English 7

English – Grade 7
Quarter 1 – Module 13: Connecting to Significant Past through Proverbs
Edition, 2020

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Published by the Department of Education - Schools Division of Pasig City

Development Team of the Self-Learning Module

Writer: Jerome V. Bautista

Editor: Francis Christian Alvez
Coordinator: Rhoda S. Belarmino
Layout Artist: Marisol Aspuria Baguisi
Management Team: Ma. Evalou Concepcion A. Agustin
OIC-Schools Division Superintendent
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Victor M. Javeña EdD
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OIC-Chief, Curriculum Implementation Division

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Printed in the Philippines by the Department of Education – Schools Division of Pasig City
 English 7
Quarter 1
Self-Learning Module 13
Connecting to Significant Past through
Proverbs
Introductory Message

For the Facilitator:

Welcome to the English 7 Self-Learning Module on Connecting Past to the

Present through Proverbs.

This Self-Learning Module was collaboratively designed, developed, and

reviewed by educators from the Schools Division Office of Pasig City headed by its
Officer-in-Charge Schools Division Superintendent, Ma. Evalou Concepcion A.
Agustin, in partnership with the City Government of Pasig through its mayor,
Honorable Victor Ma. Regis N. Sotto. The writers utilized the standards set by the K
to 12 Curriculum using the Most Essential Learning Competencies (MELC) in
developing this instructional resource.

This learning material hopes to engage the learners in guided and

independent learning activities at their own pace and time. Further, this also aims
to help learners acquire the needed 21st-century skills especially the 5 Cs, namely:
Communication, Collaboration, Creativity, Critical Thinking, and Character while
taking into consideration their needs and circumstances.

In addition to the material in the main text, you will also see this box in the
body of the module:

Notes to the Teacher

This contains helpful tips or strategies
that will help you in guiding the learners.

As a facilitator, you are expected to orient the learners on how to use this
module. You also need to keep track of the learners' progress while allowing them
to manage their learning. Moreover, you are expected to encourage and assist the
learners as they do the tasks included in the module.
For the learner:

Welcome to the English 7 Self-Learning Module on Connecting Past to the

Present through Proverbs.

The hand is one of the most symbolized parts of the human body. It is often
used to depict skill, action, and purpose. Through our hands, we may learn, create,
and accomplish. Hence, the hand in this learning resource signifies that you as a
learner is capable and empowered to successfully achieve the relevant
competencies and skills at your own pace and time. Your academic success lies in
your own hands!

This module was designed to provide you with fun and meaningful
opportunities for guided and independent learning at your own pace and time. You
will be enabled to process the contents of the learning material while being an
active learner.

This module has the following parts and corresponding icons:

Expectations - This points to the set of knowledge and skills

that you will learn after completing the module.

Pretest - This measures your prior knowledge about the

lesson at hand.

Recap - This part of the module provides a review of concepts

and skills that you already know about a previous lesson.

Lesson - This section discusses the topic in the module.

Activities - This is a set of activities that you need to perform.

Wrap-Up - This section summarizes the concepts and

application of the lesson.

Valuing - This part integrates a desirable moral value in the

lesson.

Posttest - This measures how much you have learned from

the entire module.
 EXPECTATIONS

This is your self-instructional learner module in English 7. All the

activities provided in this lesson will help you learn and understand:
Connecting to Significant Past Through Proverbs.

PRETEST

Directions: Identify if the statement is a proverb or not. Write P if the

statement is a proverb, and N if it is not. Write the answer on the blank.

1. There is no need to cry over spilled milk. _____

2. Two black stones that reach far. _____
3. Two birds, trying to balance in one twig. _____
4. Opportunity only knocks once: Grab it or you'll lose it. _____
5. A rolling stone gathers no moss. _____

RECAP

As a student, you have to learn about the past to better understand

your present situation. Moreover, understanding the past helps you
appreciate the wisdom of your ancestors that still influences you these days.
 LESSON

Let us discover how literature specifically proverbs, mirrors our life

and identity as Filipinos as it connects us to our significant past.

