Grade 1 Matatag Lesson Exemplar Quarter 1
Grade 1 MATATAG Lesson Exemplar Quarter 1: The Complete Teacher's Guide + Free Download
Good news, teachers! All Grade 1 MATATAG Lesson Exemplars for Quarter 1 featured in this guide are available for FREE download. Scroll to the download section for each subject below!
If you’re a Grade 1 teacher in the Philippines right now, you probably know this feeling all too well: it’s the start of a new school year, your classroom is buzzing with excited six-year-olds, and somewhere between attendance, bulletin boards, and parent meetings — you still need to prepare a full week of lesson exemplars aligned with the MATATAG Curriculum. That’s exactly why this guide exists.
Whether you’re brand new to the MATATAG framework or you’ve already completed a few quarters and just need updated materials for Quarter 1, this is your one-stop resource. We’ll walk you through what a Lesson Exemplar (LE) actually is, break down each subject’s Quarter 1 competencies, and — most importantly — point you to free, ready-to-use downloadable files that will save you hours of preparation time.
Let’s get into it.
Table of Contents
What Is a MATATAG Lesson Exemplar and Why Does It Matter?
Before diving into the downloads, it’s worth understanding what makes a MATATAG Lesson Exemplar different from the lesson plans and Daily Lesson Logs (DLLs) you may have used before.
A Lesson Exemplar (LE) is a model teaching guide developed by the Department of Education (DepEd) to demonstrate how a lesson should be delivered under the MATATAG K to 10 Curriculum. Think of it as a detailed blueprint — it goes beyond a simple outline and shows you the how of teaching, not just the what.
Each LE typically includes:
- Content and Performance Standards — what learners are expected to know and be able to do
- Learning Competencies — the specific skills targeted per lesson or week
- Day-by-Day Procedures — step-by-step teaching activities for each class day (Day 1 through Day 4 or 5)
- Instructional Strategies — suggested interactive activities, group work, and visual aids
- Assessment Tools — formative checks embedded within the lessons
- Materials and Resources — everything you need to gather or prepare in advance
“Providing learners with exemplars helps them understand what is expected of them, allowing them to engage meaningfully with learning goals and improve their performance.” — DepEd MATATAG Curriculum Framework
The MATATAG curriculum itself — short for MAking education relevanT And Transformative for All Grades — was introduced to address a critical problem: Filipino students were ranked among the lowest in international assessments in reading comprehension and mathematics. The curriculum responds by reducing the number of subjects (from 7 to 5 in Grade 1) and cutting learning competencies by about 70%, allowing teachers to go deeper rather than just covering more ground.
For Grade 1, this is a game-changer. Less is more — and the Lesson Exemplars are designed to help you maximize every minute of that reduced, more focused curriculum.
Download the Grade 1 Matatag Lesson Exemplar Quarter 1!
Grade 1 MATATAG Subjects in Quarter 1: A Quick Overview
Before downloading anything, let’s get clear on which subjects are covered in Grade 1 under MATATAG and what Quarter 1 focuses on for each.
Subject | Quarter 1 Focus | Key Competency Example |
Mathematics | Number and Algebra | Count, read, write whole numbers up to 100 |
Reading & Literacy | Foundational Reading Skills | Letter recognition, phonemic awareness, early decoding |
Language | Oral Language Development | Listening, speaking in Mother Tongue and Filipino |
Makabansa | Self, Family, and Community | Filipino identity, symbols, community roles |
GMRC | Values and Character Formation | Good manners, respect, responsibility |
Now let’s go subject by subject and explore what Quarter 1 looks like in detail.
Grade 1 Matatag Lesson Exemplar Quarter 1 Content Standard
- Mathematics — Grade 1 MATATAG Lesson Exemplar Quarter 1
What Does Quarter 1 Cover?
Mathematics in Grade 1 for Quarter 1 falls under the Number and Algebra strand. The heart of this quarter is helping young learners understand, count, and work with whole numbers up to 100.
The Content Standard states:
The learner should have knowledge and understanding of whole numbers up to 100.
The Performance Standard is equally clear:
By the end of the quarter, the learner is able to count, read, write, recognize, and represent whole numbers up to 100.
Week-by-Week Competencies
Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll be teaching across the quarter:
- Weeks 1–2: Counting forward and backward; identifying numbers that are one more or one less than a given number
- Weeks 3–4: Reading and writing numbers in numerals and words
- Weeks 5–6: Recognizing and representing numbers using concrete models (number lines, blocks, bar models)
- Weeks 7–8: Comparing and ordering numbers; skip counting by 2s, 5s, and 10s
Teaching Tips for Grade 1 Math
The MATATAG Mathematics LE emphasizes interactive, hands-on learning. Here are strategies baked into the exemplars that you can start using right away:
- Use concrete manipulatives first — counters, blocks, popsicle sticks, and bundled straws help kids feel numbers before they see them on paper.
