DEVELOPING EXPRESSIVE AND ACCURATE READING SKILLS IN PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN THROUGH INDIVIDUAL, GROUP, AND COLLECTIVE FORMS OF WORK

ABSTRACT

The article focuses on the importance of developmental aspects of reading as a key component of the educational process. Expressive and correct reading not only contributes to the enrichment of vocabulary and the development of analytical thinking, but also plays a significant role in the emotional development of children, forming communication skills and critical perception of information. The article examines various forms of work, such as individual lessons, group discussions and collective readings, emphasizing their importance in the formation of expressive reading skills. Attention is paid to the significance of emotional perception of the text, which allows younger students not only to pronounce words correctly, but also to convey their meaning and emotions, which in turn helps to develop empathy and deep understanding of what they read.

Keywords: Expressive reading, correct reading, vocabulary, communication skills.

Reading is one of the fundamental skills that lays the foundation for children's cognitive, emotional, and social development. Not only does it foster academic achievement, but it is also a crucial tool for personal growth and lifelong learning. Expressive and accurate reading, in particular, is an essential component of literacy, as it not only ensures correct pronunciation and comprehension but also aids in cultivating emotional intelligence and verbal creativity. To successfully develop these skills in primary school children, a balanced approach incorporating individual, group, and collective forms of work is indispensable.

The Importance of Expressive and Accurate Reading.

Expressive reading, often referred to as fluency with expressiveness, involves more than merely decoding written text. It includes the ability to convey emotions, intonation, and rhythm appropriately while adhering to correct pronunciation and meaning. For young learners, mastering expressive reading ensures that they understand the text in depth, engaging both cognitively and emotionally. Furthermore, accuracy in reading minimizes the risk of developing bad reading habits and enhances children’s confidence in their verbal abilities.

These skills are crucial for all aspects of education. For instance, expressive reading supports comprehension in other subjects by enabling children to identify nuances in problem-solving tasks or storytelling assignments. Additionally, it nurtures children’s empathy, creativity, and public speaking skills, all of which are becoming increasingly important in the modern world.

Forms of Work: Individual, Group, and Collective

The process of teaching expressive and accurate reading is dynamic and multifaceted, demanding creative instructional methods that cater to the learning styles and abilities of each child. Implementing individual, group, and collective activities allows educators to adapt to students' unique needs while fostering collaborative learning and peer encouragement.

Individual Work

Individual instruction focuses on tailoring reading activities to the student's specific needs. For instance, a child who struggles with pronunciation might benefit from targeted phonetic exercises, while another who has difficulty with expressive intonation may practice with dialogue-heavy texts. Teachers can use tools such as voice recordings, one-on-one reading sessions, or personalized feedback to help students develop at their own pace.

Individual reading work also accommodates differentiated instruction, as it enables educators to assign reading materials based on each child’s reading level. For example, younger or struggling readers might begin with short sentences and predictable patterns, whereas advanced students can be challenged with complex narratives or poems. One effective strategy is guided reading, where a teacher works closely with a child to address specific challenges in real time.

Group Work

Group reading activities encourage collaboration and peer learning, creating an environment where children can learn from each other while improving their reading skills. In small groups, students can engage in structured exercises such as reading dialogues, dramatization of literary works, or interactive storytelling.

These activities not only promote expressive reading but also incorporate an element of peer assessment. For example, when one child reads aloud, others can provide positive reinforcement or constructive feedback, fostering a supportive atmosphere. Group projects such as preparing a short play based on a story or practicing choral reading (where several children read aloud simultaneously with synchronized rhythm and intonation) are particularly effective for building both confidence and fluency.

Furthermore, group work allows children to mimic their peers’ strengths, which often results in rapid improvement in weaker readers. By comparing and contrasting reading styles, children naturally develop a better understanding of how intonation, expression, and accuracy impact the audience's perception.

Collective Activities

Collective work is highly effective in creating a sense of community and shared purpose among students. Activities such as reading aloud as a class, organizing poetry contests, or staging performances based on literary works instill a love for reading and build enthusiasm among children. Larger collaborative events, like literary festivals or dramatized readings for parents and peers, help students develop both their reading fluency and their public speaking skills.

Collective reading adds an emotional and performative dimension to the development of reading skills. For instance, by rehearsing and performing a play, children learn to adopt different voices and tones for various characters, improving not only their expressiveness but also their comprehension of the text. Additionally, collective reading activities foster teamwork, self-discipline, and the ability to work on long-term creative projects.

Practical Strategies for Implementing a Comprehensive Approach

To incorporate individual, group, and collective forms of work effectively, certain teaching strategies can be adopted. Regularly alternating between these forms ensures that students do not become overly reliant on or unmotivated by a single method of instruction.

1. Diverse Reading Materials: Provide a variety of age-appropriate texts, including fables, poems, dialogues, and narratives, enabling children to explore different reading styles and emotional tones.
2. Technology Integration: Use digital tools, such as audiobooks or recording apps, to allow students to compare their expressive reading with that of professionals. Technology can also help teachers create engaging group activities, such as virtual storytelling.
3. Assessment and Feedback: Consistent feedback is crucial for monitoring progress. Whether through individual correction, peer reviews, or group praise, each form of activity should culminate in reflective discussion to ensure children understand their strengths and areas for improvement.
4. Motivational Activities: Organize regular events, such as reading marathons, storytelling sessions, or drama activities, to inspire a love for reading. These events can combine all three forms of work to create a memorable and enriching experience.
5. Parental Involvement: Encourage parents to participate in their child's reading journey. They can practice reading together at home, attend school performances, or provide family feedback during collective activities.

Thus, the process of developing expressive and accurate reading skills in young learners is a nuanced art that requires a multifaceted approach. By integrating individual, group, and collective forms of work, educators can provide a rich and supportive environment that caters to the diverse needs of students. These combined efforts help not only to improve reading fluency and expression but also to foster social, emotional, and creative development. Ultimately, encouraging young children to become fluent and expressive readers equips them with the tools for academic success, personal growth, and a lifelong love for the written word.

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