Enhanced Reading Corner: Its Effect to Grade I Pupils' Reading Performance

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Numerous programs have been implemented by the Department of Education in order to enhance the reading performance of our pupils.

But there are still pupils who cannot read. In this study, the researchers explored a kind of innovation in order to develop the love for reading among Grade I pupils.

METHODS

Interview was the main data gathering instrument employed to identify the attitudes of Grade I pupils towards reading and its effect on pupils' reading performance. Each respondent was asked about their feelings whenever they were told to read. This was done right after their mood was recorded by the classroom teacher. Respondents’ answers were recorded and analyzed by the researchers. Their answers were categorized according to the similarity of ideas. The responses were treated with great confidentiality to take into consideration the ethical issues of the study.

RESULTS

Most of the Grade I pupils of Balangon Elementary School showed poor performance in Oral Reading Pretest conducted by the district. Almost three-fourths of the respondents were categorized as Slow, Very Slow, and Worst to Non-reader. Among the factors that affect the pupils’ poor performance in reading were lack of motivation and interest to read, lack of proper reading habits, lack of attractive and colorful reading materials, and limited space and time for reading. It was hypothesized that Grade I pupils' attitude towards reading improved when they are surrounded with lots of attractive reading materials. Enhanced Reading Corner inside the classroom was the output of this research wherein respondents improved their attitude towards reading and made them interested and motivated them to read with enjoyment.

DISCUSSIONS

Through this research, the classroom teacher found it easy to motivate the respondents to read and explore. It was not only the genuine love for reading which was fully developed within them but also their attitude because they learned how to follow directions and behave whenever they enter the reading corner. Given freedom to choose the reading materials that they want also motivated them to read and explore until they finally found reading enjoyable which was the main target of this research. This research may serve as reflective reference preferably to all Grade I teachers nowadays who are experiencing the same issues regarding pupils' attitudes towards reading. It emphasizes the importance of having an enhanced reading corner inside the classroom particularly to children's literacy development.