- Group activities work — the exemplar suggests collaborative counting tasks where learners count objects in groups of 10.
- Visual aids are non-negotiable — number lines, hundred charts, and pictorial representations are featured prominently in every week’s LE.
- Formative assessment daily — short oral counting checks at the end of each session help you catch who’s struggling before the week is over.
Download Free: Grade 1 Mathematics Lesson Exemplar Quarter 1 (Weeks 1–8) — available in .docx and .pdf formats. See the download section below.
- Reading and Literacy — Grade 1 MATATAG Lesson Exemplar Quarter 1
What Does Quarter 1 Cover?
This subject is arguably the most foundational in the entire MATATAG Grade 1 program. Quarter 1 focuses on building early literacy skills — the foundational blocks that everything else depends on.
Key areas include:
- Phonological and phonemic awareness — recognizing syllables, rhyming words, and individual sounds
- Alphabet knowledge — naming, identifying, and writing uppercase and lowercase letters
- Print concepts — understanding that text is read left to right, that spaces separate words, and that books have titles and authors
- Early decoding — beginning to match sounds to letters
The “Bridge” Strategy You Need to Know
One unique aspect of the MATATAG approach to literacy in Grade 1 is its language bridge strategy. Quarter 1 instruction begins primarily in the learner’s Mother Tongue, with deliberate scaffolding toward Filipino. English literacy follows in later grades.
This is by design. Research consistently shows that children learn to read faster and more confidently when they first develop literacy in a language they already speak. So if you’re wondering why the exemplar leans heavily on local language in Week 1 — that’s the strategy, not an oversight.
Key Instructional Approaches in the LE
- Shared reading using Big Books and decodable texts
- Word walls displaying high-frequency words visible throughout the room
- Phonics songs and chants to make letter-sound associations memorable
- Writing activities starting with tracing and moving toward independent letter formation
Download Free: Grade 1 Reading and Literacy Lesson Exemplar Quarter 1 (Weeks 1–8) — .docx and .pdf available. See the download section below.
- Language — Grade 1 MATATAG Lesson Exemplar Quarter 1
What Does Quarter 1 Cover?
The Language subject in MATATAG Grade 1 focuses on developing oral language proficiency, primarily in the Mother Tongue and Filipino. This subject runs parallel to Reading and Literacy but focuses specifically on speaking, listening, and communication.
Quarter 1 competencies typically include:
- Following multi-step oral instructions
- Expressing ideas and feelings using complete sentences
- Participating in structured conversations and show-and-tell activities
- Listening attentively and responding appropriately
Why Oral Language Matters So Much in Grade 1
Many teachers underestimate the importance of dedicated oral language time. But here’s the reality: a child who can speak fluently in their language will learn to read much more easily. The Language LE builds this bridge.
Activities in the exemplar include:
- Circle time discussions — structured but open-ended
- Story retelling — where learners summarize a short story in their own words
- Partner interviews — simple sentence starters help shy learners participate
- Vocabulary games — using pictures and real objects to build word knowledge
Download Free: Grade 1 Language Lesson Exemplar Quarter 1 (Weeks 1–8) — see the download section below.
- Makabansa — Grade 1 MATATAG Lesson Exemplar Quarter 1
What Does Quarter 1 Cover?
Makabansa — which roughly translates to “Helping the Nation” — is a uniquely Filipino subject that blends elements of Social Studies, Health, PE, Music, and Arts into one cohesive learning area.
For Grade 1 Quarter 1, the focus is on self, family, and community identity:
- Identifying one’s roles within the family and school
- Recognizing national symbols (flag, anthem, heroes)
- Understanding rules at home and in school
- Appreciating Filipino cultural heritage and traditions
- Developing basic health habits and personal hygiene
What Makes Makabansa Unique
Unlike a traditional Social Studies class, Makabansa in MATATAG integrates movement, music, and art directly into lessons. A lesson on community helpers, for example, might include a simple song, a drawing activity, and a role-play — all within the same period.
The Lesson Exemplar guides teachers through this multi-modal approach, making it one of the most dynamic and engaging subjects to teach at the Grade 1 level.
Download Free: Grade 1 Makabansa Lesson Exemplar Quarter 1 (Weeks 1–8) — .docx and .pdf formats. See the download section below.
