Project Lingap: Link towards Improved Nutrition and Reading Comprehension

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Nutrition is the key factor that brings about cognitive processes and memory retention in an individual. Proper nutrition among children is critical to maximize and enhance their learning. On the other hand, reading comprehension is an essential skill to master to ensure success in learning. Reading comprehension serves as a gateway for learners to understand learning concepts in different subject areas. Taking action today to provide positive options in schools to set students up towards achieving desired grade level competency standards in the K-12 curriculum. This action research implemented Project LINGAP to improve the reading comprehension of the 24 frustration readers with Wasted and Severely Wasted Nutritional Status.

METHODS

This action research is anchored to Ross (2010) wherein the 24 learners at risk who were purposively selected were provided with free afternoon snacks in the school canteen. The learners were encouraged to eat comfortably and converse with each other before taking the reading enhancement activity for 30 days. Three strategies namely group reading, graphic organizer and ICT assisted instruction was used during reading enhancement activity. Simple Mean & Frequency Count were used to analyze reading assessment while the anthropometric measure was used to determine BMI and nutritional status.

RESULTS

Results revealed that after the 30 days project implementation, 100% of the learners reached normal nutritional status while 21 or 92% raised their reading proficiency to instructional & independent both in using Filipino and English Text. Reading assessment showed improved learning outcomes using group reading with 85.71% MPS compared to using graphic organizer and ICT assisted instruction with 73.21% MPS and 76.79 MPS respectively.

DISCUSSIONS

Project LINGAP linked nutrition and reading comprehension using Science and Araling Panlipunan least learned concepts in grade 4 that makes it original and heuristic The findings are in consonance with Ross (2010) who posited that there is an important link between nutrition and learning, also with Vygotsky's theory Zone of Proximal Development which supports the idea that social interaction helps children learn, create meaning and grow into the intellectual life of those around them