The Impact of Cornerstone Reading Program in the Development of Reading Abilities of Grade 2 & 3 Struggling Readers of Tinurik Elementary School

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Learning to read is an essential part of basic education. It is a primary step to acquire knowledge and a good foundation of lifelong learning. It brings the reader to new discoveries and learnings that equip the student with different knowledge. If the children are not independent readers, they will find difficulties to catch-up in other learning areas. Cornerstone Reading Program would like to reach out to struggling readers in Grades 2 and 3 in public schools to help slow readers. This action plan shows the effect of the program to struggling readers in elementary school through tutorials and provides opportunities for the slow readers to pursue their willingness to read and become fast reader at the end of the entire reading program.

METHODS

Assessment tools were given at the beginning to identify the students’ level of reading ability. Different assessment tools in every session and module were used in the activities as a basis for the promotion of the pupils to the next level and track the progress of the readers. Every tutee was given a set of modules in every session. Alphabet recognition through the help of pictures and giving examples of words was the scope of the first module. The level of difficulty of reading materials depends on the level of pupils reading them.

RESULTS

A pre-test was given to 40 pupils to identify the level of their reading abilities. Out of 40 pupils, 29 was categorized in module 1 and 11 pupils on module 2. After 12 sessions, an assessment was given to the pupils to determine whether they will move forward to the next module. From 29 pupils in module 1, 13 pupils were promoted to module 2. Out of 11 pupils in module 2, 8 pupils were promoted to module 3. Results showed progress after which means this program is very relevant to the reading needs of the pupils. Through this program, many pupils will improve their reading skills transforming them into lifelong readers.

DISCUSSIONS

The results show that the reading program has a great impact to the reading development of children. It is clear that those who struggle in reading need enhanced teaching and phonemic awareness to achieve the goal. With the availability of reading materials and with the support of the parents, there is a greater chance that there will be no more struggling readers.