Recreational activity leading to academic interest: A qualitative-narrative study

Abstract

The effect of pandemic goes beyond inadequacy of acquisition of competency especially in modular distance learning, to non-attendance to school and non-enrolment in school. With the release of DepEd Order No. 34 series of 2022, the start of 5-day classes in all public schools nationwide has become a way of inviting learners who failed to enroll last school year because of non-readiness for distance learning become heightened. With this return of face-to-face interaction, recreation activity for kids last vacation before the start of school year 2022-2023 has become one way of increasing learners' interest in social interaction. Lumban Central Elementary School took the opportunity to encourage the participation of intermediate learners, especially those who were out-of-school last year, in a badminton training organized by Lumban Badminton Club. This study focused on narrating the journey of the learners who joined a specific type of recreational activity (badminton training) and their interest in coming back to school. The reason for the establishment of the sports club was detailed in this paper, the three-week program provided to them from orientation to graduation, and the impact of the recreation activity to the learners as evidenced by their enrolment this school year and their continuing study at present. This qualitative, narrative research highlights the importance of recreational activities like sports in heightening the desire of children to socialize, and that includes participation in academic activities which will boost their confidence to achieve something in life. A program of instituting recreational activity for learners with their family was laid down in this study, as the school can implement family day in school compound or in the community this school year or in the coming years as the pandemic totally subsides. Day-to-day teaching episodes is also suggested as continuous improvement project. Recommendation to teachers, school heads, parents and community, high officials and future researchers were laid down at the end of the study.