“Reading is a multifaceted process involving word recognition, comprehension, fluency, and motivation.” – Reading Rockets
The challenges
Save The Children Malawi suggests in its 2018 global campaign report that one of the prevailing challenges in most primary schools in Malawi is low reading skills among learners. Some learners go up until the fourth grade without knowing how to read. Without basic literacy skills, children are unable to learn, and this gives them little chance of succeeding in school and beyond.
I totally agree with Save The Children Malawi’s research that many children have low reading skills among learners. I think the foundation of all these challenges is the lack of systematic phonics interventions and frequent syllabus changes that have resulted in the complete removal of the best reading books that were there before and the lack of inclusion of these very important reading concepts and strategies.
Some books that have been given to schools do not address the issues of reading from standard 1. It looks like the writers of the books today didn’t know what they were doing at the time they were writing, particularly standard 1 as the foundation class, it has been seriously overlooked. Reading begins in standard 1 and must happen right there.
Reading is an activity with a purpose. A child may read in order to gain information or verify existing knowledge. A child may also read for enjoyment, or to enhance knowledge of the language being read. Reading also plays an important role in civic life.
It is good for children because reading improves their focus, memory, empathy, and communication skills. It can reduce stress, improve your mental health, and help you live longer. Reading also allows children to learn new things to help them succeed in their academic work.
Here are some common reasons why kids won’t read.
The format of books doesn’t interest them. They aren’t interested in the topic. They don’t see the point of reading. Reading a book feels overwhelming. They choose books that are too hard for them. They’re struggling with basic reading skills.
Suggested Solutions
Many studies have shown that children with difficulties in word reading benefit from explicit, systematic phonics. interventions, whereas children with comprehension difficulties benefit from explicit teaching and modeling. of text comprehension strategies.
Provide suggested age-graduated children’s book lists to families. Families are often unsure of the level at which their child reads; book lists can help them choose books of appropriate difficulty, and provide examples of high-quality children’s books.
