Accelerate Children in English Reading (ACER)

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Learning to read is one of the most important skills children can learn. Every year during the Philippine Informal Reading Inventory test (Phil-IRI), many GradeTwo learners from G. B. Lontok Memorial Integrated School are observed to be in the Frustration level. Based from the Phil-IRI results last SY 2016-2017, out of the 37 learners, 21 (56.76%) were in the Frustration level, 12 (32.43%) were in the Instructional level, and 4 (10.81%) were in the Independent level.It is alarming that many learners are in the Frustration level compared to the number of learners who are at the Independent level. The project ACER aims to lessen the number of students in the Frustration level and plans to implement activities that will enhance the reading abilities of the learners particularly in word recognition.

METHODS

Accelerate Children in English Reading (ACER) is a reading program which aims to improve the skills of the learners in recognizing words. With the result of the Phil-IRI test, the reading proficiency of pupils through word recognition in English was measured. The program targeted the Grade 2 Ilang-Ilang learners of G. B. Lontok Memorial Integrated School. The various reading materials and practices utilized were basic sight words, reading exercises, storybooks, flashcards with DOLCH sight words and fuller lessons.A program entitled "Kaklase Ko, Sagot Ko" was initiated for learners with difficulty in reading wherein a fast reader takes the responsibility of teaching a slow reader in class. ICL time was also used for remedial reading.

RESULTS

At the end of February 2017, the Phil-IRI post-test was given to Grade Two Ilang-Ilang learners. Based on the findings, the number of learners in the Frustration level was lessened. From 56.76% of the class in the Frustration level during the Pre-Test, it lowered down to 16.22% during the Post-Test. There was a sudden rise in the number of learners who were at the Independent level. From 10.81% before, it has risen to 59.46%.

DISCUSSIONS

The results showed that the different strategies made by the teacher were applicable in developing the reading skills of their learners. To further enhance the reading skills of the learners, it was recommended that a Reading Corner be created inside the classroom to attract pupils to value the importance of reading. It also suggested that a "Share-a-Book" Project must be implemented where all learners can exchange books and bring them at home to practice reading.