MAXIMIZING PARENTS’ INVOLVEMENT FOR IMPROVING READING SKILLS OF GRADE ONE

PUPILS IN INICBULAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Authors
Bibiana O. Ilao
Wilma A. Gayacan
Siony Marie F. Gonda

INTRODUCTION

Reading problems repeats over and over again. Lots of researches were done to address the problem for the
reason that reading as one of the four fundamental skills should be given priority. From time to time people have
wondered why reading is important. A child's reading skills are important to their success in school as they will
allow them to access the breadth of the curriculum and improve their communication and language skills. In
addition, reading can be a fun and imaginative time for children, which opens doors to all kinds of new worlds
for them. With this regard, parents were encouraged to participate in school reading activities. Learning to read
is about listening and understanding as well as working out what is printed on the page. Through hearing stories,
children are exposed to a wide range of words. This helps them build their own vocabulary and improve their
understanding when they listen, which is vital as they start to read. It is important for them to understand how
stories work too. Even if the children do not understand every word, they will hear new sounds, words and
phrases which they can then try out, copying what they have heard.

METHODS

Parental involvement in their child’s literacy practices is a more powerful force than other family background
variables, such as social class, family size and level of parental education (Flouri & Buchanan, 2004), while
reading enjoyment is more important for children’s educational success than their family’s socio-economic
status. Some suggested activities were also cited to support the Adopt a Reader Program in improving the
reading skill.

RESULTS

This research paper focuses on maximizing parents’ participation in improving reading ability of Grade one
pupils in Inicbulan Elementary School. Throughout the data collected and as reflected in the Phil –IRI in the
three consecutive years, it was found out that most pupils struggle in reading.
DISCUSSION

Thus, this study attempted to improve reading skills of Grade 1 pupils and at the same time maximize
the involvement of parents. The findings revealed that the common factors that hinder parents’ involvement are
household chores like preparing for their kids in going to school, cooking, cleaning the house, washing clothes
etc. others have younger children to take care, work to support the basic needs of their family and lack of
knowledge in teaching reading.