Effective Reading Strategies and Literacy Engagement of the Learners: A Qualitative Approach

Abstract

Reading literacy is a fundamental component of early childhood education that significantly influences learners’ academic performance, communication skills, and lifelong learning development. This study explored the effective reading strategies and literacy engagement experiences of the learners at Ngarag Primary School. Anchored on Constructivist Learning Theory and Emergent Literacy Theory, the study employed a descriptive qualitative research design to examine learners’ reading experiences, literacy participation, instructional interactions, and classroom engagement practices. Participants included learners, teachers, and selected parents of Ngarag Primary School. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, classroom observations, and document analysis. Braun and Clarke’s (2006) thematic analysis approach was utilized in analyzing the gathered data. Findings revealed that learners become more engaged in reading activities when instructional practices are interactive, contextualized, collaborative, and enjoyable. Teachers employed strategies such as guided reading, storytelling, phonics instruction, peer-assisted reading, repeated reading, and contextualized literacy activities to improve reading comprehension and learner participation. The study further revealed that supportive teacher-learner relationships, parental involvement, and positive classroom environments contribute significantly to literacy engagement and reading motivation. However, challenges such as limited vocabulary, reading anxiety, lack of home reading support, and insufficient instructional materials affected learners’ literacy development. The study concludes that learner-centered and supportive literacy instruction strengthens reading engagement and promotes positive literacy experiences among the learners. Strengthening contextualized reading programs, home-school literacy partnerships, and interactive reading instruction is recommended to enhance literacy development in early elementary education.