Enriching the Reading Program of the Grade 5 Pupils in Mahayahay Elementary School

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

The ability to read enables a person to satisfy both personal and functional needs and participate fully in contemporary society. It is a basic skill necessary for success in other areas of study and can lead to a lifetime pursuit of learning, critical thinking and enjoyment.The ability to read is a fundamental goal and a basic tool for education. Mahayahay Elementary School, Mahayahay, Lemery, Batangas is one of the schools in the country which experienced low reading performance specifically for Grade Five pupils. Knowing the impact of poor reading performance, the teachers are aware that the reading program to this effect must be strengthened, modified and redefined in order to meet the reading goals of the school. This study conducted aimed at finding effective ways of transforming the struggling readers into well-rounded readers.

METHODS

The descriptive method of research was employed in the study. Data were taken from pupils’ records and through the questionnaire consisting of a checklist. The researcher also gathered supplemental information through interviews. The data gathered from all sources were tabulated, analyzed and interpreted using the most appropriate tools to seek the validity and reliability of all data gathered.

RESULTS

The following results were revealed in the study: 1. 34% of the Grade Five pupils are struggling readers. 2. Most of the respondents find word recognition as the most common difficulty that they encountered in reading and omission of words is the least among these difficulties. This could affect their performance in reading and their academic achievement and can be attributed to the existing school reading program. 3. Project 3Bs (Big Brother Big Sister) is the most preferred reading program by the respondents

DISCUSSIONS

Varied strategies and techniques should be employed and must be suited to the ability of the pupils. It can be noted also that pupils' performance signifies the need of intervention activities to become independent readers. Project 3Bs (Big Brother Big Sister) is the most preferred reading program by the respondents because it is more comfortable for them to ask the assistance of their peers rather than their teachers. It is easier for them to have peered tutoring during their leisure / free time and build a stronger relationship. The reading program being implemented in the school needs to be reformed, modified and restructured in order to meet the prioritized needs in reading development of the pupils.