The Efficacy of Instructional Tool in Reading Skills on Foundational Literacy for Basic Graders

This study examined the reading skills of Grade 3 learners and their relationship with academic performance in English in selected public elementary schools in the Bantayan District, Schools Division of Cebu Province, during School Year 2026–2027. Specifically, it assessed learners’ proficiency in phonemic awareness, phonics, text recognition, vocabulary, and comprehension; described the profiles of the teacher and learner respondents; and determined whether a significant relationship existed between reading skills and academic performance in English. The study employed a descriptive-correlational research design involving 100 respondents, comprising 96 Grade 3 learners, with 24 learners from each of four schools, and four teachers from Pooc, Sta. Fe Central, Vito, and Baigad Elementary Schools. Data were gathered through a modified survey questionnaire and informal interviews. Frequency counts, percentages, weighted means, standard deviations, and Pearson’s product-moment correlation coefficient were used to analyze the collected data. The findings revealed that 70 of the 96 Grade 3 learners (72.92%) demonstrated effective foundational reading skills, while the remaining 26 learners (27.08%) were identified as potentially requiring additional reading support, depending on the established assessment criteria. These results underscore the importance of sustaining effective reading instruction while addressing the needs of learners experiencing difficulties in foundational literacy. The study proposes augmented reading skills learning activities designed to strengthen learners’ reading proficiency, improve comprehension, and support the development of essential literacy competencies. The proposed activities may serve as a basis for differentiated instruction, targeted reading interventions, and continuous monitoring of learner progress. Furthermore, the study emphasizes collaboration among teachers, school administrators, and parents in creating supportive learning environments that promote reading development and improved academic performance in English.