Reducing Reversals of Bacolod Primary School Grade One Pupils Through "My Parent, My Playmate" Program

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

The skill in letter sounding is prerequisite to the ability to read. It is very important that beginning readers are well-versed in letter sounds before they can fully connect them when reading. In this context, Bacolod Primary School encountered issues on pupils who are considered very slow readers. During the District ORPT in Filipino, it was found out that most of the miscues committed by these pupils are reversals of words or letters particularly letters with similar formation like b and d, m and w, t and l, and others. Recognition of reversals made by learners is important as it has been shown that learners who make reversal errors exhibit poor visual-motor skills and show a tendency towards poor visual perception, which hinders their progression in reading and academic performance. In relation to this, an intervention program consisting of multisensory activities was designed to eliminate the confusion in recognizing reverse letters through games that incorporate the five senses.

METHODS

Purposive sampling was used in this research since the pupils that need immediate attention were picked. The respondents were the two (2) grade one pupils who were given a question mark on the result of the District Oral Reading Post Test conducted last January 2017. This action research used the descriptive method. Data collection was based on pupils' common miscues incurred in the Oral Reading Test in Filipino. The data used were the results of the District ORPT to identify the respondents, the common miscues incurred were also taken into account, and the letter sound reversals produced with the highest frequency were recorded.

RESULTS

There is a decrease in the miscues on reversal during the oral reading post-test conducted after the intervention. Lesser miscues means improvement in the reading skill of children. Supported by the study of Shanker and Cockrum (2009), children who make numerous reversals will also make just as high a percentage of other types of errors. With the gradual elimination of miscues, children can develop their reading skill in a more even manner from word recognition to comprehension.

DISCUSSIONS

Based on the findings, there is a decrease in the miscues in letter sound reversal through multisensory activities which, with constant practice and guidance, will eventually lead to improvement in the reading level of pupils. Thus, being able to recognize and sound out letters well will help children move forward to other things that challenge their reading ability.