Preparation and evaluation of reading materials for grade four

Abstract

This project aims to prepare and evaluate supplementary reading materials for grade four pupils. It endeavors to meet the demand for more instructional reading materials suited to the interests and reading abilities of the pupils. The reading materials were prepared with the assumption that pupils will learn to read better when presented with selection within their reading level. An inventory of pupils’ reading interest was administered before the preparation of the reading selections. Vocabulary, sentence structure, and concept load were considered in writing the stories. The Fry Graph and SMOG Readability Formula were used to estimate the reading level of each selection. The modified cloze tests further established the readability of the materials. Reading exercises were constructed to develop word recognition skills through context clues and comprehension skills through verifying statement and telling real from fanciful. Results of the tryout of the reading materials were gathered and analyzed. The evaluation and interpretation revealed eighty-four valid test items out of ninety reading exercises. They were also found to be reliable with marked internal consistency. The materials were found to be within the grade level and reading interest of the grade four pupils. The following conclusions were made: 1. The reading materials were within the interest of the grade four pupils. 2. The selection were within the reading level of the pupils. 3. The test review were reliable. The investigator has recommended the following: 1. It is suggested that the reading materials prepared by the researcher found to be difficult for the pupils after being analyzed be used for able readers and those reading materials found easy be used for less able readers. 2. The standard for scoring cloze passages suited to our own second language learners should be established in order to accurately determine the readability of the material. 3. The six selections prepared and validated and found appropriate for grade four be used as supplementary reading materials to develop the pupils critical reading skills.