Illiteracy in primary school children

Abstract

In this study we investigated the possible causes of the high incidence of illiteracy amongst primary school children. The study involved interpretation of data obtained by a semi-guided survey based on the time taken by the children to read a selected standard passage. The study was carried out amongst year four children in a state school. The survey involved a total of one hundred and thirty five pupils. In spite of the limitations in our method, our results indicate that approximately 26% of the sample interviewed have severe reading difficulties. Furthermore we investigated the problem from a socio-economic and educational point of view. For instance, a relationship between reading skills and various parameters such as the parents' occupation and their attitudes towards education was evident as was reflected by the availability of printed matter in the household. Additionally a relationship was observed between the child's reading skills his/her attitude towards education. On the basis of our findings we have suggested various measures which can be taken to minimise illiteracy in primary school children.