University of Caloocan City

Biglang Awa St., Corner Catleya St., EDSA, Caloocan City

College of Education
BACHELOR OF EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

Introduction/Rationale

Literacy is the ability to understand the relationship between sounds and written words such that one
may read, say, and understand them (Beeche, 2023). By being able to read and write, people can learn new
skills, understand rights, and make informed life decisions (UNESCO, 2024). However, according to the
World Bank's 2022 data on learning poverty, 91% of Filipino children aged 10 struggle to read or understand
simple text. But even before the COVID-19 pandemic slowed students' learning, the pre-pandemic figure
estimated learning poverty in the Philippines at 70%. Additionally, a study found that the Philippines ranked
the lowest in terms of reading comprehension with 340, which is the lowest score in all countries surveyed
(Caraig & Quimbo, 2022). The Philippine Institute for Development Studies (2023) finds that despite an
increase in government investment in education, it is not enough, adversely affecting learning outcomes and
quality, emphasizing the need for both increased funding and efficient resource utilization.

Learning to read in the first years of school is critical as literacy skill is an essential part of
development. In general, literacy is important as it lifts people out of poverty, and access to early childhood
education is the answer to developing literacy (Morato, 2022). Therefore, early childhood students should be
able to practice, develop, learn, and enhance the literacy skills that are required for them to acquire at their
level.

According to the theory of Maria Montessori, sensory experiences serve as a foundation for learning,
including literacy. These activities often involve manipulating physical objects to grasp abstract
concepts. Additionally, the research study by Rostan, Ismail, & Jaafar (2020) found that multisensory
techniques using proper material produced a positive effect on the development of children’s reading
skills. Furthermore, according to Lev Vygotsky's theory, more knowledgeable others (MKO) should assist
learners in completing tasks they were unable to do independently. As a result, parents, teachers, or anyone
with a better understanding of a specific task should guide the learners.

Proposed Project

To address the literacy gap in the Philippines, Project FeeLit should be established. It is derived from
the words "feel," which refers to the sense of touch, and "literature," which refers to reading and writing. It is a
book specifically designed to help students read and write using their senses, with an emphasis on the sense
of touch.

Objectives

The main objective of the Project FeeLit is to enhance the literacy skills of all types of learners. Neil
Fleming divides learners into three categories: visual, auditory, and kinesthetic-tactile (VAKT, the developed
VAK Model). Visual learners will see the letter; auditory learners will hear the letter sound with the assistance
of more knowledgeable others (MKO); and kinesthetic-tactile learners will engage with the material by
touching and writing on it.

Participants

The participants of this project are preschool and kindergarten students.

Specifications of the Material

It consists of textured letters from A to Z, both capital and small letters. It also includes tracing letters
based on Lev Vygotsky's Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD), which has a printed letter on the first line, a
tracing letter on the second line, and a line for learners to do it by themselves on the third line. Furthermore,
to apply the letters and letter sounds, objects related to the letters are included. To maximize the benefit of
this material, a more knowledgeable others (MKO) should guide learners. For instance, when the learner
touches a textured letter, MKO will say the letter sounds. They will also say or read the name of the object in
the picture.

The materials that will be used are eco-friendly. The textured letters are made from glitter paper,
which has a rough surface. The pages are made of bond paper with printed tracing activities and objects. The
cover of this book is made of folder.

Fund Sources
 University of Caloocan City
Biglang Awa St., Corner Catleya St., EDSA, Caloocan City
College of Education
BACHELOR OF EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

The materials for this project were donated. Some are made with recycled materials.