Factors that influence the reading ability of pupils in Year 3 : a case study

Abstract

This research aims to investigate factors that influence children's ability to read. In my study, I shall try to explore factors that determine the reading ability of children. Reading ability does not depend on the children alone, but upon other factors that create an impact upon the children, mainly the family and its literacy, the teachers, teaching strategies and approaches, and resources. In my research, I carried out six case studies of children in a Year 3 class. To arrive at this, I carried out class observations. I also made use of interviews and questionnaires with the children and their parents, the class teacher, the complementary teacher, the "Hilti" Programme Co-ordinator and the "Hilti" Co-ordinator at school. This enabled me to collect relevant data to establish criteria for success and causes of failure. In the study, the children, their parents and their teachers were involved. Through this study, I found that the reading ability of children depends on a literate home environment, where children can get exposure to books prior to their pre-school period and even during their school period. The class teacher and the complementary teacher help children acquire basic skills in reading by using the right strategies and approaches. Family Literacy Programmes also contribute towards raising an awareness of the importance of literacy in the family. These programmes motivate and encourage children to further their reading abilities.