Improving Reading and Writing Literacy of Elementary School Students Through the Reading Corner Program in Tanjung Riau

Abstract

This community service program aimed to enhance the reading and writing literacy skills of first-and second-grade elementary school students through the Reading Corner program at Graha Namarina Housing, Tanjung Riau, Batam City. The background of this activity lies in the low interest in reading, limited access to reading materials, excessive use of gadgets, and monotonous teaching methods that hinder children’s literacy development. The implementation method employed a learning-through-play approach to increase students’ motivation and reduce boredom. The program was conducted over the course of one month, every Sunday, with stages consisting of preparation, strengthening of basic reading literacy, reading comprehension, and evaluation and reflection. The results indicated improvements in reading ability, writing skills, reading comprehension, and students’ confidence in speaking in front of their peers. Furthermore, students became more enthusiastic, self-assured, and began to perceive reading and writing as enjoyable activities in improving basic literacy while also fostering learning motivation and character development among students. This activity is expected to serve as a simple, low-cost yet impactful model for cultivating a culture of literacy from an early age within the community.