Educational Article

1. By: NYMS M. DOCDOCIL
San Roque Elementary School
Malaybalay City Division (Philippines)
Many people have problems in terms of reading. In school, reading seems to be difficult
to some pupils, and it gives them further problems in their academic quest. Reading is a tool in
all other learning areas in the school. Reading is a mental process in which we look at symbols
on a reading material and your brain sees the patterns of characters and understands the meaning
in them. Failure to develop skills requisite to effective and efficient reading may hamper
learning. Pupils in the early stage are trained to familiarize letter symbols, names and sounds;
however some kids have very short attention span. Thus, the teacher should think for a very good
strategy in introducing reading. If pupils encounter problems the way we teach reading, why not
teach reading the way they learn.
I had an accidental visit in one of the schools in Malaybalay City Division. While waiting
for my school head, I sat on the bench and watch children practicing their field demonstration. I
observed a kindergarten pupil if I am not mistaken, singing the lines of the music that she heard.
Amazingly the girl could enunciate the words but pretty for sure, she couldn’t read it in text.
There is a progressing piece of evidence that arts can suggestively reinforce pupils’ reading skills
(Gardiner, M. et.al.1996). The conveyance of music and text provides a stimulating experience
for the child in learning reading skills. In this article, I would share to you the use of karaoke in
learning reading. Karaoke singing may offer remedies for pupils who experience difficulties with
reading. The use of music in the classroom may turn entire learning process more enjoyable and
can stimulate "right" brain learning as mentioned by Gipe 2002, who studied reading power
through singing. Since our department is about to lunch our Summer Reading Camp 2015, you
might utilize the idea of having a karaoke as one of the activities in the camp.
Pupils do not recognize Karaoke as an activity for learning reading, yet for many it is an
enjoyable past time activity. Children who hate reading and have a negative perception towards
reading find this a cool non-reading like strategy more motivating. The Karaoke strategy could
be specifically useful in enhancing the fluency in reading. As children engross themselves in
music and interact with text on the TV screen, a new aspect of their reading behavior starts to
emerge. During karaoke process, children are engaged in different aspects of reading that
promote fluency. Moreover, children who do not like oral reading in front of their classmates
find the use of Karaoke less threatening as they sing aloud in the class. Mispronounced words
should be corrected by the teacher right after the Karaoke activity in a friendly manner.
Unconsciously Karaoke singing do not just develop skills in reading; it would also boost pupils’
self-esteem and provide teachers information on whom of his pupils that are musically inclined.
You can apply Karaoke reading instruction in the conduct of your reading camp in order
to cater less threatening atmosphere on the part of the learner. You may also use it in your
regular class provided that you have all the equipment in the classroom. Make the teaching of
reading fun and meaningful.