The Reading Difficulties of Grade Two Pupils and their Performance in English: Basis For Crafting Remedial Activity

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

It has been observed for years that reading difficulties are one of the major problems in school. It was found out that this problem greatly affects the academic performance of pupils in English. It can be seen also in the Phil-Iri result of assessment that 50% of the pupils were at the frustration level. Thus, the researcher was motivated to come up with varied strategies to develop the pupils so they will become better in their academic performance in English and enhance their reading skills.

METHODS

The descriptive-correlational method was utilized in this study. The proponent used the varied strategies in teaching reading instruction to her pupils wherein it seems to be effective in solving the reading difficulties of pupils. One of the strategies used was the Teacher -pupil contact, this is also known as one-on-one strategy wherein the teacher keeps her focus on one pupil at a time. The teacher prepared many reading materials for the mastery of phonemes and for those who could not recognize letter sounds. For the next level of phonics, instructional materials for the beginning reader were also utilized. Cooperative Learning was also utilized. In this method, the researchers produced colorful books, printed reading materials, and displayed charts to encourage children to hold and read books. Though at first, they only scan pictures of the book, yet through the help of intelligent pupils in class, they helped their classmates how to read the printed words.

RESULTS

Based on the data gathered, it showed that there is a significant relationship between the reading difficulties and their performance in English. The varied teaching strategies that were utilized were effective because the number of pupils-at-risks decreased by 20% based on the data of this study.

DISCUSSIONS

It is the basic function of a teacher to teach the pupils every day. They must know the strengths and weaknesses of their pupils to be able to come up with appropriate reading strategies specially for the struggling readers. When teaching learners in reading the foundation, the teacher has to start with decoding, phonemic awareness, then phonics, sight words and then, vocabulary. In order to succeed in teaching the children to read, a teacher must be well-trained in research-based on reading instructional methods.