The design and evaluation of a Maltese reading scheme

Abstract

This study is an attempt at developing a Maltese reading scheme based on the teaching of syllabification in a gradual and systematic way. The first step taken was that of (i) identifying a gradual and systematic structure for presenting Maltese words through syllabification, and (ii) selecting the actual words to form part of the reading scheme and to be used in the teaching programme that was designed as an action research study. The words to be syllabified were presented in context, and a multi-sensory approach was used throughout the lessons. The study took place in a year one class in a state school. The method of syllabification seemed to be effective with some children but not with others. In the class, individual stages of literacy development up to the end of the programme were observed. Individual differences in the strategies children used in decoding words were also noted. Words of different syllabic structures offered different levels of difficulty to the children. When children read words in a context they made use of various strategies in decoding them, but in word lists they only resorted to their skills of sounding them out.