- GMRC — Grade 1 MATATAG Lesson Exemplar Quarter 1
What Does Quarter 1 Cover?
Good Manners and Right Conduct (GMRC) in the MATATAG curriculum is a dedicated subject focused on values formation and character development. This isn’t just a tagline — it’s a deliberate commitment to raising not just academically competent learners, but morally grounded ones.
Quarter 1 GMRC competencies for Grade 1 include:
- Practicing basic courtesies (saying “please,” “thank you,” “sorry”)
- Showing respect for adults, peers, and school property
- Understanding the concept of honesty and truthfulness
- Demonstrating responsibility in caring for personal belongings
- Practicing cleanliness and orderliness in the classroom
How GMRC Lessons Are Structured
GMRC lessons in the exemplar follow a clear, consistent pattern that’s easy to replicate:
- Story or scenario introduction — a relatable situation featuring child characters
- Discussion questions — guided reflection on what happened and why it matters
- Values connection — linking the story to a specific virtue
- Application activity — a pledge, role-play, or art project reinforcing the value
- Wrap-up — quick check through a question or sentence completion
Download Free: Grade 1 GMRC Lesson Exemplar Quarter 1 (Weeks 1–8) — see the download section below.
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How to Use These Lesson Exemplars Effectively
Downloading a lesson exemplar is just the beginning. Here’s how to actually use them well:
Do This Before You Teach
- Read the entire week’s LE on Friday — not Monday morning. This gives you time to gather materials, print activity sheets, and mentally prepare.
- Highlight or annotate as you read — mark sections you want to emphasize or adapt for your specific class.
- Check your materials list — each LE includes a list of needed resources. Prepare these in advance so class time runs smoothly.
Adapting the Exemplar to Your Class
Lesson exemplars are models, not scripts. You’re expected to adapt them. Here’s how:
Situation | Suggested Adaptation |
Mixed ability levels | Use the Day 1 activity as baseline assessment; differentiate from Day 2 |
Limited materials | Replace physical manipulatives with drawn/printed versions |
Large class size | Adjust group sizes; use peer tutoring for extended activities |
Advanced learners | Add extension tasks from the next week’s competency |
Struggling learners | Revisit prior week’s activity as warm-up before introducing new content |
Record-Keeping Tips
Keep a simple observation log alongside your LE. After each day:
- Note which learners struggled with the key concept
- Note which learners exceeded expectations
- Flag any part of the lesson that didn’t work and why
This becomes invaluable when preparing your formative assessment reports and remediation plans at the end of the quarter.
Disclaimer:
Some educational materials may be inspired by or aligned with DepEd curriculum standards.
However:
All materials uploaded or created are intended to support teachers and students.
If any copyrighted content is unintentionally shared, please contact us here depedlibre@gmail.com immediately for removal or proper attribution.
We respect intellectual property rights and respond promptly to valid copyright concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these Lesson Exemplars official DepEd materials?
The original MATATAG Lesson Exemplars are produced by the Department of Education and distributed through official channels. Many of the exemplars shared on educational websites (including Scribd, Studocu, and DepEd resource sites) are either official DepEd files or teacher-prepared files modeled after the official format. Always cross-check with your school’s DepEd-issued copies when in doubt.
Can I edit the downloaded Lesson Exemplar?
Yes — the .docx versions are editable. In fact, you’re encouraged to customize them to fit your class profile, available materials, and school context. Just make sure your adapted version still aligns with the official competencies in the MATATAG Curriculum Guide.
What’s the difference between a Lesson Exemplar and a Daily Lesson Log?
Great question — teachers ask this often.
Feature | Lesson Exemplar (LE) | Daily Lesson Log (DLL) |
Purpose | Model/demonstration of ideal lesson delivery | Teacher’s operational daily record |
Who writes it | DepEd (official) or teacher (adapted) | The classroom teacher |
Level of detail | Very detailed with rationale | Summary-level daily record |
Usage | Planning tool and pedagogical guide | Administrative and monitoring tool |
Do I need to submit my Lesson Exemplar to my school head?
Requirements vary by school and division. In most cases, teachers are required to submit a DLL, not the LE itself. However, your LE serves as the basis for your DLL. Check with your school head or master teacher for your specific division’s requirements.
Are there Lesson Exemplars for Weeks 1 through 8 of Quarter 1?
Yes! A full Quarter 1 spans approximately 8 weeks. Exemplars for all 8 weeks across all five subjects are typically available. Some sites update weekly as the school year progresses, so it’s worth bookmarking reliable resource pages.
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