ARAL Reading Tutors Guide is more than just a manual—it’s a lifeline for teachers who want to empower struggling readers. It highlights the use of home languages, positivity, growth mindset, and learner strengths to build confidence and skills.
Would you download this guide to help your learners? Share your thoughts below—I’d love to hear them!