Read With Me Program: An Inexpensive and Effective Approach to Teaching Children to Read by Goldenstate College JOSIE YAP-TIRADOR,DBA, PhD
GOLDENSTATE COLLEGE
General Santos City
P. Acharon Boulevard, General Santos City 9500
PHILIPPINES
Abstract
The Read With Me Program of Goldenstate College is a literacy initiative designed to improve reading proficiency among learners in underserved communities of Malungon, Maasim, and Kiamba, Sarangani Province. Implemented by pre-service teachers as part of their practice teaching requirements, the program adopts phonics-based instruction, the Marungko approach, and the use of culturally relevant and affordable reading materials. Across 27 schools with 781 learners, results indicate significant progress: in several schools, over 70% of learners showed improvement, despite resource limitations. The program is structured around small group and one-on-one sessions, ensuring personalized support in both schools and barangays, and is further aligned with DepEd initiatives such as Catch Up Friday and the National Learning Camp. Key challenges include limited access to reading materials and sustaining volunteer engagement, which are mitigated through partnerships and recognition incentives. The program demonstrates a cost-effective and scalable model for community-based literacy education, with strong potential for replication in other low-resource and culturally diverse settings.
Keywords: Early literacy development- Phonics-based reading instruction- Marungko approach- Pre-service teacher mentoring- Community-based education- Low-resource settings