To begin our discussion today, take a look at these pictures. What can
you say about these pictures? What do you think is common among the
pictures?

(Reference: "10 Reasons Why Life Was Better in Pre-Colonial Philippines." FilipiKnow. Last modified October 7, 2018. https://filipiknow.net/life-in-pre-colonial-philippines/).

If your idea of these pictures is about the life of the Filipinos a long
time ago, then you are right! These pictures show how the Filipinos during
the Pre-Colonial period lived.

Do you have any idea about the pre-colonial period?

When we say the pre-colonial period, this refers to the time before
colonization. The first picture shows the smooth foreign relation of the
Filipinos through the system of barter. A barter system is an old method of
exchange. This system has been used for centuries and long before money
was invented. People exchanged services and goods for other services and
goods in return.

Do you think we still use this system today?

 Yes, correct! We do not use this system anymore, instead, we use the
money to buy our necessities. However, we should always keep in mind that
the barter system paves the way for us to have a better system of exchange.

The second picture shows the civilized government of the Filipinos

during the pre-colonial period. Although not as advanced (or as complicated)
as today, the fact that our ancestors already possessed a working judicial
and legislative system just go to show that they were well-versed in the
concept of justice.

Lastly, the third picture shows the equality between men and women
during the pre-colonial period. Women were treated with the same respect
as to how men were treated during that time. It also showed the open-
mindedness of the Filipinos.

These pictures do not only show the better life of the Filipinos during
the pre-colonial period but also reflect the timeless values, beliefs, and
traditions of our ancestors. It is good to know that our ancestors lived a very
civilized life, but what do you think guided them to have a better life during
that period in time? Do you have any guess?

We are going to discover the answer to that question as we go on.

Literature is a product of a particular culture that strengthens human

values, emotions, actions, and ideas. Moreover, literature is considered an
orature during that time, because this reflects traditions, that are passed
down through the word of mouth.

By saying so, let us discover one type of literature that mirrors the
wisdom of the elders and influences us until now by reading this selection.
 Filipinos are fond of wise sayings. Philippine salawikain are maxims that reflect
the culture of the Filipinos. They are poetic proverbs that talk about values, virtues and
truths about life. They reflect the culture of the Philippines specifically the thinking of
Filipinos. Philippine salawikain also reflects the richness of Philippine literature. They
can be traced back to the original Filipino natives who lived before the colonization of
the Philippines.

One very popular example is this:

Aanhin pa ang damo, kung patay na ang kabayo?

This means that we have to know the important things and concentrate our lives
on them. It is a reminder to value life more than material things. This Philippine
salawikain reflects Filipinos' value on the things that truly matter.

Another example is this:

Matibay ang walis, palibhasa'y magkabigkis.

It reflects the Filipinos' culture of being together. It emphasizes team work and
helping each other out. Individualism is not a value in the Philippines. Filipinos are
family-oriented. They want to do things together. It reflects the "Bayanihan" philosophy
of the Filipinos. Bayanihan means that everyone in the community helps even without
payment.

One more example is this:

Bahay mo man ay bato, kung tumitira'y kuwago
Mabuti pa ang isang kubo, na ang nakatira ay tao.

It is better to have a small hut whose inhabitant are real caring people. This
Philippine salawikain means that it is better to live in a simple house with real people
who care for you than in a very big mansion. This reflects Filipinos' values for significant
human interaction. It reflects Filipinos' values that rejects materialism.

Philippine salawikain are wise, poetic and beautiful sayings. It has been around
even before the Spanish and US colonization of the Philippines. It reflects the wisdom,
values, and culture of the native Filipinos.
 Do you like reading the selection? It‘s good to hear that. Now, to better
understand the selection, let‘s answer these few questions.

