The role of language games in the teaching of reading among Basic Four pupils of new Tafo-Akim Seventh-Day Adventist Primary School

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to find out the role of language games in the teaching of reading among Basic Four Pupils of New-Tafo Akim Seventh Day Adventist Primary School in the East- Akim Municipality. Action research design was employed for the study. The study sample was made up 36 teachers and 30 pupils. Test, questionnaire, observation and interview were used to solicit information from the respondents. The instruments covered three main aspects: causes of reading inability of primary four pupils, effects of reading inability on primary four pupils and the role of language game in improving the reading skills of primary four pupils. The data collected were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS 16). Frequency counts and percentages were used for all the items on the survey. The responses from the interviewees were put into themes for analysis. The study revealed that prior to the language games the pupils reading was poor. This was ascertained during the pre-intervention results. The study attested to the fact that language games improved the reading skills of pupils. The post-test results indicate that the performance of students enhanced after the intervention. The study recommends that Curriculum developers should make communicative activities such as language games an integral part of the curriculum. Teachers should be encouraged to receive refresher courses on pedagogical skills on the teaching of the English language especially on how to teach reading as well as new modes and techniques for effective teaching and learning.