Enhancing Alphabet Recognition of Kindergarten-Elsa through Ict for S.Y. 2018-2019

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Toddlers pick up the familiar tune of the "ABC Song" sometime around age 2 or 3. They hear it often from their parents, their older siblings, and at daycare. Even though they can sing the song, they probably don't understand that those letters make certain sounds and correlate to the written letters. Around age 3 or 4, kids start to make connections between letters and sounds. Some might start to recognize some letters and figure out which sounds go with them. When kids reach age 5 or kindergarten age, they usually recognize some letters or sometimes even all the letters and understand the corresponding sounds (Frost, 2017). Students learn in different ways -by seeing and hearing: reflecting and acting: reasoning logically and intuitively. In other words, they have a mix of learning styles. Some of them are visual learners (spatial), through pictures and images and others are aural learners (auditory-musical), through sound and music. Teaching methods, therefore, may diversify. Teachers have to use different teaching methods in order to teach students effectively. Various teaching methods can be used for the class, and one of an effective way of teaching is through the use of ICT. Information and Communication technology awareness and technology competence are essential to the educational leader to promote meaningful development of plans and operate effectively to the highest level of their function. They must reflect quality standards and ensure teachers commitment to school policies and visions to produce quality outputs. The human resource is the best representation of a nation's quality of progress and achievements. The growth and development depend on its workforce, and one of the essential rolesof education is to provide quality graduates equipped with skills and knowledge (Diaz 2008). The researcher believed that the children learn at a different pace, some may hit the ABC milestone early but some may hit it a little later, but through the EARKIT (Enhancing Alphabet Recognition of Kindergarten-Elsa through ICT) research, it will of great help.

METHODS

The twenty-six (26) participants from Kindergarten -Elsa were the subject of the study. Students who have the least knowledge in the alphabet were given priority

.RESULTS

Kindergarten Elsa found to have a low level of alphabet recognition. There has been a lack of necessary materials and activities that will equip the students. A series of information dissemination and activities were done to enhance their alphabet recognition. These were conducted during the second quarter up to the fourth quarter of School Year 2018 -2019. After the conduct of these activities, a post-test was given to the students to check their learning. After the administration of the intended activities and treatment, the following results were realized: Information and Communication technology enhanced Kindergarten students' alphabet recognition skills. All students made progress in increasing alphabet recognition skills. Data supports that using ICT in the Kindergarten classroom is an engaging and motivating way to teach letter recognition. The pre and post-test scores showed an increase in student upper and lower case letter recognition skills. The results of the study support that ICT may help Kindergarten students alphabet recognition skills.

DISCUSSIONS

Out of the series of treatments administered by the researcher, findings revealed that out of the actual participants, all of them were able to enhance their alphabet recognition. This connotes positive inference which speaks of the successful attainment of the target of this research which is to enhance the alphabet recognition of Kindergarten students. Recorded observation and data pointed out the convincing outcome ofthe activities and exercises given to the students. In light of these findings, the following recommendations were made: (1) Students must bear in mind the importance of learning and recognizing alphabet to make connections between letters and sounds. (2)Kindergarten teachers must take extra effort in teaching students and parents the importance of learning the alphabet through the use of multimedia/ ICT. (3) Parents/ guardian should monitor their child while watching educational videos or playing educational games using their gadgets. (4). Website made for alphabet recognition or youtube educational videos should be promoted to the students with parents guidance.