Improve the Reading Level Skills of Slow Readers among Grade 2-Yakal Pupils Thru Storytelling Project Activities in Pagsawitan Elementary School

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

The results of the Philippine Individual Reading Inventory (Phil-IRI) for the last 3 years opened our minds to address the problem of low-level reading comprehension of Grade 2 pupils. We found that in School Year 2013-2014, 153 out of 210 or 73% of these pupils were categorized in the Frustration Level. The same thing was true in School Year 2014-2015 wherein 142 out of 175 learners or 81% were identified in the same level and 91 out of 187 pupils or 49% for School Year 2015-2016 fell under the same category.

The research is anchored on Department of Education" ̃s move to institutionalize the national program "Every Child-a-Reader Program" (ECARP) through The Storytelling Project sponsored by Mr. Rey S. Bufi, Founder and Executive Director. The research purposely focused on the implementation of Storytelling Project activities to bring back the interest and love of reading among Grade 2 pupils. It also focuses on the daily routine to enhance the learners' attention in reading thru storytelling activities.

METHODS

The researcher used quantitative method to measure the performance level of reading ability of the learners as well as speed and comprehension levels. The purposive sampling technique was used by the researcher. The primary tools of the research are Phil-IRI Pre and Post Test Results and volunteers' observations on pupils' attitude towards reading. These were utilized as the basis for valid recorded data of respondents under reading profile.

RESULTS

After the implementation of the program, the following indicators become evident: 1. Reading intervention thru storytelling activities is of valuable significance in reducing the problem on slow and struggling readers in Pagsawitan Elementary School manifested in the increased reading level performance of the pupils; 2. The level of interest of the recipients was observed by the teachers and volunteers as positive; and 3. Storytelling activities are of great help in the reading intervention. It is a success indicator in arousing the pupils' interest in reading.

DISCUSSIONS

The study focused on thirty-seven (37) Grade 2 Yakal pupils of Pagsawitan Elementary School for the School Year 2016-2017. It started in Feb 2017 and will continue for the succeeding years. These will also serve as the basis of applying storytelling strategies to actual teachings in all grade levels.