Project STAR: Share the Art of Reading

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

In line with DO 12, s. 2015 otherwise known as Early Language, Literacy, and Numeracy Program, this school supports the Department of Education's advocacy to strengthen its reading program through improved reading and numeracy skills of Kinder to Grade 3 pupils. Our commitment to education is rooted in helping young Thomasians reach their highest potentials. However, the school is on the edge on realization of this advocacy due to some hindrances especially there are 395 out of 2740 learners who are classified as struggling readers. It seems that 14.42 % of the total population of the school appeared to have reading difficulties especially in English. In our project, we identified the different root causes of these problem and explored various innovations to improve the learners' reading ability from struggling to average reader.

METHODS

Survey Questionnaires and informal interview were used to add evidences to support the findings of the study. During the post reading assessment done last March 2018, 20 out of 38 pupils of Grade Two Ruby were classified as struggling readers which comprised 52.63 % of the total population of the class S.Y. 2017-2018.

The incoming Grade 3 pupils as the key recipients of the project were monitored and undergone several sessions and activities designed under this project to improve their reading level where at least sixteen (16) out of 20 pupils or 80 % who belonged in the struggling readers will become average readers by the end of September 2018.

RESULTS

65% out of 80% target of the project were achieved whereas 13 out of 20 were able to elevate their reading skills from struggling to average readers. Among the root causes perceived were;(1) Weak foundation of reading (2) Low number of private sectors help in implementing school program (3) Limited resources for reading materials and (4) Low parent participation on their child's learning.

DISCUSSIONS

It can be gleaned from the result that close monitoring of parents on their child's learning by establishing a regular reading routine at home can help them to uplift their learning capability. Also, teachers should provide appropriate reading materials for learners enable them to further understand the lesson. Continuous partnership of school and external stakeholders in implementing school program by helping raising funds to support the current project was also needed to be able to elevate learning outcomes among children.KEYWORDS: