Developing reading and writing skills at an early age

Mary Jane T. Pangilinan

Children are expected to develop reading and writing skills at an early age. In fact, language art classes in elementary school focus on basic reading, writing, and linguistic and communication skills.

After learning the basics, the school uses the English curriculum which evolves and expands to include more complicated reading comprehension, such as fiction, poetry, and essays. The learners begin to foster writing skills that encompass poetry, expository writing, and creative writing as they learned grammar and semantics which become a focal point of lessons.

High school students, however, are expected to develop analytical skills as they take mandatory English classes.

Educators explained that school classes generally revolve around reading novels, essays, and other forms of literature, and require students to analyze, interpret and dissect written material in order to compare, contrast and discuss elements, like theme, characters, and plot.

Literature discussions typically manifest in the form of an essay or research paper, hence proficient writing skills are necessary.

Educators emphasized that high school English is a comprehensive study, combining the five skills of language arts in order to understand literature and its value.

Learning English is also a crucial component of college preparation, getting students ready for the extensive research and analytical skills they will be expected to utilize throughout their college careers.

Language arts classes in elementary school are also important as students are introduced to grammar and composition, and reading classes aid students in developing their comprehension and analytical skills. Educators added that Reading classes also instruct students in vocabulary and spelling, and help them build their skills through instruction, practice, and testing.

It was also learned that the degree of reading skill increases with each grade level and prepares students for elementary school and high school English, where they will apply their basic reading skills to form more complex and analytical comprehension of literature.

The author

--oOo-

is Teacher III at Sto. Rosario Elementary School, Magalang North District, Division of Pampanga.