1. What does the selection talk about?

The selection talks about Philippine salawikain or proverbs.

2. What is a proverb? Do you have any idea?

When we say proverbs, these are sayings that reflect the culture of the
Filipinos. They talk about values, virtues, and truths about the life of
our ancestors.

3. In your idea, how do proverbs affect us?

Proverbs or salawikain serve as a guidepost for upright living. They

guide us to be responsible for our actions and decisions in life. This is
perhaps because they have the power to teach us the more essential
truths about life and the complexity of living. These proverbs also
serve as a guidepost for our ancestors to have a better and civilized
living.

Some examples of proverbs are:

There’s no place like home.
This means that home is the best place to be. This saying comes from the
song ‗Home Sweet Home’. It simply means no matter where one is, home is
always best. It‘s not only comfortable, but it‘s where love and family can be
found.

Ex. ―After being away for so long, Tom realized

there’s no place like home.‖

(Reference: "Family Standing in Front of the House Happy

Vector Illustration." Stock Photography Images Royalty Free at
Can Stock Photo.
Accessed June 13, 2020. https://www.canstockphoto.com/family-
standing-in-front-of-the-house-55183010.html.)
Blood is thicker than water.
This means that relationships within a family are more important and
stronger than those outside of the family. In other words, your family will
always be there for you, no matter what, even if you‘ve been apart or have
said something unkind.

Ex. ―Don‘t be so surprised that your friends left

you, you know you can always rely on the
family. Blood is thicker than water.‖
(Reference: "Family Download Art Super Loving Transprent Free
- Clip Art Loving ..." HiClipart - Transparent Background PNG
Cliparts for Designers.Accessed June 11, 2020.
https://www.hiclipart.com/.)

A family that prays together, stays together.

All it means is that a family that spends time together especially in prayer
will have a close bond and a lasting relationship.

Ex. ―My family goes to church every Sunday

as they say, a family that prays together,
stays together.‖

(Reference: "Family Praying Clip Art - Royalty Free - GoGraph."

Great ClipArt, Illustrations, and Vectors at Low Prices. Accessed
June 10, 2020. https://www.gograph.com/.)
(Reference: "Family Praying Together Stock Illustrations – 119
Family Praying ..." Dreamstime. Accessed June 10, 2020.
https://www.dreamstime.com/.)

Do you think these proverbs are still used today? In what way can you
apply the teachings of proverbs in your life?

These proverbs are still used in our generation today. These remain as
a reminder for us to live a modest life. Also, these serve as our guidepost for
righteous living.

Now, can you give other examples of proverbs?

Guided Practice
Say YES if you agree with the statement, and NO if you disagree.
Here is the first one:

1) Filipinos during the pre-colonial period had a smooth foreign relation.

- The Filipinos during that time had a high standard of government

that made them civilized, thus, it led them to have smooth foreign
relations with their neighboring countries.

2) Equality among men and women was introduced during the pre-
colonial period.

- Men and women during the pre-colonial period were treated

equally. They were given the same role in society.

3) During the pre-colonial period, Filipinos were civilized.

- Filipinos have already had a well-versed concept of justice.

4) It is important to study the past to understand our current situation.

- Understanding the past helps us appreciate the wisdom of our

ancestors that still influences us these days.

5) Proverbs serve as a guidepost for upright living.

- Proverbs help us to understand the gap between good and bad,

acceptable and unacceptable in our society, thus it leads us to be
upright.

6) “Home is where the heart is” is an example of a proverb.

- Yes, it is an example of a proverb.
 ACTIVITY

Directions: Match the definitions in Column A with their corresponding

terminologies in Column B. Write the letter of the answer on the space
before the number.

