Principles of Teaching Reading
12 1
Meaning-Focused Input Three points become the focus point in this strand of principle. First, the
activities in reading should be done for a range of reading purposes. These purposes consist of reading to search for information, reading to learn, reading for
fun, reading to integrate information, reading to critique text and reading to write. Next, a teacher should design a reading lesson that suits with hisher students’
language proficiency level. Finally, reading should be used as a way of developing language proficiency. When a student read, he can also develop his
reading subskills. For example, when a student read, he learns new vocabulary from the text.
2 Meaning-Focused Output
Meaning-focused output principle stressed out how reading can be related to other language skills. A teacher should design activities that involve not only
reading skills, but also listening, speaking and writing skill. It is because one skill cannot be separated from the other skills.
3 Language-Focused Learning
There are four points that is emphasized in this strand of principle. The first point is a teacher should help students to develop the skills and knowledge
needed for effective reading. The lesson should work on the subskills of reading and the language features needed to read, including phonemic awareness
activities, phonics, spelling practice, vocabulary learning using word cards, and grammar study. A teacher should also teach hisher students how to use reading
strategies. Furthermore, activities that integrate a range of strategies should also
13 be given to the students. Finally, students should be introduced with various text
structures, such as descriptive, narrative. 4
Fluency Development This principle consists of three points. Firstly, a teacher should help and
persuade students to develop their fluency in reading. Another point stressed out in the strand of principle is a teacher should give extensive reading activities.
Finally, students should enjoy reading and feel motivated to read. It can be done by giving interesting texts and asked them to involve in activities like independent
reading and shared reading. These four strands of teaching reading principles can help a teacher in
designing a well-thought out reading lesson. A teacher can consider the important points in teaching reading, such as designing activities that relates not only one
skill, but also the other skills. Accordingly, the principles should guide a teacher in teaching reading.