Innovation 104j12

Title: Improving Vocabulary Skills through Crossword Puzzle I. The Problem The result of the PHIL-IRI Pretest in both Oral and Silent Reading in English conducted to the Grade Five-Cheerful pupils at the beginning of the school year 2015-2016 shows that 25 out of 40 pupils belong to the frustration level. The low result of the reading test can be attributed to the poor vocabulary skills of the pupils. These pupils failed to identify the meaning of the words used in the selections. There is a need to address the poor vocabulary skills of the pupils because this can have a negative impact on their reading comprehension skills. A pupil cannot understand the message if he cannot identify the meaning of the words used in what he is reading. Learning other subjects like Math and Science are also affected by this problem. II. Objectives By the end of September, at least 20 out of the 25 pupils who belong to the frustration level will become instructional or independent readers. III. Resources Needed Crossword Puzzle Sheets Dictionary Reading materials IV. Selection of Potential Solutions There are many ways to address the poor vocabulary skills of pupils. a. Crossword Puzzles. Crossword solving involves several useful skills including vocabulary, reasoning, spelling, and word attack skills. To solve any crossword puzzle, a person must be able to identify and understand the being used. (http://www.vocabulary.co.il/2007/09/teaching-with-crosswordpuzzles/) b. Drop Everything and Read (DEAR) Time. Drop Everything and Read time, better known as DEAR time, is a time regularly set aside in the classroom schedule for both pupils and their teachers to "drop everything and read." DEAR time conveniently accommodates a variety of pupil interests and ability levels,

since each pupil selects for himself or herself the book or books he or she wishes to read. (http://www.esl4kids.net/tips/read.html) c. Peer Tutoring. Peer tutoring is an instructional strategy that consists of student partnerships, linking high achieving students with lower achieving students or those with comparable achievement, for structured reading and math study sessions. (http://www.readingrockets.org/article/using-peertutoring-facilitate-access)

V. Evaluation of Alternatives Solutions

Feasibility

Workability

Cost

Crossword Puzzle

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DEAR time

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Peer Tutoring

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The best alternative to address the poor vocabulary skills of pupils is by using crossword puzzles. It is proven to be effective in improving the vocabulary skills. It is feasible, easy to facilitate and requires less expenses. VI. Implementation of the Selected Alternative The implementation will start on the first week of July until the last week of September. The activity will be given every Tuesday and Thursday. The pupils will be divided into five groups; each group will have five pupils. A crossword puzzle will be given to each group. The of the group will collaborate to solve the puzzle. The group’s solution to the puzzle should be submitted to the teacher before going home in the afternoon. The teacher will then check the solutions and return the same to the group before giving the next crossword puzzle. A vocabulary test will be conducted on the first week of October to assess the improvement of the pupil’s vocabulary skills. If the crossword puzzle activity is proven to improve the vocabulary skills of the pupils, the activity will be implemented all throughout the school year.