ABSTRACT
The study was conducted to determine the Stage 1 learners’ reading behaviors as basis for program intervention at A. Montes I Elementary School, District II- Montes-Lapuz Iloilo City, during the school year 2022-2023. The research method utilized in the study was descriptive using in-depth interview. The study used phenomenology under qualitative research design. Based on the results of the study through in-depth interview, it was found out that the kindergarten learners experienced forgetfulness, attentiveness, imaginativeness, and creativeness. Based on the results of the in-depth interview with the Grade 1 teachers, it was found out that the Grade 1 learners experienced restlessness, hyperactivity, and hesitation. Based on the results of the in-depth interview with the Grade 2 teachers, it was found out that the Grade 2 learners experienced forgetfulness and imaginativeness and creativeness. Based on the results of the in-depth interview with the Grade 3 teachers, it was found out that Grade 3 learners experienced lip sync and attentiveness. It was also found out based on the results of the in-depth interview with the participants that Stage 1 learners were forgetful, hyperactive, restless, and hesitant.
Keywords: Stage 1 Learners, Reading Behavior, Program Intervention
INTRODUCTION
Reading is emphasized as the cornerstone of all academic learning by the Department of Education. A child must learn to read, write, and count to succeed in school and life. The Department of Education’s (DepEd)top priority is to enhance literacy.
Reading is not limited to the boundary wall of the institution. It can take place in and out of school at any time. Readers select from a wide range of extended texts, including but not exclusive to narrative fiction, nonfiction, picture books, e-books, magazines, social media, blogs, websites, newspapers, comic books, and graphic novels.
Furthermore, leisure reading, also known as recreational reading, pleasure reading, free voluntary reading, and independent reading, is independent, self-selected reading of a continuous text for a wide range of personal and social purposes. Leisure reading is generally intrinsically or socially motivated and pleasurable for the reader.
The education of a child first begins in the family. The acquisition of basic skills, the habit of obeying specific rules, and the first step into social life starts with the family. It takes shape at school when the child reaches sufficient maturity. At school, the child begins to acquire skills and behaviors related to teaching and education. The most important of these skills and behaviors is that the child learns to read and write. They are basic learning skills.
Literacy is a fundamental communication tool for students in their educational lives because it is the foundation for all other learning. Children with a strong foundation in reading and writing succeed in reading and writing and in all other academic areas, including social studies, science, and math, throughout their educational careers. Youngsters who learn to read well, especially in the early grades, can better comprehend and use the things offered to them in school, improved academic performance, and higher ratings (Vatansever, 2018).
The more robust the literacy skill in the first years of education is, the higher the success in educational life is. In other words, literacy is a factor that determines an individual's academic achievement and is an essential factor in personal development (Vatansever, 2018).
In this context, the literacy skill acquired in primary school and the positive attitude towards reading positively affect students' willingness to read, enjoyment of reading, reading comprehension skills, and academic achievement.
Reading is not a task that begins and ends in just one stage of life. It is a decision that has a lasting impact on a person's thoughts, habits, and personality for their entire life. Reading is one of the most critical phenomena related to the individual's understanding of the reason for his/her existence, forming his/her thoughts, determining his/her place in society, and revealing his/her individuality.
Reading behaviors were the essential keys to learning. Anything that exposes children to the basics of the language in a meaningful and understanding manner contributes immensely to their learning of the art of how to read. As the first teacher and mentor who can initiate the process of forming the reading habit, parents have a vital role in helping their children learn and master the art of reading.
The researcher, being an English teacher for three years, wanted to find out the Stage 1 learners’ reading behaviors as basis for program intervention at A. Montes I Elementary School. In this way, she can identify and consider some interventions to help the parent-teacher relationship in the school she is assigned at.
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