The Department of Education will begin implementing the three-term school calendar under Department Order No. 09, s. 2026. This major change in the education system aims to reduce learning loss among learners. As discussed, the new calendar will still follow the legal requirement of at least 200 school days. However, these days will now be divided into three terms. Each term will have a minimum of 60 days for classroom instruction. In addition, the department strictly prohibits non-essential class interruptions. Through these new policies, DepEd hopes to protect the days intended for classroom learning. Since many teachers are looking for reliable resources such as PowerPoint presentations, DLLs, and assessment tools for the opening block, we uploaded our collection of materials on this page for your convenience.
Unlike the four-quarter calendar, where teachers usually begin regular classroom discussions on the first day, the three-term calendar includes an opening block during the first week of the school year. During this period, schools will not yet conduct regular classroom lessons. Instead, schools will use this time for the End-of-School-Year (EoSY) assessment testing window and learner orientation activities. Teachers and learners can also use these days to get to know each other better.
Since many teachers will experience this type of calendar for the first time, many are now searching for resources and materials that they can use during the opening block.
What to Expect During Opening Block Week
Opening Block Week gives learners and teachers enough time to adjust to the new school year and class schedule. During this week, teachers explain classroom rules, learning routines, school activities, and subject expectations. At the same time, learners join orientation activities, icebreakers, and simple lessons so they can feel more comfortable with their classmates and teachers.
This week also helps teachers prepare for the coming school days. They organize classroom activities, prepare learning materials, and create a positive learning environment. In addition, teachers can identify the needs of their learners, set clear expectations, and build good relationships with the class from the start of the school year.
Meanwhile, parents and other stakeholders can expect schools to provide a safe, organized, and welcoming environment for all learners. Schools also encourage everyone’s support and cooperation to ensure a smooth and successful opening of classes.
BoSY Assessments in the Opening Block
The Opening Block gives learners a clear and friendly start to the school year. Instead of focusing immediately on lessons and academics, the activities first help learners build relationships and learn classroom routines. Because of this gradual transition, learners feel more comfortable and confident in their new environment. At the same time, teachers can set clear expectations and better understand their students through simple assessments and observations. The activities also include socio-emotional check-ins and community-building tasks. These help support the growth, well-being, and participation of young learners during the first week of classes. In addition, teachers may download resources and materials that can help them prepare engaging and organized classroom activities for the Opening Block.
Teachers can strengthen classroom routines and involve parents through orientations. Meanwhile, you can download for now those resources and materials for classroom discussion. As a result, schools can create a supportive environment that encourages participation, responsibility, and confidence among learners. Overall, the Opening Block helps build a strong foundation for effective teaching and meaningful learning throughout the school year.
Suggestive Activities for Key Stage 1
Suggestive Activities for Key Stage 2
BoSY Assessments in the Opening Block
The Beginning of School Year (BoSY) Assessment plays an important role in the Opening Block implementation. It helps teachers understand the needs and readiness of learners during the first days of classes. Through these assessments, teachers can identify learners’ skills in literacy, numeracy, language, and development. At the same time, the activities help learners adjust comfortably to the school environment. Because of this, teachers can plan suitable classroom activities, provide needed interventions, and give proper support throughout the school year.
- Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Assessment – for Kindergarten learners;
- Multi-Factored Assessment Tool (MFAT) – for Grade 1 learners;
- Comprehensive Rapid Literacy Assessment (CRLA) – for Grades 1–3;
- Philippine Informal Reading Inventory (Phil-IRI) – for Grades 4–10 / KS2 and above;
- Rapid Mathematics Assessment (RMA) – for Grades 1–10;
- Computational Skill Test (CST) – for Grades 4–10; and
- Language Mapping Process (LMP) – for Key Stage 1.
Materials and Resources for Opening Block
You can also use our collection of resources for Opening Block, like the Daily Lesson Log or PowerPoint Presentation.
| Resources | Download Link |
|---|---|
| Parent’s Orientation Slides | Download |
| Opening Block Activity Sheets | Download |
| Daily Lesson Log for Term 1 Week 1 (June 8-12, 2026) | Download |
| Lesson PowerPoint | Download |
FAQs
What is the Opening Block?
The Opening Block is a set of activities conducted at the beginning of the school year. It helps learners adjust to the school environment, build positive relationships, and prepare for classroom learning.
Why is the Opening Block important?
The Opening Block gives learners a smooth and comfortable start to the school year. It also helps teachers establish classroom routines, observe learners’ needs, and create a positive learning environment.
What activities are included in the Opening Block?
The Opening Block may include classroom orientation, community-building activities, games, reading and numeracy assessments, socio-emotional activities, and discussions about school rules and routines.
Are there regular lessons during the Opening Block?
Teachers may introduce simple learning activities, but the main focus is on learner adjustment, classroom routines, and readiness for the school year.
Can schools adjust Opening Block activities?
Yes. Schools and teachers may adapt activities based on the needs of learners, available resources, and the school context while still following DepEd guidelines.
Related Teaching Resources
To fully support you, we’ve included links to additional teaching resources below. We’d love to hear from you—feel free to message us at ict@alapan1es.com.
- ARAL Summer Remediation Program 2026
- Daily Lesson Log (DLL)
- Lesson Exemplars (LE)
- Modules and LEAP
- Learning Activity Sheets (LAS)
- Lesson PowerPoint (PPT)