COLUMN A COLUMN B

1. This is considered as the old method of exchange. A. Proverb

B. Barter
2. These are traditions that are passed down through C. Culture
the word of mouth. D. Literature
3. This refers to a product of a particular culture that E. Pre-colonial
strengthens human values, emotions, actions, and F. Orature
ideas. G. Spanish era
4. This served as a guidepost for the upright living
among the Filipinos.
5. This is being referred to as the time before
colonization.
 WRAP-UP

Let us always remember that:

 During the pre-colonial period, Filipinos had already a civilized

government.
 Proverbs are brief instructive expressions that suggest a specific
action, behavior, or judgment. They reflect the wisdom, values, and
culture of the native Filipinos.
 Proverbs guided our ancestors to be civilized.
 These proverbs serve as a guidepost for upright living.

For example:
―If you plant, you harvest.‖
―A broom is sturdy because its strands are tightly bound.‖

 It is important to learn about the past because it affects our present

situation.

VALUING

As Filipinos we must value and preserve proverbs, because these are

cultural treasures that reflect our ancestor‘s wisdom, mirror our culture,
identity, and experience as individuals, and connect us to our significant
past.
 POSTTEST

Directions: Choose the best meaning of the proverb in each number.

Encircle the letter of the best answer.

1. There is no need to cry over spilled milk.

A. Instead of looking for revenge, show love and forgiveness.
B. There is no point in wasting emotion over something that has already
happened and can't be changed.
C. Easy come, easy go.
2. He who believes in rumors has no faith in himself.
A. This means one can change and improve through perseverance and
hard work.
B. This saying teaches that material wealth is not everything.
C. Rumors or gossips oftentimes cause misunderstanding and conflict.
3. May he do not get angry, he who gets hit.
A. Referring to anyone who he may offend with his opinions or
observations.
B. Haste makes waste.
C. It imbibes the spirit of nationalism.
4. Opportunity only knocks once: Grab it or you'll lose it.
A. Hard work and perseverance are needed to reach your goals.
B. New leadership always brings new ways.
C. Take a chance when it comes.
5. It is hard to wake up someone who is pretending to be asleep.
A. A strong person can be undone by his or her actions or habits.
B. Don't live with regret because you thought the opportunity would
come again.
C. While it is easy to tell people something they do not know; it is much
harder if they are consciously choosing not to see what is before them.
 KEY TO CORRECTION

5. C 5. E 5. P
4. C 4. A 4. P
3. A 3. D 3. N
2. C 2. F 2. N
1. B 1. B 1. P
Posttest Activity Pretest

References
―10 Reasons Why Life Was Better in Pre-Colonial Philippines." FilipiKnow. Last
modified October 7, 2018. https://filipiknow.net/life-in-pre-colonial-philippines/

Bancs, Sharona. "Examples of Philippine Salawikain." EzineArticles. Last modified

November 27, 2008. https://EzineArticles.com/1737308

Bernal, Buena. "Jose Rizal Speaks." Rappler. Last modified December 29, 2012.
https://www.rappler.com/move-ph/33-editors-pick-moveph/18781-jose-rizal-
speaks

"Filipino Riddles (tagalog Translated to English Language) — Steemit." Steemit. Last

modified August 2016. https://steemit.com/riddle/@pakganern/filipino-riddles-
tagalog-translated-to-english-language

LevinJuguna7. "What is the meaning of whatever you do think about seven times?."
Brainly. Accessed June 4, 2020. https://brainly.ph/question/1606765

Olivario, Jhun Carlos. "16 Best Salawikain Images | Filipino, Proverbs, Quotes
Deep." Pinterest. Last modified October 31, 2007.
https://www.pinterest.ph/jhuncarloso/salawikain/

Rosario, MM D. "55 Examples of Filipino Proverbs." Owlcation. Last modified

October 31, 2007. https://owlcation.com/social-sciences/examples-of-filipino-
proverbs

Sugarspice8818. "What is the message of the proverbs, truthfulness ensures a

lasting relationship?" Brainly. Accessed June 4, 2020.
https://brainly.ph/question/1606765