Preparation of speed and comprehension reading materials for grade VI

Abstract

Background of the Problem The prominent part that reading plays in everyday life is very obvious. In various situations reading serves as indispensable channel of communication in this fast-progressing world. No educator can deny the fact that reading is a tool subject. Any pupil who cannot read cannot make any considerable improvement in any subject in school. A pupil who has learned the rudiments of reading, on the other hand, can imply take to his study materials and learn by himself. Reading occupies a large part of the pupil's school life; that is why more reading must be done today than ever before. According to Tinker and McCullough in their book Teaching Elementary Reading (1975), it is inexcusable to live in ignorance today. As a medium of communication and a tool of learning, reading serves an indispensable function in society. To be able to read just enough to get by is not sufficient: a person must read well if he is to broaden his experience, develop new concepts, solve challenging problems, and acquire clear-headed and up-to-date ways of thinking, all of which are needed to insure continuing personal growth and on-going adjustment to changing world. Learning to read skillfully is indeed such a complex activity that does not come by chance, so it is imperative that educators should do something in order to develop and improve the reading ability of the children. To be able to read, a pupil must be educated to some degree; and considerable practice is required to read well. Objective of the Study The fundamental purpose of reading instruction is to help pupils become capable readers. The school has the primary responsibility of teaching children to read well. Any child, for that matter, needs to develop his reading ability to his level best in order to succeed in school and discharge his responsibilities later as a good citizen. This study hopes to contribute to the fulfillment of the fundamental purpose of reading instruction. Specifically, it aims to prepare reading materials for speed and comprehension exercises in order to develop efficient reading rates and considerable comprehension among grade six pupils. To fulfill this specific aim, this study seeks answers to the following questions: 1. Do the reading materials reflect the interests of the Grade VI pupils? 2. Are the reading selections appropriate for Grade VI pupils? 3. Are the test items valid? a. Are they able to discriminate between the good readers and the poor ones? b. Are the test exercises reliable? c. Are all the distractors functional?