Improving the English Oral Reading Level of Slow Readers in Grade IV Pupils of the Bawi Elementary School through Project READS

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Reading is the cornerstone of effective education. Without this skill, we are limited in so many important life activities. Due to insufficient reading materials which compromise the education of our learners in every aspect of reading proficiency since the development of reading skills and the formation of reading habits was heavily dependent on the availability of suitable and varied reading materials. This led the researchers to conduct the present study on the influence of supplementary reading materials on the reading level of Grade IV pupils in Bawi Elementary School.

METHODS

The study is basically experimental research that employed the Quasi-experimental research design.

This research focuses mainly on how to improve and enhance the reading levels of slow readers in Grade 4 through Project READS. The researchers used data gathering procedure namely: deep and focus group discussion among Grade 4 teachers, survey method and interview, the District Oral Reading Assessment conducted this school year. It used descriptive research techniques since the study simply describes an existing problem among slow readers. The result of the study is confined to the responses in the questionnaire designed by the researchers and it is also based on the result of the District Oral Assessment. It determines whether the project READS will increase the Oral Reading Performance in English of Slow Readers in Grade 4 of Bawi Elementary School.

RESULTS

The common problems in reading levels encountered by the pupils are poor study habits, resists reading, they cannot spell, comprehension skills not keeping up and do not enjoy reading. Reading habits would develop and enhance pupils' skills and ability performance level in reading as we used the Project READS (Revitalize and Enhance Ability in reading by Developing Supplementary reading materials) that can enhance the reading levels of the Grade IV pupils.

DISCUSSIONS

The results demonstrate the need for Project READS that can enhance the reading levels of the Grade IV pupils. Effective supplementary reading materials can enrich and engage students learning to read, developing reading as a habit, reading to learn and access information, and reading for pleasure and enrichment and it can build students' abilities to apply their knowledge. Supplementary reading materials include relevant and interesting books, newspapers, and informational pamphlets. Students must be provided with a range of reading materials to differentiate and meet all students at their reading level.